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Lansky (2021)
also known as "A Righteous Man" |
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Lansky is a 2021 American biographical crime film about the
life of Meyer Lansky, a Jewish-American mobster who rose to prominence in the American organized crime syndicate known as Murder, Inc. The film was directed by
Eytan Rockaway and stars Harvey Keitel as Lansky, Sam Worthington as David Stone, and AnnaSophia Robb as Lansky's wife, Anne.
The film is set in the
early 1980s, as Lansky is being investigated by the FBI one last time. Lansky agrees to tell his life story to Stone, a down-on-his-luck journalist, in the
hopes that Stone will write a book that will set the record straight about his life.
The film chronicles Lansky's rise from a poor Jewish boy in Poland
to one of the most powerful mobsters in America. Lansky was a brilliant strategist and businessman, and he helped to create the modern American organized crime
syndicate. He was also a ruthless killer, and he was responsible for the deaths of many people.
Lansky is a complex and fascinating figure, and the film
does a good job of exploring his many contradictions. Keitel gives a powerful performance as Lansky, and he brings the character to life in all of his
complexity. The supporting cast is also excellent, and the film is well-made and well-directed. |
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Lansky is not a traditional gangster film. It is a more thoughtful and
nuanced exploration of a complex and fascinating figure. The film is not without its flaws, but it is a well-made and entertaining film that is sure to please
fans of crime dramas and historical films.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the film:
Pros
- Harvey Keitel's performance as Meyer Lansky
- Excellent supporting cast
- Well-made and well-directed
- Thoughtful and nuanced exploration of a complex figure
Cons
- Can be slow-paced at times
- Some historical inaccuracies
Overall, Lansky is a well-made and entertaining film that is sure to please fans of crime dramas
and historical films. The film is not without its flaws, but Harvey Keitel's performance as Meyer Lansky is worth the price of admission.
The
Gambling Gambling serves as a central theme throughout "Lansky" as it reflects Meyer Lansky's persona and his rise in the criminal underworld. The film
portrays Lansky's early days as a young Jewish immigrant in New York City, where he discovers his talent for numbers and probability. Lansky realizes that
gambling offers a lucrative opportunity for financial gain and utilizes his mathematical prowess to gain an advantage over the odds.
As the story
progresses, "Lansky" delves into the formation of Lansky's criminal empire, which heavily relies on gambling operations. Lansky becomes a key figure in the
establishment of organized crime syndicates, and he is particularly associated with the development of illegal casinos and sports betting enterprises. The film
showcases Lansky's role in creating and managing these ventures, highlighting his astute business acumen and ability to control the gambling industry.
Moreover, the film explores the complexities of Lansky's relationship with gambling. While it brings him great wealth and power, it also becomes a
source of conflict and tension in his life. Lansky's involvement in illegal gambling leads to confrontations with law enforcement, rival gangs, and internal
power struggles within the criminal underworld. His pursuit of wealth and influence through gambling comes at a personal cost, affecting his relationships and
exposing him to constant danger.
From a cinematic perspective, "Lansky" effectively captures the ambiance of the time period, with well-executed period
details and a compelling visual style. The film successfully portrays the allure and glamour associated with the gambling world, showcasing opulent casinos,
high-stakes poker games, and the lifestyles of the wealthy and powerful who frequent these establishments. Additionally, the narrative structure, which
intertwines Lansky's past and present, offers an intriguing exploration of the character and his motivations.
In conclusion, "Lansky" presents a
captivating portrayal of Meyer Lansky's life and his involvement in the gambling industry. The film highlights the pivotal role that gambling played in
Lansky's ascent to power and provides a glimpse into the complex and often turbulent world of organized crime. It effectively explores the allure and
consequences of gambling, making it an interesting watch for those interested in crime dramas and the history of the gambling industry. |
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Director |
Eytan Rockaway |
Harvey Keitel |
Meyer Lansky |
Producer |
Robert Ogden Barnum |
Sam Worthington |
David Stone |
Writing |
Eytan Rockaway |
John Magaro |
Young Lansky |
Cinematography |
Peter Flinckenberg |
Minka Kelly |
Maureen Duffy |
Cert./Runtime |
18 / 159 mins |
David Cade |
Ben 'Bugsy' Siegel |
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