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As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster, says Ray Liotta's Henry Hill in Goodfellas, one of the greatest gangster movies ever made. But I'm not going to pick it for Wandering Through the Shelves' Thursday Movie Picks, nor I'm going to pick any other of those movies that pop into your head when you think of this theme. Without further ado (I have to go visit graves because that's what we do here in Italy on November 1st, which I find pointless but whatever) I leave you with my picks and their gangster quotes.
A History of Violence (2005)
Tom (Viggo Mortensen) lives a happy and quiet life in a small town in Indiana. Then one night someone tries to rob his diner, he takes action, saves his customers and becomes a local hero. That draws a lot of attention from the media, and his past comes back to haunt him in the form of mobster Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris). A brilliant, thought-provoking film from Cronenberg with great acting.Carl Fogarty: Any last words before I blow your brains out you miserable prick?
On the Waterfront (1954)
After witnessing the murder of a fellow dockworker at the hands of the local mobster, Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb), Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) begins to question what's really right. Although some parts are dull and feel dragged, it's a very compelling film that deals with serious themes.Terry Malloy: You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it.
True Romance (1993)
After falling for a hooker (Patricia Arquette) and marrying her, Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) accidentally takes a suitcase full of cocaine from her pimp (Gary Oldman) and decide to run to LA. Soon the Sicilian mafia is after them. One of the most beautiful romances I've ever seen.Vincenzo Coccotti (Christopher Walken): I haven't killed anybody since 1984. Goddamn his soul to burn for eternity in fucking hell for making me get my hands dirty. Go over to this comedian's son's apartment, come back with something that tells me where that asshole went, so I can wipe this egg off my face and finish this fucked-up family for good.
I've only seen A History of Violence from your picks which I love. I went with another Viggo pick myself.
ReplyDeleteI just saw. I still need to watch that one.
DeleteI've only seen the first two, as far as True romance I'm not much for Slater and can not abide Patricia Arquette. A History of Violence is good but Waterfront is a whole other level with amazing acting across the board.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wide open category I decided I needed a hook to narrow it down. So, I themed it out with one of the ultimate gangster stars-James Cagney.
The Public Enemy (1931)-Tom Powers (Cagney-in the role that made him a major star) is a small-time hood, vicious and consciousless who climbs to success on the back of Prohibition and his willingness to do whatever necessary-rob, maim, kill-to gain advantage. The film chronicles that rise, and fall, as well as his entanglement with two women Gwen (Jean Harlow, this was one of her earliest appearances, don’t judge her on it-she’s awful-look to her MGM comedies where she’s great) and Kitty (Mae Clarke) who famously receives a grapefruit in her kisser when she mouths off to Cagney. This William Wellman directed picture is one of the formative films in creating the gangster drama.
The Roaring Twenties (1939)-Eddie Bartlett (Cagney), George Hally (Humphrey Bogart) and Lloyd Hart (Jeffrey Lynn) strike up a friendship in a foxhole during WWI. Once back in the States they go their separate ways but eventually circumstances bring them back together in the bootlegging business where they find enormous success until jealousies, rivalries and the stock market crash brings it all tumbling down. One of the last great gangster films of the 30’s with a fantastic cast including Priscilla Lane and a scene stealing Gladys George as the lovelorn songbird Panama Smith who delivers the film’s iconic last line.
Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye (1950)-Amoral gangster Ralph Cotter (Cagney) breaks out of prison along with fellow prisoner Carleton (Neville Brand). When Carlton is injured Cotter murders him to speed his escape and jumps right back into crime blackmailing Carleton’s sister Holiday (Barbara Payton) into a relationship to conceal her part in aiding their jailbreak. Discovering graft Cotter pressures a couple of crooked cops (Barton MacLane and Ward Bond) and an equally corrupt lawyer (Luther Adler) into a scheme to bilk heiress Margaret Dobson (Helena Carter) out of a fortune. Things do not go as planned. This was the highpoint of leading lady Barbara Payton’s career. A beautiful if somewhat hard looking blonde at this time she was considered a rising star but after a scandal plagued and notorious career she fell as far as it’s possible to go ending up a drug addicted skid row hooker (once being mistaken for a pile of garbage after being left next to a dumpster following a beating) before her death from organ failure at 39.
I'm so sorry to hear you don't like Slater and Arquette because the film is really worth watching.
DeleteYEY History of Violence!
ReplyDeleteI had to :)
DeleteAh, 3 great films. Definitely classics to the gangster film genre.
ReplyDeleteOn the Waterfront is a classic. I've seen Eastern Promises but not A History of Violence (2005) even though I do like Viggo and Cronemberg.
ReplyDeleteYou should check it out, I'm sure I'd like it.
DeleteI need to revisit A History of Violence. I liked it but didn't understand what all the hype was. That was quite a while ago, though. I do love True Romance. Still need to see On the Waterfront.
ReplyDeletePlease watch On the Waterfront :)
DeleteOn the Waterfront is an excellent film that deal with some different levels. I have wanted to see History of Violence forever and I must see it this coming year. I don’t know the last one but I always like Christopher Walken
ReplyDeleteYou need to see it then. Walken is great as always
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