The Brooklyn Banker

The Brooklyn Banker is a captivating 2016 crime drama movie, portraying the story of a man entangled in the dangerous world of mobsters while trying to lead an ethical life. The film is directed by Federico Castelluccio and starring versatile actors such as Troy Garity, Paul Sorvino, and David Proval. The story is set in 1973; the narrative is a portrait of life in Brooklyn among the Italian-American community, ensnared with the power, danger, and moral ambiguity of the Mafia.

Troy Garity plays the role of Santo Bastucci, a gifted Mafioso who has extensive ability in numbers. He's a local banker, dedicated family man, who has a knack for memorizing bank ledgers. Santo carries a sedate life; however, he has grown up understanding the workings of the mafia closely.

Santo's mathematical abilities, straight-shooting morality and banking skills are coveted by his mobster associates, including Paul Sorvino's Manny 'The Hand', an incredibly powerful mafia boss. Santo finds himself entangled in this dangerous web, and the story unfolds as he tries to maintain his legitimate bank career while being roped into the dirty workings of the Mafia.

Paul Sorvino (of Goodfellas fame), gives a convincing portrayal of aged mob boss Manny, with an air of cool ruthlessness mingled with a certain fatherly charm. Known for his legendary roles in several mobster films, Sorvino brings a sense of authenticity and gravity to his character.

Troy Garity, better known for his roles in Soldier's Girl and Sunshine, personifies Santo Bastucci with an ethical and impressive performance. He plays a loving husband to his wife, a caring father to his son, and a professional banker to his clients, all the while being woven into the tapestry of the Mafia, navigating tough ethical dilemmas.

David Proval, remembered as Richie Aprile in The Sopranos, plays Santo's father-in-law. His character brings a certain susceptibility and raw emotiveness to the movie, adding depth and complexity to the film's narrative and underscoring Santo's predicaments.

The screenplay by Michael Ricigliano takes the viewers on a thrilling yet reflective journey. The movie isn't just about mobsters' life; it’s a mirror reflecting the personal struggles of a man torn between family, duty, and the web of the Mafia. While the story delves deep into the world of organized crime, it also explores themes of family ties, ethical dilemmas, and the question of right and wrong.

The Brooklyn Banker also impresses with its setting and production design. The film's recreation of 1973’s Brooklyn is perfectly in sync with the mob-era of that time. The detailing of the interiors, the costumes, the music, and the dialogues transport the viewers into a different era.

Noteworthy is the stylish cinematography by Scott Miller, which effectively captures the various nuances of the movie. The visual storytelling aptly complements the plot, adding richness to the narrative and characters, faithfully echoing the vibes of the 70s.

Director Federico Castelluccio, better known for his acting roles such as Furio Giunta on The Sopranos, demonstrates his directorial prowess in this crime drama, driving home a compelling narrative fraught with suspense and ethical quandary with powerful performances by seasoned actors.

In a nutshell, The Brooklyn Banker is a film about a man battling his inner demons while juggling his responsibilities as a husband, father, and a banker with his involvements in the mafia operations. The movie brings out the human side of mobsters, nudged by the societal circumstances they are a part of.

Though centered around the time-old theme of the mobster world, the film takes a different approach, focusing on a reluctant mobster tied in the throes of duty and self-preservation. It dives deep into the human psyche and the impact crime could have on an innocent person, making it more than just a Mafia narrative.

With strong performances, deft storytelling, meticulous setting, and a storyline tinged with both tension and emotion, The Brooklyn Banker offers a compelling watch to those who appreciate crime dramas with underlying layers of complexity.