American Gangster

American Gangster

Except for his being a heroin trafficker, there is hardly any other reason why Frank Lucas’ career would not be the perfect case study for business schools. “American Gangster” speaks of his rise to power. He takes over the crime kingdom from Bumpy Johnson, an infamous mob boss and with astute capitalist techniques monopolizes the New York drug market.

The dealer personally flew to Southeast Asia where he bought narcotics directly from the manufacturers before using a brilliant importation method that smuggled them into America in their purest form yet at lower prices than anyone else could afford. Eventually, he amassed wealth exceeding $150 million, got a reduced sentence by ratting out corrupt cops who constituted three quarters of NYPD’s narcotics division but never forgot to accompany his mother to church every Sunday.

In another one of those roles where he appears nice on outside but tough enough to burn enemies alive, Denzel Washington plays Lucas. Here is one detail about it: after setting fire on this person, Frank shoots him so as put him out of misery thus showing mercy. Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) happens to be his only stubborn adversary in this film who also happens to become an unpopular figure within police circles; how does he manage that? By discovering $1m worth drug money then handing it over instead of sharing with fellow officers as per norm.

Nothing will make Roberts give in even if his influential colleague (Josh Brolin) threatens him; he swears that he will bring down Frank Lucas and true to word does so albeit after facing lots difficulties mainly due some high ranking cops turning against themselves before finally bringing these two rivals together both men having been taught different things by their late mentor Bumpy: treat others well, stay off radar screens & follow good business ethics plus give away turkeys on thanksgiving day amongst other teachings which made employees remain loyal since they were handsomely paid many whom were family members too.

Lucas is portrayed as a very calm person by Denzel Washington. He does not have any rings on his fingers or gold around his neck neither does he drive a car fitted with spinners. In addition, Frank has always been quietly married to a lovely wife all along with whom they lead apparently respectable lives; furthermore, his dressing code can be described as conservative Brooks Brothers type wear.

The authorities take quite some time before figuring out who exactly he is since no African American could ever dream of taking over Harlem’s drug trade from Mafia let alone succeed at it whereas even members of this criminal organization themselves find such an idea ridiculous but somehow Lucas manages not only do so but also survive till end.

Ridley Scott’s movie was initially dubbed “The Black Godfather” upon its announcement. However, that title would not have sufficed because the film tells two different tales which must run parallel otherwise there wouldn’t be any story worth telling without Roberts’ involvement and still Frank might have remained operational if not for him.

However, the stock character of a wife (Carla Gugino) who wants Roberts to choose between his family and his job is still there. Even so, their obligatory scenes feel like they were taken from one or another dozen other stories; while we do sympathize with her (will everyone get killed? ), listening to her complain gets old quickly. And that’s not what the movie is about.

It’s about an extraordinary entrepreneur whose life was chronicled in a New York magazine article by Mark Jacobson, which has been adapted into a (fictionalized) screenplay by Steve Zaillian (“Schindler’s List”). A loyal driver, bodyguard and suit-holder for Bumpy Johnson (who has inspired characters in three other films, including “The Cotton Club”), the somewhat fictional Lucas listens to Johnson’s advice, cradles him as he dies and then realizes that the Harlem drug trade is fatally flawed: The goods come through the Mafia, having been cut all along the line.

So he flies to Thailand and goes upriver to meet face to face with the general who controls drugs there and for this seemingly suicidal maneuver he receives an exclusive contract. The drugs will enter the United States inside American-casualty coffins; this appears to be true. It’s arranged by one of his relatives.

As far as anyone can tell from Frank Lucas’ lifestyle, he might as well be J.C. Penney except instead of pennies he hands out turkeys. Everyone along his distribution chain seems reasonably content: Quality product + right price = money for all. Oddly enough, junkies start dying in droves when they treat Lucas’ super-grade stuff as if it were ordinary weaker street dope. Then Lucas begins doing what marketing experts call branding: Word gets out that his “Blue Magic” offers twice the kick at half the price, and other suppliers are driven off corners by market forces rather than turf wars.

It’s a gripping tale, well and smoothly told, and Russell Crowe contributes enormously (it’s not his fault that his wife is unhappy). Looking like a careworn bulldog, Richie Roberts studies law, stays clean and just keeps after it building his case.

The movie doesn’t end with a “Scarface” shootout but with Frank and Richie sitting down for a long, smart conversation that Zaillian has written to show two wise guys who both know the score. As I’ve said: less “Godfather” than “Wall Street,” though for that matter you could have made an “American Gangster” about Kenneth Lay.

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