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Leonardo DiCaprio is often associated with gripping crime thrillers, from “Inception” to “Killers of the Flower Moon.” However, one of his lesser-discussed yet remarkable performances can be found in the 2002 historical epic “Gangs of New York,” directed by Martin Scorsese and co-starring Daniel Day-Lewis. This film, now streaming on Paramount+, deserves a fresh look.
Miramax
The narrative centers around the character Amsterdam Vallon, played by DiCaprio, who returns to the turbulent Five Points neighborhood of New York City in 1862. His mission is to seek vengeance against William “Bill the Butcher” Cutting, portrayed by Day-Lewis, a formidable leader of an Anglo-Protestant gang notorious for their anti-immigrant brutality. Bill is responsible for the murder of Amsterdam’s father, “Priest” Vallon, and the repression of Irish Catholics. Amsterdam’s quest for revenge is further complicated by the political machinations of Tammany Hall and the chaos of the 1863 draft riots.
The production of Scorsese’s film was fraught with challenges, including budget overruns due to intricate sequences, reshoots demanded by the controversial Harvey Weinstein, and setbacks following the September 11 attacks. Despite earning acclaim from critics and grossing $193.7 million at the box office, “Gangs of New York” did not achieve the enduring acclaim of other DiCaprio and Scorsese collaborations like “The Aviator” or “The Departed.”
One of the most notable disappointments for “Gangs of New York” was its performance at the 2003 Academy Awards, where it was nominated for 10 Oscars but failed to secure any wins. This included nominations for best actor for Day-Lewis, best director for Scorsese, and best picture. The situation was further complicated when Miramax, the film’s distributor, faced backlash for commissioning an article claiming the movie deserved the Best Picture award.
As a result, the film left the Oscars empty-handed, prompting a reevaluation of award campaigning strategies by production companies. In hindsight, many critics and audiences believe Day-Lewis and Scorsese were unjustly overlooked. Day-Lewis’s portrayal of Bill the Butcher is particularly lauded as one of his finest, capturing a character who is both articulate and ruthlessly malevolent, harboring disdain for anyone who isn’t descended from America’s Founding Fathers.
Gangs of New York didn’t win a single of its 10 Oscar noms
The biggest snub “Gangs of New York” may have endured was getting nominated for 10 Oscars and losing every single one of them at the 2003 Academy Awards. This included Daniel Day-Lewis for best actor, Martin Scorsese for best director, and the movie for best picture. But when it came to light that Miramax had commissioned an article with producer Robert Wise saying the film deserved best Picture, there was backlash.
As a result, “Gangs of New York” went home empty-handed, and the ruckus caused by Miramax’s faux pas forced production companies to rethink how they campaigned for accolades. In hindsight, many say that Day-Lewis and Scorsese were snubbed. Day-Lewis, in particular, boasts Bill the Butcher as one of his best performances, developing a savvy talker and sadistic individual who hates anyone who’s not a relative of the United States’ Founding Fathers.
The film itself has received other notable criticisms, including certain characters who fans felt ruined the movie and the many historical inaccuracies presented. Scorsese may have been disappointed to see his passion project not be as pristine a production as he had envisioned. Ultimately though, he got the movie made, and it started the fruitful partnership between him and Leonardo DiCaprio that certainly made the troubles worth it.