The Real Deal: “American Gangster” “American Gangster” is based on the true life story of Frank Lucas. It's the story of how he eliminated the middlemen in the heroin business 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 come together. In the opening scene of the film we see the character of Frank played by Denzel Washington. We are immediately shocked by his violence and see his 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 reason that is presented to us is how real the film is. Car headlights that create the background and introduce where the setting is, as well as motivating the lights. They serve the purpose in the film of promoting its authenticity. We also hear all the sounds in the foreground. When we listen to sounds up close it is dramatic for us as spectators. We feel every drop of gasoline being poured onto the man's body and even hear the flick of the lighter as Frank sets the man on fire. This is director Scott Ridley's way of telling the audience: I want to trick you, and I want you to feel like you're there and that what you're watching 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 look like they are 60s and 70s in Harlem, New York. The characters are dressed exactly for that era and everyone on the street, as well as the cars, are exactly suited to that generation. Bumpy Johnson and Frank Lucas enter an old electronics super store. This scene for... half the paper... is given to us. Some displayed directly on the screen, others shown through the actors' gestures. At the same time, this film entertains us with action and violence that interests the current generation. This show “American Gangster” was made with the audience in mind and that is why it was so successful at the box office. This film really does a quality job of capturing the time period, but it also had all these other elements to try and make it perfect. “A perfect cast”, who becomes their character and still brings their personification to the film today. Setting that cannot confuse you, as well as a narrative economy that reminds you once again where you are. The assembly flows well and evenly. But these are all the makings of a perfect film or simply a jack of all trades, master of none. All these qualities are excessive and truly their downfall?