Gangs of New York Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Topic: Gangs of New York, a 2002 American historical drama film.
• Director: Martin Scorsese.
• Key Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz.
• Setting: Mid-19th century New York City, focusing on gang conflicts.

Film Overview

• Storyline: Set in 1863 amid Catholic-Protestant violence and conscription protests.
• Central Conflict: Between two gangs, led by William "Bill the Butcher" Cutting and priest Vallon.
• Development: Took 20 years to develop; faced multiple production challenges.

Plot Summary

• Opening Scene: Battle between Protestant Confederation and Dead Rabbits.
• Main Character: Amsterdam Vallon seeks revenge for his father's murder by Bill the Butcher.
• Climactic Events: Amsterdam infiltrates Bill's gang, plans revenge, culminates in a riot interrupted gang battle.

Themes and Motifs

• Revenge and Loyalty: Explored through Amsterdam's quest for vengeance.
• Violence and Corruption: Depictions of historical violence and political corruption.
• Identity and Ethnicity: Cultural and ethnic conflicts central to the narrative.

Production Details

• Filming Locations: Primarily filmed at Cinecittà Studios, Rome.
• Set Design: Detailed recreation of 19th-century New York.
• Historical Accuracy: Mixture of fact and fiction, critiques on exaggerated violence.

Critical Reception

• Positive Aspects: Praise for production design and Day-Lewis’s performance.
• Negative Aspects: Criticism of plot originality, historical inaccuracies, and violence.
• Box Office Performance: Grossed over $193 million worldwide.

Technical Aspects

• Soundtrack: Supervised by Robbie Robertson, eclectic music selection.
• Cinematography: Michael Ballhaus, noted for capturing the period's aesthetic.

Conclusion

• Overall Impact: Visually impressive but criticized for its narrative and historical portrayal.
• Cultural Reflection: Highlights the brutal and complex formation of American society.
• Final Thoughts: The movie serves as a reminder of the violent past and the evolution of democracy.

Additional Information

• Extras on DVD/Blu-ray: Include commentary by Scorsese, historical insights, and set tours.
• Historical Context: Interviews and guides provide deeper understanding of the era depicted.