Citizen Gangster

Citizen Gangster is a pulse-pounding, exhilarating film set in post World War II Canada. Released in 2011, it is a fascinating true-story adaptation directed by Nathan Morlando. The film stars Scott Speedman, Kelly Reilly, and Kevin Durand, amongst other talented actors.

Citizen Gangster revolves around the life of Edwin Alonzo Boyd (Scott Speedman), a decorated war veteran, who ultimately turns to a life of crime out of desperation. The film underscores the vast change in his life from a patriotic soldier turned high-profile criminal, and explores the reasons behind this drastic shift in character.

Struggling to support his wife Doreen (Kelly Reilly) and their kids, and stifled by an unsatisfying blue-collar job, Boyd starts to feel trapped in his life. He yearns for more and covets the glamour and thrilling energy of the movie stars he watches on the silver screen. This deep desire leads him to his first bank heist, pulling from his theatrical skills aside from his wartime experience.

The compelling character of Scott Speedman successfully manages to depict the charisma and audacity of Edwin Boyd, who draws public fascination through his headline-dominating escapades. The film delves into the depths of Boyd's psyche, drawing the audience into his world through the twists and turns of his riveting life. His penchant for theatrics and bravado only escalate the drama of every crime, thus, drawing the media's attention and making him a charismatic yet notorious public figure.

Kelly Reilly portrays the role of Doreen Boyd, Edwin’s wife, with profound realism. She is the epitome of a woman bound by her unyielding loyalty and love for her husband, but simultaneously struck with fear and concern for their family's wellbeing. Their tumultuous relationship is beautifully showcased as part of the storyline, focusing on the impact of Edwin's dangerous lifestyle on the family's stability.

Kevin Durand, known for his role in well-renowned films like X-Men Origins and Legion, portrays the enigmatic character of Lenny Jackson. His performance further enriches the narrative, introducing the audience to a new and complex character and his relationship with Boyd.

Director Nathan Morlando skillfully navigates the narrative through the thrilling cat-and-mouse chase between Boyd and law enforcement. The film shows a progression from Boyd's small-time robberies to becoming a leader of a legendary gang that included characters like the fierce Lenny Jackson. Their audacious heist is caricatured in Canadian history, influencing cultural and popular sentiment surrounding crime during that era.

Beyond its action-packed surface, Citizen Gangster is a reflection on society and its preconceptions. It takes an insightfully critical look at a society quick to judge and idolize, the mental and emotional inferno of a man rebelling against convention, and the parallels drawn between morally right and unlawful. It provides a nuanced look into Boyd's battle against society and the system - fought not in trenches, but in the alleyways of Toronto, and not against an enemy nation, but his fellow citizens.

The cinematography in Citizen Gangster creates a somber, atmospheric environment that mirrors the characters’ internal turmoil and the tension of their circumstances. The muted tones of the visuals and the backdrop of the post-World War Canadian setting form an intensive visual storytelling tool.

The pacing of storytelling, coupled with a powerful performance by the ensemble cast, makes Citizen Gangster an absorbing crime drama. The elements of human emotion, societal challenges, personal failings, and moral dilemmas are woven together in this cinematic depiction, making the audience ponder over the thin line between heroism and infamy, right and wrong.

In sum, Citizen Gangster is a gritty, fascinating exploration of the life of the notorious Edwin Alonzo Boyd. The film is an intense ride through his criminal endeavours and the effects of his tumultuous life on himself and his family. The stellar cast, riveting plot, and exceptional performances of Scott Speedman, Kelly Reilly and Kevin Durand set this film apart from typical crime dramas. The film not only tells the story of crime but delves deep into the mind of a criminal, offering a fresh, empathetic perspective that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking.