Plot

In 1968, Frank Lucas serves as the right-hand man to Harlem mob boss Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson. Following Johnson's death, Lucas establishes himself as a major player in the heroin trade by directly purchasing the drug from producers in Thailand and smuggling it into the United States using returning Vietnam War servicemen. He brands his product "Blue Magic," offering high-quality heroin at lower prices, which allows him to dominate the market and eliminate competition.

Simultaneously, Newark detective Richie Roberts is ostracized by his peers after turning in nearly $1 million found in a mobster's car. Assigned to lead a special task force targeting major drug suppliers, Roberts becomes determined to dismantle Lucas's operation. As Lucas's empire expands, he faces challenges from rival gangster Nicky Barnes, corrupt NYPD detective Nick Trupo, and the Corsican mafia. Despite these obstacles, Lucas maintains a low profile, invests in legitimate businesses, and marries Eva, a Puerto Rican beauty queen.

Roberts's investigation intensifies when he identifies Lucas as a key figure in the drug trade. The task force uncovers that Lucas is smuggling heroin through the coffins of deceased servicemen returning from Vietnam. A raid on Lucas's heroin processing facility leads to the death of his nephew and the arrest of his brother. Lucas is eventually apprehended and, in exchange for a reduced sentence, cooperates with authorities to expose corrupt law enforcement officials. His testimony results in numerous convictions, and Lucas serves 15 years of a 70-year sentence before being released in 1991.

Production

Development and Writing

In 2000, Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment acquired the rights to "The Return of Superfly," an article by Mark Jacobson detailing Frank Lucas's rise and fall. Screenwriter Steven Zaillian developed a 170-page script, which director Ridley Scott initially considered splitting into two films. However, Scott prioritized other projects, and the film underwent several directorial changes, including Antoine Fuqua and Brian De Palma, before Scott returned to helm the project in 2005.

Filming

Principal photography commenced in July 2006 and spanned approximately five months, utilizing over 180 locations across New York City and concluding in Thailand. Notable filming sites included Harlem, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Scott aimed to authentically depict the 1970s setting, emphasizing the era's aesthetic through meticulous production and costume design.

Music

Composer Marc Streitenfeld crafted the film's score, incorporating elements of blues and soul to reflect the 1970s ambiance. The soundtrack features period-appropriate songs by artists such as Bobby Womack and The Staple Singers. Additionally, rapper Jay-Z released a concept album titled "American Gangster," inspired by the film, though it was not part of the official soundtrack.

Release

American Gangster premiered at Harlem's Apollo Theater on October 20, 2007, and was released in the United States and Canada on November 2, 2007. The film was later released on DVD and HD DVD on February 19, 2008, featuring an unrated extended version with additional footage and an alternate ending. It topped both sales and rental charts upon release and was subsequently made available on Blu-ray on October 14, 2008.

Reception

Box Office

The film debuted at number one, grossing approximately $43.6 million in its opening weekend in the United States and Canada, marking the largest opening for both Washington and Crowe at that time. It continued to perform well, eventually grossing over $130 million domestically and $136 million internationally, culminating in a worldwide total of approximately $266.5 million.

Critical Response

American Gangster received positive reviews, holding an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 76. Critics praised the performances of Washington and Crowe, as well as Scott's direction. Roger Ebert awarded the film four stars, describing it as "an engrossing story, told smoothly and well." However, some critics and individuals portrayed in the film noted historical inaccuracies and creative liberties taken with the real-life events.

Accolades

The film garnered multiple award nominations, including two Academy Award nods for Best Supporting Actress (Ruby Dee) and Best Art Direction. Dee won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role. The film was also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama at the Golden Globe Awards and received recognition from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in categories such as Best Film and Best Original Screenplay.

Historical Accuracy and Controversies

While American Gangster is based on true events, several individuals depicted in the film, including Frank Lucas and Richie Roberts, have stated that the film took significant creative liberties. Three former DEA agents filed a lawsuit against Universal Pictures, claiming the film's portrayal of the agency was demoralizing. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, with the judge noting inaccuracies in the film's depiction of events but determining that it did not meet the legal standards for defamation.

Legacy

American Gangster is regarded as a significant entry in the crime genre, noted for its compelling storytelling and strong performances. The film's exploration of themes such as corruption, ambition, and the American Dream continues to resonate with audiences, solidifying its place in contemporary cinema.