Gangs of New York: Blood, Turf, and Vengeance

Concluding Thoughts

Gangs of New York is a visually stunning and emotionally impactful film that showcases outstanding cinematography, powerful performances, and a haunting score. The film effectively conveys its themes of violence, conflict, and cultural identity and creates a rich, atmospheric world that draws the viewer in. However, it must be noted that the film is not historically accurate and takes considerable liberties with the historical events and figures it portrays. Despite this, Gangs of New York remains a captivating and memorable film that is well worth watching.

Spoilers ahead

Overview

Gangs of New York is a 2002 historical drama directed by Martin Scorsese. Set in the mid-19th century, the film tells the story of the rise of organized crime in the Five Points neighbourhood of New York City and the conflict between rival gangs, the Nativists and the Irish immigrants. The film follows the journey of Amsterdam Vallon (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), the son of a murdered Irish gang leader, who returns to Five Points to seek revenge against the Nativist gang leader, Bill the Butcher (played by Daniel Day-Lewis). The film portrays the social, political and cultural tensions of the time and is considered a landmark in the gangster genre.

Themes

Xenophobia and Immigrant Experience: The film reflects the xenophobia and prejudice Irish immigrants faced in the mid-19th century as they tried to establish themselves in a new country. It shows how they were ostracized and discriminated against by the established American society and how they formed their communities and gangs to survive.

Power Struggles and Political Corruption: The film portrays the struggle for power between different gangs and the corrupt political system that enabled them to flourish. The story highlights how crime and violence were used to maintain power and how politicians and police were often in cahoots with the gangs.

Vengeance and Redemption: Amsterdam Vallon’s journey from a young boy seeking revenge for his father’s death to a mature man who learns to forgive and make peace forms the film’s central theme. It shows how he transforms from a ruthless criminal to a man who understands the need for peace and unity.

Historical Context: The film provides a glimpse into the history of New York City during a significant period in its development. It shows how the city transformed from a small trading post to a major metropolis and how crime and corruption were integral to its growth.

Symbolism

Knives: Knives are used as a symbol of violence and power throughout the film. The Butcher’s weapon of choice is a knife, which he uses to assert his authority and intimidate his enemies. Amsterdam’s father is also killed with a knife, symbolizing the brutal nature of the power struggles in the Five Points.

The American Flag: The American Flag is used to symbolize the ideals of unity and freedom the immigrants sought when they came to America. However, the film shows how these ideals were often disregarded in practice and how the Irish immigrants were excluded from the benefits of American society.

Fire: Fire is a symbol of destruction and rebirth throughout the film. The film opens with the burning of the original Five Points neighbourhood, symbolizing the destruction of the old order and the beginning of a new era. Amsterdam’s journey is also symbolized by fire, as he transforms from a young man filled with rage to a mature and forgiving leader.

Religion: Religion symbolizes hope and comfort for the Irish immigrants in the film. It is shown how they turned to their faith in the face of adversity and how it provided them with a sense of community and belonging.

Acting

Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill the Butcher: Day-Lewis’s portrayal of the villainous gang leader Bill the Butcher is considered one of his finest performances. He brings depth and nuance to a character who is both frightening and charismatic. His powerful presence on-screen is both intimidating and captivating, making him a standout in the film.

Leonardo DiCaprio as Amsterdam Vallon: DiCaprio delivers a strong performance as Amsterdam Vallon, the film’s protagonist. He effectively conveys the character’s emotional journey from a young man seeking revenge to a mature and forgiving leader. DiCaprio’s acting skills bring depth and emotion to a complex and nuanced character.

Cameron Diaz as Jenny Everdeane: Diaz gives a solid performance as Jenny Everdeane, a pickpocket and love interest for Amsterdam. She brings energy and charisma to her role and effectively portrays the character’s tough exterior and vulnerability.

John C. Reilly as Officer Willem Wolcott: Reilly gives a strong supporting performance as Officer Willem Wolcott, a corrupt police officer in league with the Nativist gang. He adds a touch of humour to the film and effectively conveys the character’s ambivalence toward his criminal activities.

Cinematography

Use of Light and Shadow: The cinematography effectively uses light and shadow to create a sense of darkness and danger in the film’s many nighttime scenes. This style enhances the film’s atmosphere and helps convey the Five Points neighbourhood’s brutal and unpredictable nature.

Camera Angles and Movement: The film uses various camera angles and movement, including sweeping shots of the cityscape and close-ups of characters’ faces, to create a dynamic and engaging visual style. The film’s cinematography effectively conveys the grand scale of the city while also focusing on the intimate moments between characters.

Sets and Production Design: The film’s production design and set decoration are also noteworthy, creating an immersive and historically accurate portrayal of the Five Points neighbourhood. The film’s elaborate and detailed sets help to bring the film’s world to life and give it a sense of authenticity. Aside from the false reimagining of New York’s China Town, it was not as prominent as the film depicts during the decade in which it is set.

Colour Palette: The film’s cinematography uses a muted colour palette, focusing on earth tones and muted greens, to create a sense of historical authenticity. This style helps to reinforce the film’s period setting and create a sense of atmosphere and mood.

Music

Score by Howard Shore: The film’s score by composer Howard Shore is an important part of the film’s atmosphere. Shore’s music is haunting and moody, creating a sense of tension and danger in the film’s many dramatic moments. In addition, the music effectively underscores the film’s themes of violence and conflict.

Use of Historical Music: The film uses historical music to help establish its period setting. Including traditional Irish folk songs and other period-specific pieces helps to create a sense of authenticity and reinforce the film’s themes of immigration and cultural identity.

Diegetic Music: The film also uses diegetic music, which is part of the story world and can be heard by the characters. This includes music performed by characters within the film.