Lansky

Lansky, a 2021 film directed by Eytan Rockaway, is a gripping biographical drama-thriller based on the life of the infamous mobster, Meyer Lansky. The movie’s interesting story is brought to life by several commendable performances, most notably by Harvey Keitel, Sam Worthington, and John Magaro, who bring an extra layer of humanity and complexity to this notorious historical figure.

The plot unfolds in a non-linear fashion. At its heart, Lansky explores the remarkable life of the man once dubbed as the ‘Mob’s Accountant’. The narrative is steeped in the deeply complex world of organized crime taking us from Lansky's early life in the mob all the way through his twilight years. The film addresses the dichotomy of Lansky's personal life as a devoted family man and his ruthless activities as one of the brains behind the American organized crime syndicate.

Harvey Keitel plays the older Meyer Lansky, living out his days in Miami, haunted by his past yet aching to set the record straight. At the same time, John Magaro plays the younger Lansky, graphically portraying the mobster’s life and activities during his heyday. Their performances steadily develop the carpet of intrigue, indispensably accentuating the character's deeply engrained moral code that sits in stark contrast to the vices of his notorious profession.

Sam Worthington plays David Stone, a fictional character who is a struggling but ambitious writer. The plot gets interesting when Stone is approached by Meyer Lansky seeking to pen an autobiography. Stone, recognizing the opportunity to escape his current troubles, agrees. Moreover, he's more intrigued by the promise of a hidden fortune of hundred million dollars that many believe Lansky has stashed away over the years.

One of the most striking features of Lansky is its tone and atmosphere. The cinematography is nitty-gritty and evocative, capturing the bleak reality of the mob world. Flashbacks into Lansky's lurid past are painted with a noirish palette, which accentuates the dramatic narrative. Moreover, the compelling storytelling weaves a tale of power, betrayal, and greed. But it also gives viewers a deeper look into Lansky, as an individual with multiple facets in his character – a man of great intellect and discipline, who despite his doings, had a certain code he lived by.

In the world of Lansky, lines between right and wrong are blurred. The characters in the film range from FBI Agents to mobsters, and the movie does an excellent job of showcasing how corruption, discrepancy and double-dealings are universal. The formidable FBI is just as eager to unearth Lansky's hidden fortune as they are to bring him to justice.

Despite Lansky’s dominating presence, it's a story that harbors a revolving door of pivotal characters from Lansky's life. There are flashes of Lansky's partners in crime, 'Bugsy' Siegel, played by David Cade, and 'Lucky' Luciano, portrayed by David James Elliott. Plus, AnnaSophia Robb plays Lansky's wife, Anne, showcasing a stoic presence as she struggles with the balancing act of being the wife of a mobster.

Lansky succeeds in unraveling a dense narrative without glorifying the life of crime. It’s an absorbing and suitably grey-shaded exploration of one of the most influential figures in organized crime. The movie exhibits a sophisticated execution in the mobster-film genre, making it a must-watch for those interested in the infamous mavericks of the underworld.

In Lansky, the director subtly explores the dichotomy of the American Dream. Lansky's pursuit of wealth and power echoes the dream but also underscores the fact that the storyline of the American Dream often leaves out the tactics employed to achieve it.

The film offers a rich and nuanced portrait of this controversial figure, leaving audiences with a profound understanding of the man behind the mobster. Lansky is a study in compromise and contradiction, a heroic villain whose life story makes for a compelling narrative.