Gangs Of New York
Madman Scorsese has been aching to make this sprawling revisionist epic since the 70s, when he cast The Clash as one of the gangs. Thank god it was postponed. Instead we get softboy Leonardo as a vengeful linchpin and an incongruous Cameron Diaz as a pickpocket, lost amid the hats and hatchets. Only Daniel Day-Lewis’ extravagant turn as Bill The Butcher, stalking the fledgling city like a Faustian stick insect, can compete with the overwhelming sets and obsessive attention to detail. Note: it’s nearly three hours long, so take a flask and sandwiches. Jonathan Carter 09 January 03

useful link: www.gangsofnewyork.com