Gangs of New York

In my part of our study regarding director Martin Scorsese, I watched his movie "Gangs of New York." The film was about, well, the gangs in New York City during the Civil War. The time is around 1862, which was only a year after the war had started. There was large amounts of unrest in the city, which was filled with immigrants, political corruption, and gangs. The film features an Irishman in his twenties, Amsterdam Vallon (Leonargo DiCaprio), who seeks revenge on a large social machine, Bill Cuttining (Daniel Day Lewis), after the empowered social leader killed his father in a battle. However, as Amsterdam tries to gain money, he becomes increasingly close to Cutting, but when Amsterdam tries to kill him, Cutting spares Vallon, leaving him branded. Around all that specific conflict, however, is the local outrage regarding the Union's Draft requirements. In the end, Amsterdam's gang is about to face off against Cutting's gang, when suddenly the fight gets attacked by the Union military who had been killing mobs that whole day. Cutting dies, yet it is a bittersweet victory for Amsterdam, because the fight never really started nor was official, and Cutting was already seriously injured before Amsterdam finished him off.

As Andy had posted regarding Scorsese's film "The Departed," this director uses a lot of gore. "Gangs of New York" is no exception, with its two big battle scenes as well as countless bloody murders throughout the entire film. It is clear and evident that Scorsese uses a lot of gore and violence in his films, however the violence isn't just there to attract more viewers, it's there for a reason: to show how corrupt our societies are. "Gangs of New York" takes place primarily in what is called 5 Points, otherwise known as a place for crime and murder. All the violence that occurs is not only between workers, but also between police and firemen as well. There is a clear portrayal of violence and gore, which is consistent with most Scorsese films.

Another point that I would like to bring up regarding themes/common traits of Scorsese films would be the use of gangs/mobs. All the movies that our group is watching for this assignment ("The Departed," "Gangs of New York," "Goodfellas," and "Casino) have a clear use of gangs and/or the mafia. In fact, the plot centers around these groups. In "Gangs of New York," gangs are used to portray a brotherhood or a sense of belief. Most of the Irish gangs were friends from back home in some way, but also shared a common belief or goal, which was usually a hatred for American injustices towards immigrants. Also, the American gangs shared the same views as well: hatred for immigrants and blacks. Bill Cutting is a firm believer that America should belong to native-born Americans, and he shows the audience by killing innocent immigrants but also by hating political machines, ie Boss Tweed, who would give welfare to the immigrants in order for their vote.