Movies

The Most Underappreciated Gangster Series Features The Best Portrayal of Al Capone

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Many forms of cinema and literature owe their origin to Al Capone’s impact. Although he doesn’t deserve gratitude for anything else, the public persona he cultivated during the late 1920s and early 1930s created a unique image of gangsters in our collective consciousness. These gangsters were seen as cinematic heroes and larger-than-life figures, and Al Capone’s reign inspired others to follow suit. Artists and storytellers drew inspiration from him, creating fictional crime characters that mirrored the infamous gangster. This influence eventually shaped the entire gangster genre. In the initial stages of this genre, characters were primarily modeled after Al Capone but didn’t carry his name or real history. Over time, as he passed away and the years went by, more accurate and stylish portrayals of Capone emerged in various media.

Al Capone serves as a recurring character in numerous cinematic rise-and-fall gangster tales, and various renowned actors have portrayed him across different eras of the gangster genre. His real-life persona has morphed into an iconic figure that has been reimagined in countless ways. Among the notable performances inspired by him are those that strive for authenticity or entertainment. Spanning films, TV shows, and time periods, Al Capone is a character that has left an indelible mark on the screen. However, it’s noteworthy to mention that the most compelling portrayal of him on screen can be found in an unexpected place: a TV series titled “Boardwalk Empire,” which aired for five seasons on HBO. Although primarily known as a gangster series, its incorporation of historical figures is often overlooked. Shows like “Lucky” Luciano and Arnold Rothstein were unique in their blend of history and fiction. The portrayal of Al Capone in “Boardwalk Empire,” despite being a gangster series, stands out as the most captivating representation of him on screen.

Boardwalk Empire Is the Prohibition Version of The Sopranos

It Is One of the Best and Most Underrated TV Shows of All Time

Although many discussions focus on the iconic shows that emerged during the golden era of cinematic television, there are several lesser-known series that deserve more attention and recognition. These shows not only entertained viewers back then but also laid the foundation for future TV successes. One such show, now well-known, was instrumental in launching the careers of various writers who went on to create their own influential TV programs.

For instance, Matthew Weiner, a writer who contributed to several episodes of The Sopranos, eventually developed and produced Mad Men for AMC in 2007. Another significant figure who emerged from the same series was Terence Winter.

Three years following the conclusion of “The Sopranos,” his most notable accomplishment was realized when he collaborated with producing partner Martin Scorsese on their shared passion project, “Boardwalk Empire.” This production premiered on HBO in 2010. Terry Winter’s intention was to develop a prohibition-era gangster series that mirrored the essence and influence of “The Sopranos.” The series spanned five seasons before wrapping up in 2014, with its final season offering a captivating conclusion.

Fans still talk about the excitement surrounding the debut episode, as it not only ignited conversations but also earned its director his first Emmy. However, Steven Winter’s vision for Boardwalk Empire transformed it into a captivating crime drama filled with unexpected twists and turns, and deep emotional resonance. In essence, it is a historical drama minus the focus on therapy sessions. Interestingly, some viewers argue that unlike The Sopranos, which often emphasized therapy sessions, Boardwalk Empire managed to devote more attention to the diverse storylines of its supporting characters.

What stands out most in the supporting characters of “Boardwalk Empire” is their historical accuracy, with renowned figures such as “Lucky” Luciano, Meyer Lansky, and Johnny Torrio being well-developed across all five seasons. The show’s excellence is evident in various aspects, including its writing, acting, and world-building. However, one of the series’ strongest points is undeniably the outstanding depiction of Al Capone on screen.

Stephen Graham Played the Best Al Capone in Cinema History

He Is an Underrated Actor With a Ton of Great Credits

The TV series Boardwalk Empire focuses on its main character Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, who is loosely modeled after the real-life figure Enoch “Nucky” Johnson, a politician turned bootlegger. Although Nucky’s journey from corrupt politician to full-fledged gangster serves as the show’s central narrative, it also delves into the stories of other notable gangsters active during that time. Given the historical context of Prohibition, it is fitting to feature the most notorious gangster of that era – Al Capone. Throughout cinema history, Al Capone has been depicted in various films and portrayed by some remarkable actors.

Since 1959, Rod Steiger portrayed him in “Al Capone”. More recently, in a film from 2020 that was widely criticized, Tom Hardy delivered a standout performance. While the movie wasn’t well-received, his acting skills still shone brightly. Notably, other renowned actors like Jason Robards, Ben Gazzara, William Forsythe, and Jon Bernthal have also played this criminal figure. However, none of these portrayals compare to Stephen Graham’s gripping supporting role as Capone in “Boardwalk Empire”.

A significant factor contributing to Graham’s successful portrayal of Al Capone lies in the compelling narrative of the series, which offers a comprehensive character development for Capone. This is the first time viewers feel they are witnessing Capone’s growth during his early years as Johnny Torrio’s driver. The series gradually develops Capone’s character until he transforms into the iconic figure audiences recognize in the later seasons. However, it’s Graham’s acting skills that truly stand out. Being neither tall nor large like Capone, Graham creates a chilling presence, reminiscent of Joe Pesci’s roles in ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘Casino’. Size doesn’t hinder his performance because his commanding presence, dark humor, and unquestionable strength make Capone one of the most captivating characters in the series. Graham demonstrates his acting prowess, having established himself as a versatile actor over the years. He has recently gained recognition through the Netflix series ‘Adolescence’, but he has been taking on diverse roles for many decades. Between ‘Snatch’, ‘Gangs of New York’, and other works, Graham is one of the most underestimated actors of his generation, and it’s fitting that he delivers what may be the most underestimated Al Capone performance in cinematic history.

Al Capone Gets Some of the Most Screen-Time Ever In Boardwalk Empire

Many Memorable Moments Involve Him

Apart from a 1993 miniseries named “The Untouchables,” which surprisingly starred William Forsythe, who also acted in “Boardwalk Empire,” as Al Capone, “Boardwalk Empire” offers viewers more Al Capone than they’ve ever seen on-screen. In thirty-five out of fifty-six episodes, Stephen Graham’s portrayal of Al Capone dominates the screen almost every time he appears. His character arc is intriguing and often makes viewers feel sympathy for him in several instances, but he stands out most notably in many key scenes. Whether he’s telling a joke, threatening an adversary, or taking a shot, he features prominently in some of the series’ most memorable moments. Al Capone plays a crucial role in the show, and Graham was a regular cast member throughout all five seasons, from 2010 to 2014.

A significant portion of the show’s achievement lies in its skillful integration of subplots with the primary storyline of each season. For instance, Jimmy and Al’s power grabs in their respective cities early on, Nucky seeking aid from Capone regarding Gyp Rosetti, or Capone offering shelter to Eli and Van Alden in times of need – all these events consistently make Capone a crucial part of the narrative. Additionally, “Lucky” Luciano stepping up as the main adversary in the series further underscores Winter and team’s ability to keep every character significant.

In the thirty-five episodes of his portrayal, Al Capone undergoes several transformations that leave a lasting impression on viewers. Notably, he is most remembered for killing a D’Alessio brother, gunning down Gy Rosetti’s men in a fierce shootout, influencing an election through violence, and making a dramatic court appearance the day he was indicted for tax fraud. Among all interpretations of Capone in various shows, Graham’s portrayal in Boardwalk Empire stands out as the finest and most captivating.

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2025-05-05 05:55

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