West Coast Connection Forum
Lifestyle => Sports & Entertainment => Topic started by: LooN3y on October 24, 2007, 03:50:53 PM
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The movies ok, but it loses its spark like half way through the movie. the previews hype up the movie way too much, not enuff action or story in the movie seems like they scrunch the whole movie too much. too much time has passed not enuff explained. probaly would of have been better if there was lil side scenes of action or a plot or sumthing.
and the whole movie i about denzel. the only relevant character is that guy from OZ and that guy from children of men which both work for him and r relatives.
i was suprised bout the limited role that the rapper/actors got. i dont remember common gettin a line. but TI wow i was crackin up, cept the fact he was dope'd out all the the time, his character was seriously a chump wit a minor part in the movie.
it was alright but got less than waht i expected cuz shit DENZELS on it AND RUSSEL
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gon watch it real soon, my expectations are extremely high 8)
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gon watch it real soon, my expectations are extremely high 8)
its an okay movie, but id be really dissapointed if i watchd this in the theaters n wasted 10 bucks. not worth that.
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The only problem I've been hearing about is that it's too long and has a lot of useless views inside Frank's family. Beside that, it's being considered a really good movie.
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just finished it & LOVED IT
film of the year
not enough action, but this type of movie is to tell a story, not just be a "shoot em up bang bang" film
common had a few lines
T.i did a good job with his part...i really liked how his character played out
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just finished it & LOVED IT
film of the year
not enough action, but this type of movie is to tell a story, not just be a "shoot em up bang bang" film
common had a few lines
T.i did a good job with his part...i really liked how his character played out
how you watch it already?
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just finished it & LOVED IT
film of the year
not enough action, but this type of movie is to tell a story, not just be a "shoot em up bang bang" film
common had a few lines
T.i did a good job with his part...i really liked how his character played out
how you watch it already?
leaked on the net
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^^^^^^
screen shots
http://i24.tinypic.com/ig9q53.png
sampler to check out the qualtity
http://rapidshare.com/files/64774567/ag-sam.avi
DVD Screener
CD 1 - http://download.xdrive.com/s/234894067DOvULzdXa25i5Jjiejh&partner=plus
CD 2 - http://download.xdrive.com/s/234894075zgpIKaLKPitNMkj8tyO&partner=plus
Am gonna wait to see it in the cinemas
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The movies ok, but it loses its spark like half way through the movie. the previews hype up the movie way too much, not enuff action or story in the movie seems like they scrunch the whole movie too much. too much time has passed not enuff explained. probaly would of have been better if there was lil side scenes of action or a plot or sumthing.
and the whole movie i about denzel. the only relevant character is that guy from OZ and that guy from children of men which both work for him and r relatives.
i was suprised bout the limited role that the rapper/actors got. i dont remember common gettin a line. but TI wow i was crackin up, cept the fact he was dope'd out all the the time, his character was seriously a chump wit a minor part in the movie.
it was alright but got less than waht i expected cuz shit DENZELS on it AND RUSSEL
like the guy said above....i dont think you going into one of these movies expecting action...its like Godfather...there wasnt much action in those movies..but you still love them
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^^ Exactly. As far as I could tell from reading online reviews, people are devided in 2 categories:
a) 1/2 half says its great
b) 1/2 half says it's too long and not enought action
But like it was said, look at all 3 Godfathers. There's was like 30 minutes of action combined.
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yea not a lot of action, but i still loved it
denzel was great
crowe was great
seems like everybody involved did a great job
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^^^^^^
screen shots
http://i24.tinypic.com/ig9q53.png
sampler to check out the qualtity
http://rapidshare.com/files/64774567/ag-sam.avi
DVD Screener
CD 1 - http://download.xdrive.com/s/234894067DOvULzdXa25i5Jjiejh&partner=plus
CD 2 - http://download.xdrive.com/s/234894075zgpIKaLKPitNMkj8tyO&partner=plus
Am gonna wait to see it in the cinemas
Aye bro, do u have anymore links?
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what do you mean? i just get them off boxden
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what do you mean? i just get them off boxden
Never mind. Those links weren't working for me, but I found another one.
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Just finished watching it. I thought it was a good movie. If you like gangster films then you will for sure like this one. It gets a little slow towards the end, but I don't think it fucks the movie up.
Of course if you're expecting to see mufuckas jumpin out of planes, shooting each other, then you won't like this movie.
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Just finished watching it. I thought it was a good movie. If you like gangster films then you will for sure like this one. It gets a little slow towards the end, but I don't think it fucks the movie up.
Of course if you're expecting to see mufuckas jumpin out of planes, shooting each other, then you won't like this movie.
really? i was loving the end
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You guys are nuts not waiting to go see this in theaters
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Movies with lots of actions are way played out, very few innovations ... there are lots of great movies with little action in it ... I will wait Nov 14th (release date in France) to go to see this in theaters as Denzel is my favorite actor of all time (with DeNiro )
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Just watched it. The beginning was quite numb, but overall it was a good movie. The crack house shootout was great.
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wouldve been nice to see more about after he got arrested, people he was snitching on etc, and maybe a bit about what he did after he got out, seems like they just fast forwarded through that bit
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I´ m really looking forward to this one so imma wait until it hits the theaters. I think this is one of those movies you MUST see in a cinema
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a dvd screener of this leaked?
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i wasnt expecting much action, because i thought it would of been some what like a godfather type of movie bcuz of the previews but it wasnt, it doesnt even step to it. it was just a story of a dope dealer that was taught by an old mobster. compared to the hype this movie had it was shit. lol at the preview sayin they were higher in the mafia, in the movie they were only higher than the mafia in dope sales. hoodlum was a movie i like much better imo.
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But Godfather didn't have much action either. All 3 parts lasted about 2 hours and in each there was 30 mins of action max.
I think some people expected an old school version of Training Day. Now there, action was throughout the whole movie.
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i've watched it 3 times now, and i've liked it more & more each time
i think im going 2 see it in the theaters anyway
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wouldve been nice to see more about after he got arrested, people he was snitching on etc, and maybe a bit about what he did after he got out, seems like they just fast forwarded through that bit
Thats what i thought too. Other than that its a good movie.
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Dope movie, loved it 8)
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i really think this has a good chance at being 1 of those gangster movies that will be remembered 10-15 years from now like scarface or the godfather(s).
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i've watched it 3 times now, and i've liked it more & more each time
i think im going 2 see it in the theaters anyway
thats what i thought bout godfather but i dont know about this movie.
its not juz the acting or the action, its juz that i like the concept better, like the italian mafia had a strict g code n all that, there was loyalty and every 1 was on their toes, so they dont slack off and fuck up.
american gangster was none of that, but the previews gave out a preview like that you know? it was pretty much was 1 smart gangster and every1 else was juz dumbfuck dope dealers.
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thats what i thought bout godfather but i dont know about this movie.
its not juz the acting or the action, its juz that i like the concept better, like the italian mafia had a strict g code n all that, there was loyalty and every 1 was on their toes, so they dont slack off and fuck up.
american gangster was none of that, but the previews gave out a preview like that you know? it was pretty much was 1 smart gangster and every1 else was juz dumbfuck dope dealers.
i don't know, i love everything about this film
denzel & russell did there thing
well that's kind of the point i think..denzel was smarter than all his bros because he was living in N.y for a while living the mobster lifestyle, i'm sure he smartened up as time went on..his bros were stuck in N.C living poor (so it seems)..they were then thrown into this lifestyle, and it didn't exactly click for them 2 well...they weren't nearly as smart as Lucas
i think the little things in this movie all build up to make it what it is..the little thing about T.i turning down a legit life as a ball player (which still would of made him rich) to enter the fam business, results in him dying young..i also liked how the during the crack house shootout scene, u see the fear in his eyes proving he was never cut out for that life
at thanksgiving as denzel is praying & giving thanks, you see the affects blue magic is having on the crack heads and so on...classic
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TI looks really skinny.
my thoughts on the movie... it was overall pretty good and i will buy it when it comes out on dvd. and throw it in that collection with good fellas and godfathers.
there was a few things that made it very unbelievable.
i dont buy it how lucas gets up outta lunch and goes and shoots that guy (stringer from The Wire) on the street and comes back for lunch as says... now where was i? = biggest load of bullshit i have seen. and after that he cries to his fam about bringing too much attention to themselves and should try to fit in. and then wears a bear costume to the boxing match. = hypocritical.
he buys 1000 Kilos and then gets followed all the way to his 1 heroin packeting factory which is hidden away in a project building. I mean if you were driving 1000 Kilos in only 1 truck, and you were as smart as this Lucas character, you may have a few decoy trucks to fool the cops. I mean this has all taken place just after a military planes has been stripped to pieces in search for drugs by a shit load of cops. so in reality someone would have told Lucas, ''hey they know something is up and they are after us we need to be very very careful''.
then they take the drugs in probably the most suspicious van. they could have used a hearse or a funeral car to make it look like they were taking bodies or something. and then they are also driving for a long drive and don't they notice they are being followed?. And how come he only had 1 Heroin packaging house? maybe the rent was cheap in the projects? surely he could have had a few different ones.
smartest thing i thought was him keeping the larger stash of run away money buried under a guard dogs house. that was very clever.
was that mos def in that movie also? plays like a uncle or someone in Lucas fam
but still the movie was a the best i seen this year and i will go give it my 10$ at the cinemas, because i believe a good movie should have my money.
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gon watch it real soon, my expectations are extremely high 8)
its an okay movie, but id be really dissapointed if i watchd this in the theaters n wasted 10 bucks. not worth that.
It's not just an okay movie,the "problem" is that you just care about the rappers in this movie when the real deal is denzel washington.
I can see a second oscar for denzel with this movie
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TI looks really skinny.
my thoughts on the movie... it was overall pretty good and i will buy it when it comes out on dvd. and throw it in that collection with good fellas and godfathers.
there was a few things that made it very unbelievable.
i dont buy it how lucas gets up outta lunch and goes and shoots that guy (stringer from The Wire) on the street and comes back for lunch as says... now where was i? = biggest load of bullshit i have seen. and after that he cries to his fam about bringing too much attention to themselves and should try to fit in. and then wears a bear costume to the boxing match. = hypocritical.
he buys 1000 Kilos and then gets followed all the way to his 1 heroin packeting factory which is hidden away in a project building. I mean if you were driving 1000 Kilos in only 1 truck, and you were as smart as this Lucas character, you may have a few decoy trucks to fool the cops. I mean this has all taken place just after a military planes has been stripped to pieces in search for drugs by a shit load of cops. so in reality someone would have told Lucas, ''hey they know something is up and they are after us we need to be very very careful''.
then they take the drugs in probably the most suspicious van. they could have used a hearse or a funeral car to make it look like they were taking bodies or something. and then they are also driving for a long drive and don't they notice they are being followed?. And how come he only had 1 Heroin packaging house? maybe the rent was cheap in the projects? surely he could have had a few different ones.
smartest thing i thought was him keeping the larger stash of run away money buried under a guard dogs house. that was very clever.
was that mos def in that movie also? plays like a uncle or someone in Lucas fam
but still the movie was a the best i seen this year and i will go give it my 10$ at the cinemas, because i believe a good movie should have my money.
yea, T.i is real skinny, that's how he usually looks LOL
yea belongs in that collection i agree as well
i do know that he killed that guy he shoots in the middle of the street, dunno if that's how it happened though
believe it or not - the outfit to the boxing match story is 100% accurate
the REAL frank lucas said it himself the other day...he didn't want 2 upset his wife, so he wore the outfit, although he never looked flashy, and didn't go out often
nah mos def ain't in the movie, only rappers are:
T.I - lucas' nephew
Common - Lucas' brother
Rza - cop
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gon watch it real soon, my expectations are extremely high 8)
its an okay movie, but id be really dissapointed if i watchd this in the theaters n wasted 10 bucks. not worth that.
It's not just an okay movie,the "problem" is that you just care about the rappers in this movie when the real deal is denzel washington.
I can see a second oscar for denzel with this movie
yup, this movie should rack up the oscars
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gon watch it real soon, my expectations are extremely high 8)
its an okay movie, but id be really dissapointed if i watchd this in the theaters n wasted 10 bucks. not worth that.
It's not just an okay movie,the "problem" is that you just care about the rappers in this movie when the real deal is denzel washington.
I can see a second oscar for denzel with this movie
lol i dont even like TI or common i was looking for a more organized MOB like the one from Hoodlum lmfao i think it wouldnt matter if they were in it or not because the story to me i juz boring, it was as if watching menace 2 society again.. i think the movie is washed up when they have rappers in it there. cept for commmon bcuz hes been in moviews but TI cmon now.
i was really expecting a black mafia or a black godfather. type of movie, gets real boring to a lil more than half way through the movie.
lol ur talkin to me like im a 12 yr old thinkin i juz like the movie cuz of the rappers in it. i gess theres alotta people that u talk to or around that think like that.
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gon watch it real soon, my expectations are extremely high 8)
its an okay movie, but id be really dissapointed if i watchd this in the theaters n wasted 10 bucks. not worth that.
It's not just an okay movie,the "problem" is that you just care about the rappers in this movie when the real deal is denzel washington.
I can see a second oscar for denzel with this movie
lol i dont even like TI or common i was looking for a more organized MOB like the one from Hoodlum lmfao i think it wouldnt matter if they were in it or not because the story to me i juz boring, it was as if watching menace 2 society again.. i think the movie is washed up when they have rappers in it there. cept for commmon bcuz hes been in moviews but TI cmon now.
i was really expecting a black mafia or a black godfather. type of movie, gets real boring to a lil more than half way through the movie.
lol ur talkin to me like im a 12 yr old thinkin i juz like the movie cuz of the rappers in it. i gess theres alotta people that u talk to or around that think like that.
ima watch it again cuz i was kinda on one when i watchd it. mayb that affected my judgement
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i gess theres alotta people that u talk to or around that think like that.
THE FUCK are you talkin about ?
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American Gangster (Universal Pictures) is one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the year. Even prior to its release the film has already created such a buzz that it's hastily cemented its place alongside other iconic films which celebrate the life and times of the gangster such as Tony Montana in Scarface, Don Corleone in The Godfather and of course Al Capone from The Untouchables. Jay-Z, inspired by the film, has already written an album, which steals the film's title. So why the fuss? Well the ensemble cast, which
comprises heavyweights from the world of film and music -including Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Idris Elba, T.I., Common and RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan- certainly helps. But most importantly, the story of Frank Lucas—the Harlem drug-dealer who imported pure cocaine at discount prices from Vietnam, smuggling it into the US via the coffins of dead soldiers, is most definitely a fascinating one.
Roughly two and a half hours in length, British Director Ridley Scott earns major brownie points by not succumbing to the obvious shoot 'em up rollercoaster ride of say a Martin Scorsese type gangster thriller. Indeed there are a few gory moments, but Lucas's menace is more psychological than anything. Needless to say, Denzel Washington puts in a mesmerizing performance as the complex, intelligent and psychopathic Frank Lucas, who like most gangsters baffled anyone who entered his lair.
Much has been written about the true-life gangster who is still alive and initially sparked the interest of film bosses after an article appeared in New York Magazine ("Return of Superfly", 2001) in which he boasts of blowing out the brains of a rival dealer to gain street credibility. Not surprisingly the film has already faced a spew of criticism from those who say that American Gangster is yet another film, which glorifies real life villains- think Billy The Kid and Bonnie, and surely the naysayers raise a valid point. Gangster adulation is already so entrenched in American youth culture, particular Black culture, that you do struggle to justify its existence. Supporters of Lucas claim that the criticism is unjustified,
because the drug kingpin is the embodiment of Black empowerment who stood for political autonomy through financial gain. But continually portraying a one-dimensional view of Black affluence (i.e. Black people can only gain access to wealth through crime and entertainment) surely sends out a damaging message to those who are impressionable.
Despite this, American Gangster is extremely compelling. Shot beautifully, Ridley Scott conjures a realistic portrait of the spirited atmosphere of 1970's Harlem interweaving the exuberance of the haves (entertainers, sport stars, drug dealers) with the dirty stairwells and rotting buildings of Lucas' enslaved dope fiend followers. Russell Crowe puts in a very powerful performance as the troubled detective who fights to bring down Lucas' empire. Stalwart actress Ruby Dee is also moving as Lucas' feisty but dignified mother.
Though on the negative side when the build up is this crazy for a movie, the chances are it's not going to live up to your expectations. Although the story is interesting—the actors all do an amazing job and the movie is shot beautifully—you should be warned that the film does drag on and certain parts may seem boring due to the length and at times slow pace of the film.
So for anyone expecting a similar cinematic experience as say Scarface, New Jack
City or The Godfather, you may be left feeling a little disappointed. Nevertheless, American Gangster is thought provoking cinema.
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TI looks really skinny.
my thoughts on the movie... it was overall pretty good and i will buy it when it comes out on dvd. and throw it in that collection with good fellas and godfathers.
there was a few things that made it very unbelievable.
i dont buy it how lucas gets up outta lunch and goes and shoots that guy (stringer from The Wire) on the street and comes back for lunch as says... now where was i? = biggest load of bullshit i have seen. and after that he cries to his fam about bringing too much attention to themselves and should try to fit in. and then wears a bear costume to the boxing match. = hypocritical.
he buys 1000 Kilos and then gets followed all the way to his 1 heroin packeting factory which is hidden away in a project building. I mean if you were driving 1000 Kilos in only 1 truck, and you were as smart as this Lucas character, you may have a few decoy trucks to fool the cops. I mean this has all taken place just after a military planes has been stripped to pieces in search for drugs by a shit load of cops. so in reality someone would have told Lucas, ''hey they know something is up and they are after us we need to be very very careful''.
then they take the drugs in probably the most suspicious van. they could have used a hearse or a funeral car to make it look like they were taking bodies or something. and then they are also driving for a long drive and don't they notice they are being followed?. And how come he only had 1 Heroin packaging house? maybe the rent was cheap in the projects? surely he could have had a few different ones.
smartest thing i thought was him keeping the larger stash of run away money buried under a guard dogs house. that was very clever.
was that mos def in that movie also? plays like a uncle or someone in Lucas fam
but still the movie was a the best i seen this year and i will go give it my 10$ at the cinemas, because i believe a good movie should have my money.
yea, T.i is real skinny, that's how he usually looks LOL
yea belongs in that collection i agree as well
i do know that he killed that guy he shoots in the middle of the street, dunno if that's how it happened though
believe it or not - the outfit to the boxing match story is 100% accurate
the REAL frank lucas said it himself the other day...he didn't want 2 upset his wife, so he wore the outfit, although he never looked flashy, and didn't go out often
nah mos def ain't in the movie, only rappers are:
T.I - lucas' nephew
Common - Lucas' brother
Rza - cop
yeh i was meant to say Common not Mos Def. lol... i get them 2 mixed up. He played a uncle.
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Just saw it today..... great movie!
Considering that it's a true story, it gives the movie (and storyline) a better feel. It's not some fictional Scarface type where people are shooting out at each every other minute. It's a great drama that gives you a good insight in to the Harlem drug scene in the 70's.
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i've watched it 3 times now, and i've liked it more & more each time
i think im going 2 see it in the theaters anyway
thats what i thought bout godfather but i dont know about this movie.
its not juz the acting or the action, its juz that i like the concept better, like the italian mafia had a strict g code n all that, there was loyalty and every 1 was on their toes, so they dont slack off and fuck up.
american gangster was none of that, but the previews gave out a preview like that you know? it was pretty much was 1 smart gangster and every1 else was juz dumbfuck dope dealers.
Based on a true story homie...this is when Drugs became a huge part of organized crime...Mob families could never do this type of shit.
btw...just saw it...great movie!
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Just saw it tonight. Fucking ill. Not sure I'd say classic, but still a satisfying experience, nonetheless. I don't see how anyone can complain about the length...I really just got so absorbed in it that I couldn't bother to give a shit. And anyone who complains about action...that just goes to show what lowbrow taste you have. You want that shit, shut the fuck up and go rent "Hot Boyz" or something.
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i can't believe the reviews haven't been unanimous :o
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Just saw it tonight. Fucking ill. Not sure I'd say classic, but still a satisfying experience, nonetheless. I don't see how anyone can complain about the length...I really just got so absorbed in it that I couldn't bother to give a shit. And anyone who complains about action...that just goes to show what lowbrow taste you have. You want that shit, shut the fuck up and go rent "Hot Boyz" or something.
Truth. Most people are just use to seeing a bunch of niggers shoot each other, they can't appreicate anything above that. But this was a great film. I wouldn't put it up their with GoodFellas and The Godfather, but it did a great job in its portrayal of crime and drugs at the time. Imagine being the mom and 35 members of your family go to jail (including your 5 sons).
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Cool!!
I'm gon go see this flick on Friday!!!
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it's just average
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out of all the rappers in the mocie Tha Rza had the best lines and role wihich is a trip u'd think it would be common ti just made me laff
this was a dope movie though i'm glad the rappers didn't spoil it
anyone catch the american gangster episode on BET with the real Frank Lucas... dude is still alive and talking shit :D
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out of all the rappers in the mocie Tha Rza had the best lines and role wihich is a trip u'd think it would be common ti just made me laff
this was a dope movie though i'm glad the rappers didn't spoil it
anyone catch the american gangster episode on BET with the real Frank Lucas... dude is still alive and talking shit :D
yo to be honest with you guys... i acctually thought TI handled his role really well... i was skepticle at first but homie did his thing
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out of all the rappers in the mocie Tha Rza had the best lines and role wihich is a trip u'd think it would be common ti just made me laff
this was a dope movie though i'm glad the rappers didn't spoil it
anyone catch the american gangster episode on BET with the real Frank Lucas... dude is still alive and talking shit :D
yo to be honest with you guys... i acctually thought TI handled his role really well... i was skepticle at first but homie did his thing
It was a really minor role, so it was to the point and didn't take up too much screentime. T.I. did a decent job acting too. His character was stupid, though. Turning down an opportunity to play with the Yankees. ::)
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His character was stupid, though. Turning down an opportunity to play with the Yankees. ::)
I think that's kinda the point, and it's ironic they get a rapper to play the role in order to make it...the way that the glorification of the gangster lifestyle fucks up a nigga's ambitions and shit. Stupid country boy sees his uncle living large, and he's so fuckin starstruck that nothing else matters. You can almost see the shame and regret on Frank Lucas' face when he realizes what a bad influence he's been to his nephew.
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His character was stupid, though. Turning down an opportunity to play with the Yankees. ::)
I think that's kinda the point, and it's ironic they get a rapper to play the role in order to make it...the way that the glorification of the gangster lifestyle fucks up a nigga's ambitions and shit. Stupid country boy sees his uncle living large, and he's so fuckin starstruck that nothing else matters. You can almost see the shame and regret on Frank Lucas' face when he realizes what a bad influence he's been to his nephew.
yea exactly
the boy had it set for em, was gon live a legit life with lots of cash as well
passed up on it for the "fancier" life his uncle was livin
costs him his life
that's why i liked the story of his character
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Just saw it yesterday, could have been better but still a dope movie
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His character was stupid, though. Turning down an opportunity to play with the Yankees. ::)
I think that's kinda the point, and it's ironic they get a rapper to play the role in order to make it...the way that the glorification of the gangster lifestyle fucks up a nigga's ambitions and shit. Stupid country boy sees his uncle living large, and he's so fuckin starstruck that nothing else matters. You can almost see the shame and regret on Frank Lucas' face when he realizes what a bad influence he's been to his nephew.
good point
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"American Gangster" Makes $46 Mil Debut, Real Life Characters Say Movie Based On Lies
It's billed as being based on a true story, but real life cops close to American Gangster drug lord Frank Lucas say the movie is more of a fairy tale than true life.
"They claim it's based on a true story," New York-based Drug Enforcement Administration agent Joseph Sullivan told the New York Post. The officer was at a raid on Lucas' Teaneck, N.J., home after two members of the Mafia ratted the drug lord out. "His name is Frank Lucas and he was a drug dealer - that's where the truth in this movie ends."
Lucas, whose character is played by Denzel Washington, admitted to sources that "only 20 percent of the film is true."
Hollywood's version of true stories are expected to have some elements of creative license, but one cop close to the action said it's the studio's depiction of Lucas as being a family man of moral character, that he takes the biggest issue with.
"The parts in the movie that depict Frank as a family man are ludicrous," the real-life Richie Roberts told The Post. Roberts' character is played by Russel Crowe in the film. "They did it for dramatic purposes, you know, to make him look good and me look bad."
According to Roberts, who prosecuted a New Jersey case against Lucas, the dealer wasn't the modest dresser and straight-dealing business man that the movie shows viewers. Roberts called the scene showing Lucas holding hands with his family in a Thanksgiving prayer "sickening."
Sources said Lucas manipulated his family members, moving them from North Carolina to work for him and even putting a hit out on his own brother.
Cops and prosecutors who worked the case said the flick distorts Lucas' role in Harlem's drug scene, and is riddled with untruths, like the involvement of rogue cops and the shipping of heroin in Vietnam caskets.
Lucas was sentenced to 40 years in a 1975 federal case, but only served seven. He claims to have made hundreds of millions of dollars off the drug game and stands to make more money off his story.
American Gangster, crushed the competition at the box office this weekend, bringing in $46.3 million - the highest ever for a modern crime movie. - and further lining Lucas' pockets.
Because he was convicted before the "Son of Sam Law" was enacted, Lucas can make money from his stories of drug exploits.
With a feature film under his belt, the former drug lord plans to merchandise his story with a video game a clothing line and he's in talks for a sequel to the film.
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^^ +1 propz
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Real 'American Gangster' Frank Lucas Talks About Hanging With Diddy's Dad, Possible Sequel
Being an American gangster isn't all it's cracked up to be. At least not to Frank Lucas, the inspiration behind the Denzel Washington flick of the same name, which is currently sitting atop the box office.
According to the New York magazine article the movie was based on, Lucas, 80, once ruled New York's Harlem neighborhood with a fist so heavy he was able to cut out the Mafia, thereby increasing the profit margins of his ruthlessly run drug operation.
Lots of money was made, and Lucas' legend grew to ridiculous heights. But the good times didn't last forever: Lucas was locked up for nine years. And though he's doing well enough now, when he was released from prison, he didn't even have enough money saved to buy a pack of cigarettes.
"The government took all my money and everything I had," Lucas told MTV News, recalling his arrest. "The properties in Chicago, Detroit, Miami, North Carolina, Puerto Rico — they took everything. My lawyer told me they couldn't take the money in the offshore accounts, and I had all my money stored in the Cayman Islands. But that's BS; they can take it. Take my word for it. If you got something, hide it, 'cause they can go to any bank and take it."
His reign may be over, but Lucas still hopes to rule over Harlem under a new regime, by building a Boys & Girls Club-type facility and encouraging kids to follow the path he didn't take years ago. In this exclusive interview, the original American gangster — who once claimed he cleared $1 million a day selling dope — talks about what his days are like now, recalls meeting Diddy's dad, clears up the inaccuracies of the movie and even dishes on whether a sequel is in the works.
MTV: Since you were a consultant on "American Gangster," I suppose congratulations are in order for the film landing at #1. Did you ever think your life story was worthy of a movie; and are you surprised by the opening-weekend success?
Frank Lucas: Did you expect for anything else but it to be #1? I'm in there. [He laughs.] But I'll tell you the truth: I had no idea. I never thought about a movie.
MTV: There have been several magazine articles written on your life — as well as a documentary on your onetime rival, Nicky Barnes, called "Mr. Untouchable" — that seem to contradict each other and the plot of the movie.
Lucas: Ask me, and I'll tell you the truth.
MTV: In "Mr. Untouchable," Barnes seemed frustrated because he claimed he was the smoother of you two; he dressed in a more business-appropriate fashion, and you were more flamboyant. He disdainfully called you a country boy.
Lucas: Nah. You saw what it was [in "American Gangster"]. That's spoken. That was the way it was. Nicky was a flamboyant guy, who was kind of live. Me and him were friends; I guess we're still friends. He would jump out of cars and beat up junkies and all kinds of foolishness. I didn't like that. I tried to stay out of the limelight. Listen, if you go out there in the streets — a 5-year-old kid would know — if you're flamboyant, you're not gonna last but a minute. If you don't do flamboyant and stay out the limelight, you might last an hour or a day. I'm just using an example, you know?
MTV: How about your relationship with Richie Roberts, the detective who was instrumental in bringing you down? Are you two really still friendly with each other now? He joked with MTV News at the red-carpet premiere that when the two of you were on set, he saw a gleam in your eye and made a comment that he may have to take you in again.
Lucas: I'm not gonna make no joke. Richie Roberts couldn't arrest his mother. He couldn't catch a cold, you know what I'm saying? I'm not gonna get into that because there's a lot I could say. But I'll tell you, Richie Roberts is all right. He's my friend. But when you turn the cameras on, he gets all hyped. Real stupid. We still have good relations, we still do — except when he goes on TV. When the lights turn on, he doesn't even know what he's saying half the time.
MTV: In the film, Denzel Washington's character marries Miss Puerto Rico. There's no mention of them having kids, but you have a son who is an aspiring rapper.
Lucas: They got that wrong. She was some kind of homecoming queen, but I don't know about [being Miss Puerto Rico]. No doubt about it, she was a pretty girl. I have seven children altogether. But since I started making this movie, people [have been] coming up to me — I got 20 more now. [He laughs.]
MTV: In a previous interview, you pretty much said you aren't the biggest fan of hip-hop. How did you feel when you discovered your son, Frank Lucas Jr., was pursuing a career as a rapper?
Lucas: He is a rapper now, I guess. But there ain't much I can do about that. He's 30-something years old; he got to do what he got to do. He didn't go to college because I was away at the time. That was just that. I wanted him to get a degree; then he could have done what he had to do. Believe me, I'm trying to tell him to do it now.
MTV: Even though you aren't a fan of rap, you were friends with the father of one of hip-hop's most famous artists, right?
Lucas: Melvin Combs. He's a good friend of mind. That's Puff Daddy's father. He used to bring [his son] to my house every day, at least at least two or three times a week. And my daughter used to push him off the [toys]. He made it great. You see where he's at now. He's on top of the world now.
MTV: Were you and Melvin just friends or business partners?
Lucas: All the above. We did business and we were good friends. He was really a good friend of mine.
MTV: Do you remember how you met him?
Lucas: We all were out there on Seventh Avenue, and everybody knew everybody out there; I don't remember how I met him. But we had a good relationship. Me, him and [former street-basketball player] Pee Wee Kirkland. We were about as good of friends as you could get.
MTV: You played basketball with Pee Wee?
Lucas: Nah, I didn't play. I was doing other things.
MTV: When you were in prison, New York changed so much, particularly as the war on drugs turned from heroin to cocaine to crack. Were you surprised how much things had changed upon your release?
Lucas: It was shocking to me to see how the streets were being run. There was no leadership. Nobody could tell nobody nothing; everybody wanted to do their own thing. You think I'm lying — watch the 5 o'clock news and see how many kids get locked up for dumb stuff.
MTV: During your imprisonment, did you hear about the next generation of Harlem gangsters, like Rich Porter, AZ and Alpo?
Lucas: Who? What are their names? I heard of [the last one], but I didn't know him.
MTV: What about Mafia members like John Gotti?
Lucas: [Those are] real gangsters you're talking about now.
MTV: More so than you?
Lucas: Nah, I'm not saying that. That's for you to judge, that's not for me to say.
MTV: There have been pictures of you in a wheelchair. Is that a permanent situation?
Lucas: I broke my leg in two places about a year ago. I'll be up out of this doggone wheelchair, I guess, in about a month. I'll be glad to get rid of if because I'm tired of this wheelchair.
MTV: Has your condition kept you from doing much?
Lucas: I do whatever I got to do. I'm putting things together, trying to build a facility where kids can go play ball and whatever. I'm waiting on the mayor right now to get another space to go ahead and do that. I got some help on the way, and I want to try to put that to use. I'm working with my daughter, Francine. ... I'm getting some finances lined up now so I can do it. I want to be remembered for helping these kids. If I can get them to follow what I ask them to do, I'll be happy.
MTV: Is that how you're able to support yourself?
Lucas: Well, I'm not going to get into that. Put it this way: I'm not in the drug business.
MTV: Now that your life is being talked about so much, but with details missing or overlooked, do you have any regrets about your portrayal?
Lucas: As far as I'm concerned, it was top-notch. The movie spoke a lot of truth, because when they shot scenes they would turn and ask me. They asked me a lot of questions. And I did the best of my abilities. The best way I could do it. But I guess they have to make a movie also. I wouldn't change anything. We might make another movie, I guess. We're just waiting to see what's going on. I really don't know what [the studio is] talking about. If I see the script and read it, maybe.
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^^^ good stufff
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they should forget making a part 2.... unless they based it on one of the other Harlem characters.
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"American Gangster" Makes $46 Mil Debut, Real Life Characters Say Movie Based On Lies
It's billed as being based on a true story, but real life cops close to American Gangster drug lord Frank Lucas say the movie is more of a fairy tale than true life.
"They claim it's based on a true story," New York-based Drug Enforcement Administration agent Joseph Sullivan told the New York Post. The officer was at a raid on Lucas' Teaneck, N.J., home after two members of the Mafia ratted the drug lord out. "His name is Frank Lucas and he was a drug dealer - that's where the truth in this movie ends."
Lucas, whose character is played by Denzel Washington, admitted to sources that "only 20 percent of the film is true."
Hollywood's version of true stories are expected to have some elements of creative license, but one cop close to the action said it's the studio's depiction of Lucas as being a family man of moral character, that he takes the biggest issue with.
"The parts in the movie that depict Frank as a family man are ludicrous," the real-life Richie Roberts told The Post. Roberts' character is played by Russel Crowe in the film. "They did it for dramatic purposes, you know, to make him look good and me look bad."
According to Roberts, who prosecuted a New Jersey case against Lucas, the dealer wasn't the modest dresser and straight-dealing business man that the movie shows viewers. Roberts called the scene showing Lucas holding hands with his family in a Thanksgiving prayer "sickening."
Sources said Lucas manipulated his family members, moving them from North Carolina to work for him and even putting a hit out on his own brother.
Cops and prosecutors who worked the case said the flick distorts Lucas' role in Harlem's drug scene, and is riddled with untruths, like the involvement of rogue cops and the shipping of heroin in Vietnam caskets.
Lucas was sentenced to 40 years in a 1975 federal case, but only served seven. He claims to have made hundreds of millions of dollars off the drug game and stands to make more money off his story.
American Gangster, crushed the competition at the box office this weekend, bringing in $46.3 million - the highest ever for a modern crime movie. - and further lining Lucas' pockets.
Because he was convicted before the "Son of Sam Law" was enacted, Lucas can make money from his stories of drug exploits.
With a feature film under his belt, the former drug lord plans to merchandise his story with a video game a clothing line and he's in talks for a sequel to the film.
80% fake and they couldnt make the ending better?
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if they were going to make the movie from a fake storyline. they definatley could have made it better.
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"American Gangster" Makes $46 Mil Debut, Real Life Characters Say Movie Based On Lies
It's billed as being based on a true story, but real life cops close to American Gangster drug lord Frank Lucas say the movie is more of a fairy tale than true life.
"They claim it's based on a true story," New York-based Drug Enforcement Administration agent Joseph Sullivan told the New York Post. The officer was at a raid on Lucas' Teaneck, N.J., home after two members of the Mafia ratted the drug lord out. "His name is Frank Lucas and he was a drug dealer - that's where the truth in this movie ends."
Lucas, whose character is played by Denzel Washington, admitted to sources that "only 20 percent of the film is true."
Hollywood's version of true stories are expected to have some elements of creative license, but one cop close to the action said it's the studio's depiction of Lucas as being a family man of moral character, that he takes the biggest issue with.
"The parts in the movie that depict Frank as a family man are ludicrous," the real-life Richie Roberts told The Post. Roberts' character is played by Russel Crowe in the film. "They did it for dramatic purposes, you know, to make him look good and me look bad."
According to Roberts, who prosecuted a New Jersey case against Lucas, the dealer wasn't the modest dresser and straight-dealing business man that the movie shows viewers. Roberts called the scene showing Lucas holding hands with his family in a Thanksgiving prayer "sickening."
Sources said Lucas manipulated his family members, moving them from North Carolina to work for him and even putting a hit out on his own brother.
Cops and prosecutors who worked the case said the flick distorts Lucas' role in Harlem's drug scene, and is riddled with untruths, like the involvement of rogue cops and the shipping of heroin in Vietnam caskets.
Lucas was sentenced to 40 years in a 1975 federal case, but only served seven. He claims to have made hundreds of millions of dollars off the drug game and stands to make more money off his story.
American Gangster, crushed the competition at the box office this weekend, bringing in $46.3 million - the highest ever for a modern crime movie. - and further lining Lucas' pockets.
Because he was convicted before the "Son of Sam Law" was enacted, Lucas can make money from his stories of drug exploits.
With a feature film under his belt, the former drug lord plans to merchandise his story with a video game a clothing line and he's in talks for a sequel to the film.
80% fake and they couldnt make the ending better?
how would u end it :)
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"American Gangster" Makes $46 Mil Debut, Real Life Characters Say Movie Based On Lies
It's billed as being based on a true story, but real life cops close to American Gangster drug lord Frank Lucas say the movie is more of a fairy tale than true life.
"They claim it's based on a true story," New York-based Drug Enforcement Administration agent Joseph Sullivan told the New York Post. The officer was at a raid on Lucas' Teaneck, N.J., home after two members of the Mafia ratted the drug lord out. "His name is Frank Lucas and he was a drug dealer - that's where the truth in this movie ends."
Lucas, whose character is played by Denzel Washington, admitted to sources that "only 20 percent of the film is true."
Hollywood's version of true stories are expected to have some elements of creative license, but one cop close to the action said it's the studio's depiction of Lucas as being a family man of moral character, that he takes the biggest issue with.
"The parts in the movie that depict Frank as a family man are ludicrous," the real-life Richie Roberts told The Post. Roberts' character is played by Russel Crowe in the film. "They did it for dramatic purposes, you know, to make him look good and me look bad."
According to Roberts, who prosecuted a New Jersey case against Lucas, the dealer wasn't the modest dresser and straight-dealing business man that the movie shows viewers. Roberts called the scene showing Lucas holding hands with his family in a Thanksgiving prayer "sickening."
Sources said Lucas manipulated his family members, moving them from North Carolina to work for him and even putting a hit out on his own brother.
Cops and prosecutors who worked the case said the flick distorts Lucas' role in Harlem's drug scene, and is riddled with untruths, like the involvement of rogue cops and the shipping of heroin in Vietnam caskets.
Lucas was sentenced to 40 years in a 1975 federal case, but only served seven. He claims to have made hundreds of millions of dollars off the drug game and stands to make more money off his story.
American Gangster, crushed the competition at the box office this weekend, bringing in $46.3 million - the highest ever for a modern crime movie. - and further lining Lucas' pockets.
Because he was convicted before the "Son of Sam Law" was enacted, Lucas can make money from his stories of drug exploits.
With a feature film under his belt, the former drug lord plans to merchandise his story with a video game a clothing line and he's in talks for a sequel to the film.
80% fake and they couldnt make the ending better?
how would u end it :)
it could have gone into more of a street gang wars with the competition. his cousins getting knocked off one at a time. and finally after a scarface type ending he gets arrested after killing soo many people.
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overrated.
65/100.
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i need to watch this movie, Denzel Washington in the black mafia mogul role very sounds entertaining.
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i need to watch this movie, Denzel Washington in the black mafia mogul role very sounds entertaining.
nothing like a mafia, their juz like a crew like the foos from state property. not a real mafia movie, wasnt like hoodlum type of gang, denzels guys were messy, or so it seemd like it the movie.
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i thought the movie was dope as fuck, but the only way it can be compared to scarface is if its still relevant in 20 years.
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i need to watch this movie, Denzel Washington in the black mafia mogul role very sounds entertaining.
nothing like a mafia, their juz like a crew like the foos from state property. not a real mafia movie, wasnt like hoodlum type of gang, denzels guys were messy, or so it seemd like it the movie.
Is the film not called American Gangster? Notice how it's singular. Did Frank Lucas not act like a typical mafia man? He tried so hard to teach that to his brothers but they weren't accepting it and that's why the movie is called American Gangster not American Gangsters.
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i thought the movie was dope as fuck, but the only way it can be compared to scarface is if its still relevant in 20 years.
i feel that
i got a feelin it will, i think it should
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i thought the movie was dope as fuck, but the only way it can be compared to scarface is if its still relevant in 20 years.
i feel that
i got a feelin it will, i think it should
Tony Montana was a dumb ass, Frank Lucas seemed a lot smarter
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"American Gangster" Makes $46 Mil Debut, Real Life Characters Say Movie Based On Lies
It's billed as being based on a true story, but real life cops close to American Gangster drug lord Frank Lucas say the movie is more of a fairy tale than true life.
"They claim it's based on a true story," New York-based Drug Enforcement Administration agent Joseph Sullivan told the New York Post. The officer was at a raid on Lucas' Teaneck, N.J., home after two members of the Mafia ratted the drug lord out. "His name is Frank Lucas and he was a drug dealer - that's where the truth in this movie ends."
Lucas, whose character is played by Denzel Washington, admitted to sources that "only 20 percent of the film is true."
Hollywood's version of true stories are expected to have some elements of creative license, but one cop close to the action said it's the studio's depiction of Lucas as being a family man of moral character, that he takes the biggest issue with.
"The parts in the movie that depict Frank as a family man are ludicrous," the real-life Richie Roberts told The Post. Roberts' character is played by Russel Crowe in the film. "They did it for dramatic purposes, you know, to make him look good and me look bad."
According to Roberts, who prosecuted a New Jersey case against Lucas, the dealer wasn't the modest dresser and straight-dealing business man that the movie shows viewers. Roberts called the scene showing Lucas holding hands with his family in a Thanksgiving prayer "sickening."
Sources said Lucas manipulated his family members, moving them from North Carolina to work for him and even putting a hit out on his own brother.
Cops and prosecutors who worked the case said the flick distorts Lucas' role in Harlem's drug scene, and is riddled with untruths, like the involvement of rogue cops and the shipping of heroin in Vietnam caskets.
Lucas was sentenced to 40 years in a 1975 federal case, but only served seven. He claims to have made hundreds of millions of dollars off the drug game and stands to make more money off his story.
American Gangster, crushed the competition at the box office this weekend, bringing in $46.3 million - the highest ever for a modern crime movie. - and further lining Lucas' pockets.
Because he was convicted before the "Son of Sam Law" was enacted, Lucas can make money from his stories of drug exploits.
With a feature film under his belt, the former drug lord plans to merchandise his story with a video game a clothing line and he's in talks for a sequel to the film.
80% fake and they couldnt make the ending better?
how would u end it :)
it could have gone into more of a street gang wars with the competition. his cousins getting knocked off one at a time. and finally after a scarface type ending he gets arrested after killing soo many people.
That's going too far from reality. And I doubt the movie is only 20% real. If a movie is only 20% real they'd say it's inspired by a true story instead of based on a true story.
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Denzel is the truth
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i thought the movie was dope as fuck, but the only way it can be compared to scarface is if its still relevant in 20 years.
i feel that
i got a feelin it will, i think it should
Tony Montana was a dumb ass, Frank Lucas seemed a lot smarter
atleast tony montana hires real gangsters nstead of his sqaure brothers . :-\
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i thought the movie was dope as fuck, but the only way it can be compared to scarface is if its still relevant in 20 years.
i feel that
i got a feelin it will, i think it should
Tony Montana was a dumb ass, Frank Lucas seemed a lot smarter
atleast tony montana hires real gangsters nstead of his sqaure brothers . :-\
You gotta look after the family.
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This was a awsome movie, i didnt think that it would be that good. Denzel did a good job
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i thought the movie was dope as fuck, but the only way it can be compared to scarface is if its still relevant in 20 years.
i feel that
i got a feelin it will, i think it should
Tony Montana was a dumb ass, Frank Lucas seemed a lot smarter
atleast tony montana hires real gangsters nstead of his sqaure brothers . :-\
dont know about that man.... in the end of scarface tony goes to assasinate some dude who is going to give a speach... wtf.... if he was such a big drug lord he would have sent somsone for that job. he would have not gone with that columbian guy. it made no senese to me why he went with the columbian guy. the columbian guy could not speak english but he could have just sent a soldier who can speak and can drive a car. very pointless and non-real scene. a drug lord making that much money doesnt go and drive a hit man?
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(http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2007-10/33235223.jpg)
LONG TIME COMING: Producer Brian Grazer resurrected "American Gangster," the real-life story of a Harlem drug king, after the film was twice killed off by Universal Pictures because of a soaring budget. "Universal's decision to make this movie defies any kind of logic of how the studio system works today," Grazer says.
The film is full of twists and turns -- and so is the saga of getting it to the screen.
The upcoming movie, "American Gangster," is a gripping real-lifestory about a Harlem drug kingpin who in the '70s smuggled heroin out of Southeast Asia in the caskets of U.S. soldiers killed in Vietnam.
The plot is dense, with lots of twists and turns.
So is the saga of the movie's three lives.
Fraught with emotional trauma, crushed egos, humiliation and passion, the movie's tortured journey to the big screen was unusual even by Hollywood standards. The project was killed off twice by Universal Pictures when the budget soared out of control, then resurrected three years later, at a much higher cost.
Seven years in the making, "American Gangster" premieres Nov. 2., with such headliners as producer Brian Grazer, director Ridley Scott, and stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. It weighs in at $100 million, with worldwide marketing likely to add $80 million to the cost, not to mention the $30 million Universal spent to shut down the original production.
In an age when bean counters and focus groups drive movie decisions, the film is the type of highflier reminiscent of Hollywood's past, when studio bosses such as Louis B. Mayer trusted their gut.
"Universal's decision to make this movie defies any kind of logic of how the studio system works today," said Grazer, the Oscar-winning producer behind "American Gangster."
Grazer's ability to revive the movie also shows the power that a handful of top producers have in Hollywood. It's hard for studios to say "no" to people such as Grazer, whose company, Imagine Entertainment, is Universal's most prolific movie supplier.
"Brian is a great producer. He put this project back together in an irresistible way," Universal Studios President Ron Meyer said. "Given the scope of the film and the excellence of the cast, the director, the script and the production qualities, we think it's a very sound investment."
The movie's connection with gangster rap could help it bring in young viewers. Rapper Jay-Z released an album titled "American Gangster" as a companion to the movie's soundtrack that was inspired by scenes from the film.
"The hip-hop generation reveres the gangster culture -- you see it in the lyrics of songs, fashion, style and cultural choices," Universal Pictures Chairman Marc Shmuger said.
Careening out of control
"American Gangster's" long road to the silver screen began with author-screenwriter Nick Pileggi, whose book "Wiseguys" was the basis for Martin Scorsese's enduring 1990 gangster classic "Goodfellas." It was through Pileggi, an executive producer on the film, that Grazer met the real-life characters depicted in "American Gangster": Frank Lucas, a semiliterate guy from North Carolina who came to New York and hustled his way to becoming Harlem's drug king. Richie Roberts is the tough New York detective bent on bringing him down.
Pileggi, a seasoned crime writer who had worked for New York magazine, knew Lucas when the gangster was behind bars. In 2000, Pileggi introduced him to reporter Mark Jacobson, who wrote a profile of Lucas in New York magazine.
Pileggi and Jacobson tried to sell the movie rights to Hollywood but no one bit until Grazer became enthralled after his first meeting with Pileggi, Lucas, Richie and Jacobson. The producer suggested hiring Oscar-winning screenwriter Steven Zaillian ("Schindler's List"), who after talking through the story with Pileggi and meeting Lucas and Richie, agreed to write a 22-page treatment and later a full-length script.
In its original incarnation, "American Gangster" was to be a joyous reunion of "Training Day" director Antoine Fuqua and his Oscar-winning star, Washington. Benecio Del Toro, who won an Academy Award for his supporting role in the 2001 drug crime drama "Traffic," was to portray the cop, Roberts.
Production was to begin in November 2004. But as the date approached, Universal executives began to fret. The film's $85-million budget was careening out of control. Scenes were being cut, then added back in, making it impossible for Universal to get a "locked script." The budget would easily soar past $100 million once production was underway.
In a meeting with Fuqua in New York, Stacey Snider, who at the time was chairwoman of Universal Pictures, and two of her top executives could not rectify the ballooning budget. With cameras set to roll in New York in just a few weeks, Snider and her boss, Meyer, made a rare decision so late in the game: They pulled the plug, opting to cut their losses rather than risk even greater disaster down the road.
"Everybody had a map of how to get the budget down, but nobody was following the map," recalled Snider, who dreaded having to shut down the movie.
"It was one of the hardest decisions I ever made," said Snider, who left Universal in February 2006 to head DreamWorks SKG.
The movie was canceled, but Universal was contractually on the hook to pay Washington his $20-million fee and Del Toro, $5 million. The studio also doled out $5 million in other pre-production costs, paying off the contracts of the cinematographer, production designer and others. Universal lost $30 million with nothing to show for it.
A painful experience
The loss cut deep.
"Everybody thinks they're making a movie and are ready to start, then suddenly they're all going home and packing up all the stuff," Grazer recalled. "We had hired every department head. The extras were cast and fitted for wardrobe. We had floors in a building with thousands of changes of clothes for the actors. We had locked locations and had all the props to make it viable to shoot."
Fuqua was devastated: "It goes without saying that the experience was painful."
Grazer was embarrassed when he heard from Washington's agent that the movie had been canceled, his first and only film ever to be shut down.
"It was such a failure. I don't like costing people money," he said. Over the last two decades, Grazer has produced 58 movies -- 40 of them for Universal -- with his production partner, director Ron Howard, including the Oscar-winning hit "A Beautiful Mind."
After a week of feeling defeated, Grazer decided to call Washington. "I said, 'Look, this is really uncomfortable, but if I can figure out a way of reapproaching this will you stay involved?" he said he asked. Washington told him yes.
Five months later, in March 2005, Grazer approached "Hotel Rwanda" writer-director Terry George about taking a less ambitious approach to the movie and bringing the budget down to about $50 million. George cut some key scenes, characters and one major location -- Thailand -- to reduce costs.
But after a few months, Grazer and the studio decided it wasn't working.
"It was still a financial conundrum," Snider said.
Grazer thought the story's integrity had been compromised. "It excluded too many good scenes, characters and locations. We couldn't make it right."
A higher-caliber crew
Months passed. Grazer decided it was time to swing for the fences. He made a play for one of the most sought-after directors, Ridley Scott ("Blade Runner," "Thelma and Louise," "Hannibal.") He hadn't been available when Grazer had informally pitched him the idea in the past. Scott was set to direct "Invisible World" for Paramount Pictures but when the star, Angelina Jolie, got pregnant, the production was canceled.
After Scott signed on to direct "American Gangster" in November 2005, Grazer re-recruited Washington and both of them wooed Crowe to co-star. The actor had worked with Grazer on "A Beautiful Mind" and the less successful "Cinderella Man." Crowe had collaborated with Scott on the Oscar hit "Gladiator" and on the dud "A Good Year." Grazer wanted to rehire Zaillian but said he felt guilty about the radical overhaul of his original script by George.
"You start a movie, it doesn't get made, you start it again and cut out all the guy's great scenes," Grazer said. "I called and apologized to Steve and said 'I'm sorry this happened.' "
Zaillian was won over.
Now all Grazer needed was Universal's money to make the movie with this higher-caliber crew. Snider was heading out the door to DreamWorks, so Grazer approached her successor, Shmuger, the studio's former marketing chief.
Grazer proposed a budget of $100 million, due largely to the higher fees commanded by Scott and Crowe over Fuqua and Del Toro.
Universal was already $30 million in the hole, and expensive dramas such as "American Gangster" are the riskiest bets Hollywood can take. Without eye-popping special effects, comic book heroes or big laughs, these films don't much interest young audiences, appealing largely to adult moviegoers, who are harder to get into seats.
Yet Americans of all ages have long loved crime dramas. From James Cagney and Edward G. Robinson pictures of the 1930s and '40s to more contemporary classics such as "Godfather," "Goodfellas" and "Scarface," American moviegoers have had a fascination with criminals. This year's best picture Oscar-winner, "The Departed," was a violent gangster drama starring Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon. HBO's mafia series, "The Sopranos," was must-see TV.
On May 12, the film was approved for production with the provision that if it cost more than $100 million, Grazer and Scott would pay the overage. They each forked over about $1.5 million after the film wrapped.
Now all Grazer and Universal need is for moviegoers everywhere to open their pocketbooks.
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Saw the movie tonight. it was great i know they prolly sugar coated frank lucas alittle but it was well paced, had great nuance, great acting, great music. the fuck else do you e thugs want?
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Saw the movie yesterday and it was definitely it´s money worth. Think I will go for a second time in the theater to see it
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saw this last night went to a deluxe showing at 11 at night and the place was rammed.
Really enjoyed it, i wouldnt say it was a classic but its a very good movie. The lack of violence makes the parts where there is violence more hard hitting.
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something was missing with this film. Dont no what is was. Sumit was out of place though.
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Went to see American Gangster last night. A decent movie, but perhaps I had set my hopes up too high for this movie: Crowe and Washington playing the leading roles and Ridley Scott being the director...I was expecting a masterpiece.
Nevertheless, it's a good movie. Quality for sure compared to some of the other crap that comes out of Hollywood.
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i heard some people comparing this to one of the best gangster flicks and i dont even think its close although i felt it was a good movie i dont think it deserves the title of one of the best
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i heard some people comparing this to one of the best gangster flicks and i dont even think its close although i felt it was a good movie i dont think it deserves the title of one of the best
As much as i loved it, it dosent touch, Scarface, Casino, Goodfellas or Donie Brascoe.
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excellent movie but not enough is explained
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^word. I understood it cus I knew the background of it beforehand, but all my friends were like whats the deal with these airplanes, etc.
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that chinchilla fur coat wit the matching hat denzel was wearing was sick, he looked shower, he looked sicked, that shit dropped, truss me on that, that shit did look very gangsta, very sick, very sick jacket ma nigga, plus the matching hat to cap it off aswell, sick, sick levels you know, I saw a picture of the real frank lucas wearing the same shit from back in the day too, that was some real shit, no hollywood made up shit you know, true stories, lets go
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I finally watched it yersteday and I was very disappointed .. The whole thing doesn't work imo , you don't have this "gangsta" feeling you got in the italian mob movies .. when I think about these "gangsta" movies , De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and them come to my mind , I guess it's hard to break some habits .. not a bad film but very far from being great or classic
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great movie, it was actually better than what i thought it would be, lol at people comparin this to pesci and deniro films...
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^^^^ dyslexic is the word 4 you ::)
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I finally watched it yersteday and I was very disappointed .. The whole thing doesn't work imo , you don't have this "gangsta" feeling you got in the italian mob movies ..
wonder why 8)
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great movie, it was actually better than what i thought it would be, lol at people comparin this to pesci and deniro films...
why not? u mentioned actors and i believe denzel should be up with them, but i didnt like the plot and storyline even though it was based on a true story, might as well be inspired and make it a little more intresting.
i mean thats the hype it gave out when the previews came out.
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^^^^ dyslexic is the word 4 you ::)
get real Dr. Nobody ... ::)
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great movie, it was actually better than what i thought it would be, lol at people comparin this to pesci and deniro films...
why not? u mentioned actors and i believe denzel should be up with them, but i didnt like the plot and storyline even though it was based on a true story, might as well be inspired and make it a little more intresting.
i mean thats the hype it gave out when the previews came out.
nothing against Denzel, it's just i highly doubt seeing him in a movie where the word "fuck" is used at least 3X a sentence...
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that chinchilla fur coat wit the matching hat denzel was wearing was sick, he looked shower, he looked sicked, that shit dropped, truss me on that, that shit did look very gangsta, very sick, very sick jacket ma nigga, plus the matching hat to cap it off aswell, sick, sick levels you know, I saw a picture of the real frank lucas wearing the same shit from back in the day too, that was some real shit, no hollywood made up shit you know, true stories, lets go
im sure it was lol its like sayin snoop really did wear khakis and flanel jackets
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I finally watched this and thought it was great. 2 hours and a half passed by very quickly, which is always a great sign.
Denzel was awsome, I really hope he get's an Oscar for this one. He plays bad guys so dope, I hope he does more in the future. The whole vibe of the movie was really nice, different than the Italian mob movies, which is also a fresh change. The only negative side is probably that they tried to squeeze everything in 1 movie, some parts were like fast forwared. That's why I think there should have been a part 2.