American Gangster

American Gangster is one of the all time greats when it comes to movies dealing with gangs and their criminal activities.  Everyone knows the classic mob movies like the godfather and goodfellas, and American Gangster isn't all that much different than these films.  While old school mob movies like those get inside the old Italian family mobs, American Gangster tells a more modern story of gangs, and shows how they have adapted with time.  The movie follows a man named Frank Lucas, who is pretty much the epitome of the American Dream.  He came from nothing and he makes millions off of the illegal distribution of heroin and cocaine through nothing but hard work and smarts.  The film does a great job of using techniques to help enhance the movie in a multitude of ways for the viewer.  There is extensive camera work used to relay to the viewer that Frank Lucas is a powerful, respected man.  There are many close ups and extreme close ups of his face when hes talking to suppliers and buyers to show how serious he is when he conducts business.  Not once during these close ups does Lucas crack a smile.  There are also many low angles used on him to show that he is the one in power.  These low angles are used not only during some drug deals, but also during some physical altercations that he is involved in.  The movie also does a great job of using music to foreshadow events, and reinforce the mood of the scene.  When things are going well, Lucas is often in clubs with happy music.  However, right before he is busted by the DEA there is dark omiunous music that foreshadows he is about to fall.