Gangster No. 1
Or in this case GANGSTER N0. 1.
This savagely violent exploit of gangster takeover and the downfall of then Gangster N0.1 Freddie Mays tagged the
“Butcher of Mayfair” is played by DAVID Thewlis (Basic Instinct 2) Script by JOHNNY Ferguson this intense photodrama is brutishly bloody, sadistic and entertaining in a very creepy way, it’s speedy dialogue and realistic acting is quick, witty and to the point.
The memorable opening to TONY Bennett’s crooning “The Good Life” as we become acquainted with the now aged Gangster N0. 1 McDowell in black tie as he puffs a fat cigar, sips champagne while enjoying a boxing match in a chandeliered ballroom while reminiscing with colleagues from the good old days when he was one of the muscle for gangster legend Freddie Mays who has been imprisoned for the past 30 years, a set up concocted by Bettany after his boss endures some major muscle and bullets from Freddie’s rival gang Lennie Taylor and his favorite henchman Maxie.
Upon hearing of Freddie’s release McDowell gets that crazed menacing glare that he portrays so well in this flick and exits to the men’s room. Placing his champagne glass by the urinal he takes a leak thinking naughty evil thoughts about the down fall of his former boss and the audacity no one has bothered to contact him – now “N0. 1” about Freddie’s release from prison.
WE the audience watch as his urine trickles into the champagne glass as a bathroom attendant knowingly looks on.
After zipping up McDowell over tips the attendant telling him to get himself a “nice bird” he then picks up the champagne glass raises it to his lips, hesitates thoughtfully, stops and then looks dead into the camera ….
“What do you take me for? A cunt?” he asks then drops his chewed out cigar into the diluted champagne.
You KNOW this is a man not to be f***ed with. Throughout the movie he does live up to his rep in skills of deceit, butchery, self hate and mayhem.
After viewing this piece of cinema the opening lyrics to “The Good Life” took on new meaning for this callous flick which make a frightening realization….for a gangster especially.
