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With a filmmaking career that has spanned over fifty years, Martin Scorsese stands out as one of the most revered directors in cinematic history. Almost all his films can be regarded as “good,” with many considered among the finest ever made. His diverse filmography ranges from gripping crime dramas to psychological thrillers, historical epics, romantic tales, sports biographies, and family-oriented stories.
Among his body of work, some projects inevitably slip under the radar. However, it is surprising that Gangs of New York, one of Scorsese’s most passionate endeavors, is often overlooked. The conception of this film began in the 1970s, but financial constraints and other obstacles delayed its production until the early 2000s. Although it garnered Oscar nominations and commercial success, its lasting impact feels limited. The question lingers: did the film truly receive the recognition it deserved?
What Delayed the Production of ‘Gangs of New York’?
Growing up in Little Italy during the 1950s, Scorsese’s fascination with his neighborhood’s history deepened as he discovered 19th-century architecture. As he recounted to the Smithsonian in 2002, his curiosity expanded when he learned that Italian-Americans were not the earliest inhabitants of the area. He began to ponder what New York was like at that time and the lives of its early residents.
In 1970, after reading Herbert Asbury’s nonfiction work, The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld, he crafted the premise for a film. This story would follow a young man’s quest for revenge against the gang leader who murdered his father, set against the backdrop of America’s burgeoning democracy. Although he secured the book’s rights in 1979, the anticipated expenses for a historically accurate depiction of New York hindered progress for two decades.
In 1999, Scorsese received financial backing from Miramax, allowing production to commence the following year. However, conflicts persisted, particularly with the then-controversial Harvey Weinstein, regarding the film’s length. The original cut exceeded three hours, yet Weinstein insisted on reducing it by over twenty minutes to enhance its box office viability. The film’s release also faced a one-year postponement to December 2002, in part due to concerns about including imagery of the Twin Towers in the aftermath of 9/11.
Did ‘Gangs of New York’ Meet Expectations?
Overall, Gangs of New York did not achieve the reception Scorsese had anticipated. While it performed well financially and received numerous Oscar nominations, the critical response was divisive. Daniel Day-Lewis, in particular, received almost universal acclaim for his portrayal of the menacing Bill the Butcher, with many believing it would earn him a second Academy Award. However, he ultimately lost to Adrien Brody for his performance in The Pianist, a decision that surprised many at the time.
Despite a respectable 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is among Scorsese’s lower-rated projects. Critics, including Roger Ebert, acknowledged its craftsmanship but felt it fell short of the high standards of his best work. The film lacked the moral complexity that characterized iconic films like GoodFellas and Taxi Driver, with the lengthy production time detracting from its freshness. Expectations had risen to an almost impossible level, and by the early 2000s, its themes seemed less groundbreaking than they would have in the 1970s.
While certain elements, particularly those focusing on Bill the Butcher, are compelling, Scorsese’s focus on less engaging characters detracted from the experience. Leonardo DiCaprio, portraying Amsterdam Vallon as he seeks retribution, brings less depth compared to his later roles as Howard Hughes or Jordan Belfort, leaving his journey somewhat predictable. Additionally, Cameron Diaz’s portrayal of Jenny Everdeane misses the mark, and her romantic subplot with Vallon brings down the film’s overall quality.
Nonetheless, even Scorsese’s lesser works stand out in comparison to the majority of films made by other directors. The project’s ambition and scope remain impressive, and many individual scenes are visually stunning. Thus, Gangs of New York warrants a watch or a reevaluation over two decades later, even if it wasn’t a passion project that fully realized its potential. Gangs of New York is available to stream on Paramount+.
Source
movieweb.com