American Gangster: This Year’s The Departed

Russell Crowe + Denzel Washington + Ridley Scott = Oscar Bait. Like The Departed, American Gangster is a gritty mob movie with a shot at Oscar gold and big bucks at the box office. This trailer was just released, and boy am I excited.

Denzel Washington has made a career playing good guys, but as the trailer proves, he’s at his best when he’s playing the bad guy. Washington and Russell Crowe are working together for the first time since Virtuosity in 1995, when Crowe was a virtual unknown in the States. Crowe is reuniting with Gladiator director Ridley Scott. Throw in Brian Grazer, who produced A Beautiful Mind among others, and it’s one big happy Oscar-winning family.

Sometimes Oscar bait can be horribly disappointing, but if this trailer is any indication, we’re in for one damn good movie. The song at the end is a perfect example of how much music can add to a trailer. (See the comments for details about the song in the trailer for American Gangster. I asked, and you answered. )

SEE IT because American Gangster could go down as one of the great crime dramas.

American Gangster is rated R and opens on November 2. Thanks to Ben for the tip. (official site)