I think these feelings arose sometime last year when The Departed was playing on TV for days at a time on repeat.
I had seen the film before and loved it, but I just kind of forgot about it after that one time. Then, years later, when it was playing all night and all weekend, I was hooked. The fact that these men were killing, stealing, and cheating didn't frighten me it made me want more. The intensity of the situation and the way that it was handled created the fascination that I still have today. I'm planning on writing my article on the Irish mob or Whitey Bulger simply because this is my favorite movie. I am so excited to find out what really went on.
I had seen the film before and loved it, but I just kind of forgot about it after that one time. Then, years later, when it was playing all night and all weekend, I was hooked. The fact that these men were killing, stealing, and cheating didn't frighten me it made me want more. The intensity of the situation and the way that it was handled created the fascination that I still have today. I'm planning on writing my article on the Irish mob or Whitey Bulger simply because this is my favorite movie. I am so excited to find out what really went on.
After expressing my interest in organized crime to my parents, they suggested that I start watching The Sopranos. When it was actually on HBO, I was "too young" to watch it and missed out completely. I recently finished watching season three and I love the series. Tony Soprano runs that family like no other. Yes, he's sick in the head a little bit from all the crap he has to deal with (not to mention everyone whacking each other), but he's a good boss for the Soprano family. I also just love that he sleeps all day and does his business at night and his wife just cooks and shops and has a beautiful house because her husband is involved in the business. It's crazy but it's so awesome.
Tonight, I just finished watching The Godfather for the first time (I know, I know, a classic that I should have seen years ago). It was epic and I now understand why it is such a classic. The storyline, the actors and actresses, and the general topic were all too great for words. It was really long, but I was not upset about it. I wouldn't have minded if it was longer (good thing there are many more sequels to this movie) and it is now one of my new favorites.
In my perfect world, I'd be part of one of these "families," but for now I guess I'll just watch movies and shows about them and pretend.
I liked the first season of the sopranos because it was hilarious. I kind of lost interest after that, it got too serious. You're right, it's a weird fascination people have with the mafia. Kind of like soviet nostalgia or Johnny Depp's character in Blow. I think we're entertained by making unsympathetic characters sympathetic. And it's kind of a way to embrace the death drive or something. We all wish sometimes that we could just do whatever we wanted. At the end of the day though, Whitey Bulger was a really bad person who ruined countless lives. When The Departed came out I remember that sudden interest. It's interesting I guess because he's such a high profile felon still somehow in hiding, but people do need to remember that he wasn't really Robin Hood. He murdered people in cold blood. This is all coming from someone who couldn't get through _Casino_, keep in mind. I literally threw up and was upset for days. Looking forward to more of your article.
ReplyDeleteI don't think being obsessed with the mafia, mob, etc. is weird at all (there's an entire Discovery Channel dedicated to sick and twisted criminals). Just as long as you remember what they did (as AM has suggested), I don't think you're going to spin out of control.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's okay to admit another reason why you love The Departed: Leo Dicapo.
You are very intimidating, I could see you being the enforcer in a Mob family haha. But I totally get this fascination with the Mafia because I have it too. Its such an interesting subject and there are so many great characters both real and fictional involved in the Mafia. The Departed is one of my favorite movies as well, and the Sopranos is probably my favorite show ever next to Lost. I think another fascinating part about the Mob is how much power theyve had for such a long time, without really people knowing that much about them. They are very good at keeping everything internal.
ReplyDeleteIf youre interested I'd suggest reading up on the JFK assassination and watching Goodfellas and Casino (both amazing Scorcese Mob films)