In 1949, Los Angeles is under the corrupt control of Mickey Cohen. As he plans to expand his influence across the west coast, a covert squad of LAPD officers team up to end his reign of terror once and for all. Gangster Squad – in UK cinemas from 10th January 2013 – is a gangster film for a new generation, starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Josh Brolin and, as the iconic mob boss Mickey Cohen, Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn.
In 1949, Los Angeles is under the
corrupt control of Mickey Cohen. As he plans to expand his influence across the
west coast, a covert squad of LAPD officers team up to end his reign of terror
once and for all. Gangster Squad – in UK cinemas from 10th January 2013 – is a
gangster film for a new generation, starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Josh
Brolin and, as the iconic mob boss Mickey Cohen, Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn.
Cinema’s fascination with the gangster genre spans almost a century and
has given some of history’s greatest acting talent a showcase for their skills.
To celebrate the release of Gangster Squad, FilmJuice invites you on a journey
through the greatest gangster performances ever.
The Public Enemy: James Cagney as Tom Powers
James Cagney’s
loose-lipped, tight-fisted Tom Powers is the celebrated actor’s most ruthless
screen incarnation. As Powers rises up through the gangster ranks, he becomes more brazen in what he is willing to do, and more
obstinate and violent against those who either disagree with him or cross him.
Most Memorable Quote: “… I didn’t ask you for any
lip. I asked if you had a drink.”
Goodfellas: Ray Liotta as Henry Hill
Ruthless criminal?
Violent wannabe? Whistle-blower? Liotta will never top his sensational
performance as real-life mafia gangster Henry Hill. The gangster has it all,
but his growing paranoia reaches boiling point when he finds himself on the
wrong side of his supposed friends.
Most Memorable Quote: “As far back as I can
remember I always wanted to be a gangster.”
The Big Heat: Lee Marvin as Vince Stone
One of cinema’s most
iconic hard-men plays the role he was made for in Vince Stone, who will
casually throw hot coffee in his girlfriend’s face and uses violence to hide
his human inadequacies. A true sadist, riddled with major character
deficiencies all combine to create one of cinema’s greatest bad guys.
Most Memorable Quote: “Hey, that’s nice perfume.”
Carlito’s Way: Al Pacino as Carlito Brigante
Al Pacino stars as a man
desperate for redemption after being released from prison. Slowly he reacts to the realisation
that he can’t escape his past, and that it will cost him the woman he loves.
Pacino’s portrayal of Carlito remains one of his most heartfelt and memorable
to date.
Most Memorable Quote: “The dream don’t come no
closer by itself. We gotta run after it now.”
Once Upon A Time In America: Robert DeNiro as Noodles
Robert DeNiro’s Noodles
returns to New York after 30 years to find that the ghosts of his former
gangster life still haunt the streets. His stellar performance is so effective
that he seems to walk through each scene like an apparition, a shadow of the
man he was, struggling to face his past.
Most Memorable Quote: “I like the stink of the
streets. It makes me feel good. And I like the smell of it, it opens up my
lungs. And it gives me a hard-on.”
King Of New York: Christopher Walken as Frank White
Christopher Walken shows
his trademark eccentric style in creating the ultimate modern-day Robin Hood.
The actor plays New York drug lord Frank White who, after being released from
prison, becomes determined to wipe out the competition. Yet instead of keeping
the profits he distributes them to poor New Yorkers. Controversial director Abel Ferrara gave Walken free reign
which resulted in one of his best performances to date.
Most Memorable Quote: “From now on, nothing goes
down unless I’m involved. No blackjack no dope deals, no nothing. A nickel bag
gets sold in the park, I want in. You guys got fat while everybody starved on
the street. Now it’s my turn.”
Scarface:
Al Pacino as Tony Montana
The perennial gangster,
Al Pacino played Tony Montana as a wild, bordering on insane, violent criminal.
Montana approaches the sunny Miami coastline like a destructive hurricane,
leaving chaos in his wake. Unhinged and ferocious, he doesn’t think twice about
wielding a chainsaw, but it’s the machine gun he lives and dies by.
Most
Memorable quote: “I always tell the
truth, even when I lie.”
Goodfellas: Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito
A pint-sized, foul
mouthed, out-of-control villain, Pesci’s real-life gangster Tommy DeVito is not
one to mess with. It’s easy to laugh along with his insane antics on screen but
audiences learn very quickly not to crack a smile at the man in person. Only
Pesci and Ray Liotta knew about the famous “you think I’m funny?” scene when it
was shot as legendary director Martin
Scorsese wanted genuine reactions from the rest of the cast.
Most Memorable Quote: “Funny how… How am I funny?
Funny like I’m a clown… like I amuse you?”
The Godfather: Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone (Main Picture)
Marlon Brando knew how
to draw a fine line between hero and criminal and with The Godfather he
embodied the defining mafia crime boss – the yardstick every actor has aimed
for since. Reportedly, Brando wanted Corleone to “look like a bulldog” so
stuffed his cheeks with cotton wool to audition; director Francis Ford Coppola
loved it and had a mouthpiece made by a dentist for filming.
Most Memorable Quote: “I’m gonna make him an offer
he can’t refuse”
Gangster Squad: Sean Penn as Mickey Cohen
One of Hollywood’s most
gifted actors, Sean Penn is well known for playing unsympathetic, cruel
characters with depth. As renowned gangster Mickey Cohen, who ran Los Angeles
with help from loyal goons, corrupt cops and paid politicians, Penn is at his violent
best. Cohen at his core was a warrior, and he was not about to give up the West
Coast to the LAPD without a fight.
Most Memorable Quote: “A cop that can’t be bought
is like a dog with rabies, there’s no medicine for it, you just gotta put it
down.”
GANGSTER SQUAD IS RELEASED IN UK CINEMAS FROM 10TH JANUARY