‘Glamour Was The Disguise’

Directed by:
Barry Levinson

Written by:
Dean Jennings (book)
James Toback (written by)

Cast:
Warren Beatty (Benjamin ‘Bugsy’ Siegel), Annette Bening (Virginia Hill), Harvey Keitel (Mickey Cohen), Ben Kingsley (Meyer Lansky), Elliott Gould (Harry Greenberg), Joe Mantegna (George Raft), Richard Sarafian (Jack Dragna), Bebe Neuwirth (Countess di Frasso), Gian-Carlo Scandiuzzi (Count di Frasso), Wendy Phillips (Esta Siegel)

Benjamin ‘Bugsy’ Siegel is a successful member of the largest crime family in the United States. Known as a charismatic killer with a reputation for volatile outbursts, especially when he’s called Bugsy.

He travels to California on behalf of his partners, Lucky Luciano and his loyal, long-time friend Meyer Lansky (Ben Kingsley), to expand their business. He first contends with local racketeers Jack Dragna (Richard Sarafian) and Mickey Cohen (Harvey Keitel), but before long, he has both on his payroll.

Soon after, Ben meets Virginia Hill, a promiscuous actress for whom he quickly develops a burning passion. During a visit to the desert town of Las Vegas, he conceives a plan to open a hotel where gambling is legal. After consulting his partners, Ben begins building the Flamingo with his new fiancée, Virginia. Soon, however, construction costs spiral out of control due to Bugsy’s indifference toward money and Virginia’s secret Swiss bank accounts. His partners cannot tolerate theft, and Bugsy’s downfall draws nearer.

Bugsy is a strong biographical story about one of America’s most legendary gangsters, the man credited with inventing Las Vegas. Beatty is convincing as the protagonist, slowly descending into madness. We come to know Bugsy as a sympathetic figure (at least: for a murderer) who simply holds different values than most. We feel for him as he loses his grip and heads toward his inevitable downfall. His fatal flaw is also one of his endearing traits in the film: his disregard for money – something fundamentally incompatible with gangster life.

Visually, Bugsy authentically captures the mid-1940s, thanks in large part to Allen Daviau’s magnificent cinematography. The supporting cast delivers strong performances, with Annette Bening always a pleasure to watch and Ben Kingsley making a great Meyer Lansky.

Overall, this is a worthy gangster film, most admirable for its strong biographical elements. We truly understand this character and his motivations. Those seeking hard gangster violence may appreciate it less, as there are only three murders of which one occurs off-screen.

Rating:

Quote:
BUGSY’ SIEGEL: “I only talk this much before I kill someone.”

Trivia:
Warren Beatty and Annette Bening married after meeting during this production.