Directed by Martin Scorsese, and inspired by Herbert Asbury's 1927 non-fiction book, Gangs of New York (2002) is set against the backdrop of the New York draft riots of 1863. The story follows crime boss and political backer, William "Bill the Butcher" Cutting and the build-up to a final battle with Amsterdam Vallon, the revenge-seeking son of an Irish Preacher whom Bill had killed in a gang fight in 1846. The story creates a stylish interpretation of mid-19th Century New York City, under the thumb of "Boss" Tweed, and dealing with an influx of Irish immigrants who were being sent off to fight in the Civil War immediately after arriving in America. Great attention to historical detail was given to both the set and costume design, adding a gritty sense of authenticity to the squalid living conditions in the Five Points area of Lower Manhattan during the 1860's. Daniel Day-Lewis is superb as Bill the Butcher. Leonardo DiCaprio is great as Amsterdam Vallon. The supporting cast does a fine job as well, including Cameron Diaz, Liam Neeson, Jim Broadbent, John C. Reilly, Henry Thomas and Brendan Gleeson.
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis
Gangs of New York: Liam Neeson
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis
Gangs of New York: Leonardo DiCaprio
Gangs of New York: Cameron Diaz
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis
Gangs of New York: Leonardo DiCaprio
Gangs of New York
Gangs of New York: Cameron Diaz and Leonardo DiCaprio
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio
Gangs of New York: Cameron Diaz
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis
Gangs of New York: Leonardo DiCaprio
Gangs of New York: Cameron Diaz
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis
Gangs of New York: Cameron Diaz
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis
Gangs of New York
Gangs of New York: Cameron Diaz
Gangs of New York: Cameron Diaz and Daniel Day-Lewis
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz and Leonardo DiCaprio
Gangs of New York: Leonardo DiCaprio
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis and Cameron Diaz
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Lincoln (2012) is a work of true cinematic beauty. In an astounding performance, sure to be amongst the best ever caught on film, Daniel Day-Lewis channels the spirit of Abraham Lincoln and becomes the man for the duration of the movie. For his work, Day-Lewis made Oscar history when he became the first actor to win the Best Actor Academy Award for third time in his career. The film deals with the final four months of Lincoln's life, in 1865, focusing on his struggle to pass the 13th Amendment to end slavery and bring an end to the Civil War. Wonderful costume and set design reflect careful attention to 1860's historical detail. The supporting cast is excellent as well, including, Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, Joseph Gordon Levitt, David Strathairn and Hal Holbrook.
