Each decade seems to produce one truly iconic gangster film. The 1970s gave us The Godfather, the 80s Scarface, the 90s Goodfellas, the 2000s American Gangster, and the 2010s The Irishman. Goodfellas is particularly well-remembered for its fantastic soundtrack, constant narration, and complex storyline, all of which continue to inspire filmmakers today. Many consider it Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece, and it received six Academy Award nominations. While it’s widely regarded as the best gangster film of the 1990s, is that really the case?
Barry Levinson’s Bugsy, starring Warren Beatty, came out a year after Goodfellas and earned an impressive 10 Oscar nominations. It also outperformed Goodfellas at the box office, grossing $49.1 million compared to $46.1 million. This success might lead some to believe it was the more significant film.
This exciting gangster film has largely faded from memory, leaving people wondering about the praise it once received. Was it initially overhyped? Did the Academy Awards mistakenly celebrate a mediocre movie? Or is it a genuinely excellent film that deserves more recognition?
Bugsy Captures the Industriousness and Stubbornness of the Founder of Las Vegas
Barry Levinson’s Bugsy is a compelling film that shows both the exciting side of starting a new business and the sad downfall of a determined criminal. It tells the story of Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, a notorious gangster who gained fame long before figures like John Gotti. Bugsy was known for his charm and smarts, and he was the key person who turned Las Vegas into the famous strip it is today.
The film doesn’t bother explaining how he became a gangster; it starts with him already at the top. We quickly see he works well with famous figures like Meyer Lansky and Lucky Luciano. The story really takes off when he meets Virginia Hill on a movie set. She’s a beautiful actress with a hidden, dangerous side, and he instantly falls for her, even though he’s already married. He goes to great lengths to win her over.
At first, the criminal life, much like in the movie Goodfellas, can appear attractive. Bugsy Siegel is shown as a man with big dreams and a strong drive. We see this when he’s driving in Beverly Hills, spots a house he wants, and immediately makes the owner an offer they can’t refuse. He then takes over the criminal operations in California, challenging Jack Dragna and teaming up with Mickey Cohen, a powerful Jewish gangster.
Then, he developed the plan that would become his lasting achievement: building the first large-scale hotel in Las Vegas, The Flamingo. Using his considerable charm, he secured over $1 million – and eventually much more – in investments from other powerful figures in organized crime.
Bugsy’s dangerous love affair creates increasing conflict. His friends and colleagues start to doubt his judgment, and these concerns ultimately lead to his ruin.
Bugsy Is Almost the Complete Package…
Bugsy beautifully captures the classic mob era, offering a heartfelt and thoughtful look at the time. The film is nearly perfect, thanks to its well-written script, impressive sets, smooth editing, and fitting music. Director Barry Levinson excels at showing how easily criminal activity blends with legitimate business, portraying both the dull, exciting, and shocking sides of this world.
Honestly, the acting in this movie is incredible. Warren Beatty really carries the film – he absolutely deserved that Oscar nomination for playing such a convincingly menacing mobster. But it’s not just him! Ben Kingsley is fantastic, and Harvey Keitel just keeps proving he’s one of the best when it comes to gangster roles. It’s a really strong cast all around.
Subscribe for deeper takes on gangster films and cinema
Dive deeper into cinema’s biggest debates—subscribe to the newsletter for thoughtful analysis of gangster films, forgotten classics, and comparative film history that shows why some movies endure while others fade.
Annette Bening delivers a captivating performance as Virginia Hill, Bugsy Siegel’s complex and troubled lover, almost overshadowing everyone else in the film. She brilliantly portrays a woman with a fascinating mix of sensuality and vulnerability, making her surprisingly endearing. Notably, Bening and Warren Beatty began a relationship during filming and later married, and they remain together to this day.
…but it Lacks Iconic Scenes and Quotes
Though seemingly different today, Bugsy and Goodfellas actually have a lot in common. However, Goodfellas has remained a classic for a reason. Despite being over two and a half hours long, the film is packed with unforgettable moments – striking dialogue, intense violence, and deeply emotional scenes. From Henry Hill’s explanation of his gangster aspirations to the confrontation between Billy Batts and Tommy, the film’s memorable scenes – like the murder sequence set to Eric Clapton and Henry’s simple meal of egg noodles and ketchup, culminating in the iconic Copacabana tracking shot – all contribute to its lasting impact.
The Levinson film, however, doesn’t fare as well. Its script relies heavily on predictable gangster dialogue. While not terrible, it lacks anything truly memorable. Scorsese’s Casino, released four years later, is a much stronger example of a Las Vegas mob movie.
Found an error? Send it info@movieweb.com so it can be corrected.
Read More
- VCT Pacific 2026 talks finals venues, roadshows, and local talent
- Lily Allen and David Harbour ‘sell their New York townhouse for $7million – a $1million loss’ amid divorce battle
- EUR ILS PREDICTION
- Will Victoria Beckham get the last laugh after all? Posh Spice’s solo track shoots up the charts as social media campaign to get her to number one in ‘plot twist of the year’ gains momentum amid Brooklyn fallout
- Vanessa Williams hid her sexual abuse ordeal for decades because she knew her dad ‘could not have handled it’ and only revealed she’d been molested at 10 years old after he’d died
- Dec Donnelly admits he only lasted a week of dry January as his ‘feral’ children drove him to a glass of wine – as Ant McPartlin shares how his New Year’s resolution is inspired by young son Wilder
- Invincible Season 4’s 1st Look Reveals Villains With Thragg & 2 More
- SEGA Football Club Champions 2026 is now live, bringing management action to Android and iOS
- The five movies competing for an Oscar that has never been won before
- Streaming Services With Free Trials In Early 2026
2026-01-24 17:06