Analysis of Gangster Movies

Final Paper Option #2: Three "Larger-Than-Life" Gangsters

Gangster movies have always appealed to a large public crowd through its central theme of its characters being "larger-than-life. Their interactions, demeanors, and even appearances attracted those who wished to live the dangerous yet luxurious lifestyle. Beyond these simple understandings of the movie, however, directors of these gangster movies insert far more profound cues and details. The way the characters spend their money, create a first impression, interact with the non-business world (i.e. family, friends), interact with business partners, and so on, all are crucial to the understanding of the director's intentions and purpose.

In the movies Pulp Fiction (1994), White Heat (1949), and Bugsy (1991), the three directors portray their actors in very distinct and unique ways that adhere to the "gangster" image. Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) in Pulp Fiction, Cody Garret (James Cagney) in White Heat, and Benjamin Siegel (Warren Beatty) in Bugsy are the three fictional and non-fictional characters who slowly develop into the "larger than life" men that viewers desire to become.

Money is always the present issue behind gangster films, as it is the initial greed and desire to purchase all of their hearts' desire which drives the men initially to their evil lifestyles. Cagney is the stereotypical gangster, treating money as his life force and using all means to obtain it. Before he turns himself in to the police, he steals money from a train. Although the viewers never know what he spends it on, it can be assumed that it is used quickly for his hedonistic ideals. After he breaks out from the prison and kills Eddie for revenge, he spends rest of the time figuring out how to steal even more money and become rich again. Cagney's cunning and greed is exemplified in the scenes in which he learns from the story of Troy and cleverly drives an opening at the bottom of a gas tank to hide the gang. Thus, Cagney's treatment of money follows along with other gangsters.

This adeptness for gangsters to incorporate their biggest intellect in their money schemes is also seen in Bugsy. The movie itself is about the birth of Las Vegas, sin city of the world, and how Siegel began going about it. Las Vegas is the idealistic gangster money-maker, as it was a legit operation and a huge success in later years. However, the love for money wasn't quite apparent in Ben, as Beatty acts numerous scenes which show that he, in fact "didn't respect money." The beginning scene of Bugsy shows Beatty buying nice shirts, as is expected from gangsters who like to show off their wealth. Surprisingly, however, these shirts are simply props, as Beatty shows a "humorous" side to Siegel, using the phrase "take the shirt off my back" literally in his encounter with a business associate who steals from him. As Beatty kills the man, the shirts he just bought are splattered with blood, ruined, and then left at the building. Surprisingly, although Beatty has a lot of it, money doesn't quite seem to be as appealing to him as it was for Cagney. Beatty treats money as simply a tool to get what he wants, and he nonchalantly throws it away. For example, when buying the house of his favorite opera singer, Beatty simply pulls out $10,000, one after another, and overpays for the house greatly. This recklessness with money is also shown in the initial venture for the Flamingo hotel. Millions appear to be nothing for Beatty, as he carelessly says, "Don't worry about it," even when dealing with huge amounts of money. Although he is an adept businessman and entrepreneur, he is very ignorant and irresponsible when it comes to accomplishing what he truly wants. The hotel, which was supposed to be $3 million, quickly grows to costing double. In trying to raise money for the hotel, Beatty sells 400% of shares. When he throws Virginia's brother out the window, he quickly tries to consolidate her by saying he'll buy him a brand new Cadillac. All these instances show that even though Beatty fits the mold as a gangster who wields lots of money and power, he doesn't use it wisely and fails to respect it.

Jackson's limited appearance in Pulp Fiction show only little use of money, which surprisingly, appeared to be Tarrantino's purpose in portraying Jules as not the stereotypical gangster drowning in money. His business attire in the beginning show that he is classy and most likely spends enough for appearance. At the same time though, the viewers never see him actually spending any money, except to "buy" Ringo's life. This extreme use of money to save a life shows that Jules's approach on money is far wiser and more responsible than Beatty's. Similarly, Jules appears to have no real greed for money. Even though his job pays well, after seeing the "miracle," Jackson quickly decides to live life without his everyday comforts. No gangster would ever submit themselves to such a frugal life, separating Jackson from the norm. Thus, through this special approach to money, Jackson is distinguished from Cagney and Beatty, being a "unique" gangster.

Another aspect to analyze these characters on is their take on their weapons, specifically guns. Cagney always appears to have a gun in his hand, using it to show his power and to instill fear. Rather than using it sparingly, Cagney shoots for even the most inane reasons, such as his headache. This lack of respect for lives and his constant need for his gun shows insecurity within him, as if without the gun, he is powerless. Thus, viewers can see a weakness in this gangster, a trait that is quickly realized among the stereotypes.

Beatty shows a very cool approach to his gun, treating it more of a tool rather than a weapon. The gun is used to punish those who truly deserve it, as seen in the murder of the man who stole from him. Apart from that, Beatty only brandishes the gun to instill fear and to show his seriousness. The next scene in which Beatty uses the gun, is when he uses it to play Russian roulette with another man who stole from him. This is a very atypical, as no gangster ever truly puts his own life in danger by his own hands. Beatty thus establishes himself as somewhat of a classier gangster, using it psychologically to create fear, not only from the sheer presence of the gun, but from the view that Beatty himself appears insane at times. The last appearance of the gun is when Virginia brings another man and the only way Beatty feels he can push him away is to threaten him. Thus, viewers see that Beatty uses his gun only when dealing with those who he feel threaten him; people who cheat