GONY was so long in the making and realisation. It looked as if it might not see the light of day at one stage. One story going the rounds was that Scorsese wanted to release a version lasting over 4 hours and had many arguments with producer Harvey Weinstein concerning the release date and running time. So what do we have? Firstly the movie does look quite edited. The editing is done well but some of the plot does seem disjointed. The set of old NY is great,in fact it is much too good as in admiring it I was losing track of some of the action taking place.Also, because the set is so authentic you are always aware it IS a set and this stops you suspending disbelief and prevents you becoming immersed in the tale.Leo de Caprio never convinces in his role and Cameron Diaz joins the long line of gorgeous prostitutes in the movies a la Julia Roberts though she does her best with a nothing part.And so on to Daniel Day-Lewis. The last thing I had seen him in was The Boxer which was OK.Then he just disappeared.It was said he was working as some kind of craftsman in rural Italy. It was only a matter of time before he returned to the screen. He is too good an actor to be sitting about sewing leather in a Tuscan farmhouse. As Bill The Butcher he is totally menacing. He clearly relishes the part and plays it just the right side of going over the top.A truly memorable screen baddie.The true story of the unrest in NY at the time shown is a fascinating one and despite some shortcomings Scorsese does well. Before it was released there were rumours that GONY was a turkey. It most certainly is not that and,while not a classic,was definitely a worthwhile venture though obviously a pet project for Scorsese.Fantastic on DVD with mucho extras!
Review of Gangs of New York
