The Real Deal: “American Gangster” “American Gangster” is based on the true life story of Frank Lucas. This is the story of how he cut out the middlemen in the heroin trade and how Ritchie Roberts caught him. Throughout the film, we see the parallel between a cop and a criminal as we move forward to see their lives finally collide. In the opening scene of the film, we see the character of Frank played by Denzel Washington. We are immediately shocked by its violence and we see its power. This is the first reason presented to us. We see Frank standing over his victim, and the dark shadows we see on his face and body show his dominance. Another motive presented to us is the reality of this film. Car headlights that set up the background and present where the setting is as well as motivate the lights. They aim in the film to promote its authenticity. We also hear all the sounds in the foreground. When we hear the sounds up close, it is dramatic for us as spectators. We hear every drop of gasoline poured onto the man's body and we even hear the sound of the lighter as Frank sets the man on fire. It's director Scott Ridley's way of telling the audience that I want to trick you, and I want you to feel like you were there and that what you're looking at in front of you is real. We walk the streets of Harlem with Ellsworth Johnson (Bumpy) and Frank Lucas whose names we learned from other characters. The streets and storefronts feel like 1960s and 1970s Harlem, New York. The characters are dressed for that era and everyone on the street and the cars are exactly tailored to that generation. Bumpy Johnson and Frank Lucas enter an old electronics super store. This scene for...... middle of paper ......s given to us. Some are displayed directly on the screen, others are shown through the gestures of the actors. At the same time, this film entertains us with current action and violence that interests today's generation. This “American Gangster” series was made with the audience in mind and that’s why it did so well at the box office. This film really does a quality job of capturing the period, but it still had all these other elements to try and make it perfect. “Perfect casting”, who becomes their character and always brings his own personification to the film. A setting that cannot confuse you, as well as a narrative economy that reminds you once again where you are. An assembly that goes well and evenly. But is that all that makes a perfect film or just a jack of all trades, master of none. Are all these qualities too important and are they really their downfall?