The Academy Award nominated 2007 crime film, American Gangster , was written by Steve Zaillian and directed by Ridley Scott. The movie stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Washington plays Frank Lucas, a real-life drug kingpin from Harlem who smuggled heroin into the US on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War. Richie Roberts, a New York City detective played by Crowe, attempts to bring down the Lucas' drug empire. Filming was done on location in New York City.
Denzel Washington
8 x 10 inches
Wall Photograph
$6.99
Movie PlotAmbitious Harlem drug dealer, Frank Lucas, climbs to the pinnacle of the criminal underworld with a scheme to smuggle heroin directly from Thailand to the streets of New York City; a plan made easier by the extensive corruption within the city's police department. Threatening his operation, however, is Richie Roberts, a pugnacious cop unafraid to take on both Lucas and his own dishonest colleagues.Academy Awards Nominations- Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role - Ruby Dee
- Achievement in Art Direction
In its opening weekend in the United States and Canada, American Gangster grossed $43,565,115, placing first in the weekend box office. Brandon Gray of Box Office Mojo reported that the film is the first crime saga to gross over $30 million its opening weekend and the film also had the best opening weekend for Denzel Washington as well as Russell Crowe. As of January 31, 2008, American Gangster is estimated to have grossed $130,164,645 in the United States and $114,842,654 in other territories for a worldwide total of $245,007,299.
The film inspired the rapper Jay-Z to create a concept album, also titled American Gangster. Jay-Z had been shown the film at an early screening, which had a great impact on him.
