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King Of New York | Year: 1990 Classification: Drama Directed: - Abel Ferrara Actors/Actresses: - David Caruso - Christopher Walken Violent Action/Drama The ruthless underbelly of the New York criminal world is examined somewhat graphically in "King of New York," directed by Abel Ferrara, and starring Christopher Walken. Upon release from prison, New York crime boss Frank White (Walken), determines to become a major player in the city's underworld and wastes no time in putting the wheels of his plan in motion. Among the major obstacles he encounters are King Tito (Ernest Abuba) and Larry Wong (Joey Chin), both kingpins of their respective organizations, veteran detective Roy Bishop (Victor Argo), and Dennis Gilley (David Caruso), a young, hot-headed Irish cop who seemingly single-handedly wants to take back the city from the riffraff who control it and seem somehow impervious to prosecution. None of which matters to White, who is adamant in his quest to become the King of New York. Though hard-hitting and excessively violent, Ferrara's film lacks the grittiness of say, Scorsese's "Mean Streets," or "Taxi Driver," but nevertheless makes an impact, due mainly to the unfettered violence, as well as the subtle, understated menace Walken brings to the role of Frank White. There's an edginess that permeates the film and the characters who bring it all to life, with the exception of White, who-- as played by Walken-- is the picture of restraint, the eye in the center of the storm. And it's that cold, soulless, almost haunted look of his that makes him so disconcerting. It's the contrast between his calm demeanor (which threatens to explode at any moment) and the overt violence with which he is surrounded, that gives him that sense of power, and it's also one of the strengths of the film. There is definitely something unsettling about Walken's presence in a role like this (and indeed with many of the characters he's portrayed in his many films); he has a natural ability and the looks-- which he uses so well to his advantage-- to convey the very essence of evil in all it's myriad forms. If they is any doubt, check him out in "Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead," and "Sleepy Hollow," just to mention a couple. He has the tools to make you believe his characters, and with adroit skill he uses them all, as he does here with his creation of White; and his performance is one of the highlights of the movie. Walken doesn't have the floor to himself in that regard, however, as Laurence Fishburne (billed here as "Larry") gives a memorable, high-powered performance as well, as Jump, White's main man who provides the muscle for his organization. Fishburne pulls out all the stops and laces Jump with high voltage energy that never runs out, while taking a page from the John Woo Book by brandishing pistols in both hands at once, which serves to enhance his lethal potential. And his over-the-top, in-your-face attitude is the perfect antithesis to Walken's calm, and is in it's own way just as disturbing in the aloof disregard of-- and lack of respect for-- life. I guarantee this is one pair of hoodlums you will not s "King Of New York" DVD Review Just like "Scarface" and "New Jack City" before it, "King Of New York" is a gritty gangster flick that takes real-life issues and mixes them with charismatic characters and stylized action that is so over-the-top that it could only work in a cinematic world. Walken's Frank White is the ultimate anti-hero, a murderous drug kingpin who uses his money for good purposes. No matter how good intentioned his motives are, the police are sick of his whole operation and are ready to go to war. The first half of the film has a rough but realistic edge to it while the second half spins into a bullet-riddled, blood-soaked, Hollywood action movie. The movie does have its faults. Fishburne's violent sidekick, while providing some entertaining moments, does occassionally come off looking like a dated and ignorant sterotype of Black youth in the late 80's. Not that it ever kept this movie from acheiving a type of urban cult following that is rivaled only by "Scarface". This movie was one of the first to showcase such young unknowns as David Caruso, Wesley Snipes, and Steve Buscemi and while it can't exactly be credited for launching their careers, it can at least boast their talented performances. But everyone in this film pales in comparison to Walken. He steals the show here. Speaking of steal-showing, this special edition DVD features an audio commentary with director Abel Ferrara that has to be heard to believed. I can safely say that I've never heard a director's commentary like it. A documentary on Ferrara should have been as entertaining but due to the fact that it has no interviews with the director himself, it doesn't quite live up to my expectations. There are a few colorful stories here and there but nothing like what you get on the commentary. The best gangster film you've probably never seen Ranking up there with Scarface and even Goodfellas, King of New York is one of the best gangster films ever made, thanks largely in part to the magnetic and explosive performance by Christopher Walken. Walken is Frank White, a ruthless kingpin freshly released from prison who vows to use his connections and money for charitable means. On his trail however, are three cops (David Caruso, Wesley Snipes, and Victor Argo) who, by any means necessary, vow to bring Frank down. Profane, action packed, and filled with unforgettable performances (Walken, Caruso, and Laurence Fishburne are incredible), Abel Ferrara's King of New York is hypnotic from it's first frame to final shot, and the action scenes are pulled off better than most major budget pictures. This new Special Edition from Lion's Gate/Artisan includes a nice amount of extras to tide fans of the film over, and the commentary by director Ferrara must be heard to be believed. Buy King Of New York at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on King Of New York Search with the Priority Search Engine on King Of New York This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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