Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

If I had to choose a single film that should have become a roaring cult classic, but never did for some inexplicable reason, I’d have to go with Abel Ferrara’s 1990 offering, The King of New York. My guess (and it’s only a guess) is that it was initially poorly marketed and therefore never gained a foothold before being swamped into obscurity by Tarantino’s 90s custom-made cult flicks (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction et. al).

However, for myself and a small group of mates, The King of New York is a great film that gets watched time and time again. To sum the film up and put it in its box, The King of New York is the thinking person’s gangster film – New Jack City with depth – Reservoir Dogs without the blasé approach to violence.

Come with me on a journey…

Meet Frank White – The story

The film begins with crime boss Frank White (Christopher Walken) being released from prison after a long stint away. It’s a moody beginning as Frank ponders how much time has been wasted. As we see Frank relocated from a skanky looking prison cell to the opulence of a suite at the Waldorf Astoria, it’s revealed that Frank has big plans now that he’s out, and they don’t involve going straight. On the contrary, they involve dominating New York’s gigantic illegal drug cash cow, and then spending the money on good samaritan causes such as financing community hospitals in poorer districts of the city. It appears to be a mad plan. However, in many ways, it appears that Frank, while very intelligent, charismatic and focused, is quite mad himself.

Frank’s first item of business is to build a personal army of hoods. Illustrating his charisma is the return of Frank’s old legion of bad eggs, including Jimmy Jump (Laurence Fishburne) and Test Tube (Steve Buscemi). Jimmy in particular is quick to leap back into his old role as Frank’s psychotic gun-toting lieutenant.

In addition to his old gang, we see Frank recruit new blood to his cause. On the subway late at night with his attorney come mistress, Jennifer (Janet Julian), Frank is accosted by a group of young toughs wanting his wallet. Without a care in the world, Frank tosses them a thick wad of cash, flicks his jacket open to reveal that he’s packing, and tells them to pop down to the Waldorf Astoria if they need work. Frank’s in a hurry, and he’s not wasting opportunities.

Once his forces are gathered, Frank launches his war against the numerous heavy weights that have New York’s drug trade divided amongst them. Understandably, the incumbent drug barons don’t appreciate Frank’s claims. Therefore, with the help of Jimmy and the boys, Frank has to get messy - blood flows in the streets, and Frank’s on his way to becoming the king of New York.

Of course, the police don’t overlook Frank’s activities. In fact, Frank gains the attention of two different police elements. One that’s looking to put him away by the book, and another group (which includes the likes of Wesley Snipes and David Caruso) that feel that it’s time for a little bit of a vigilante approach to Frank’s mischief.

So we have the board set for this film to play itself out until the bitter end. Will Frank conquer the incumbent drug lords and do good things with the proceeds of his newfound empire? Will the good cops bring his ‘means’ to an end in court? Or will the vigilantes bring down the king of New York in there own way? I’m not telling, but I can assure you that it’s a wild ride that’s fast and sexy.

Three great things about The King of New York

I could list twenty, but I’m going to limit myself to just three fantastic things worth seeing in this great film.

Christopher Walken

Walken is just dazzling as Frank White. Of all of his great performances over the years, including those in Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead and A View To A Kill, this is his finest. The King of New York is Walken’s masterpiece.

As Frank, Walken delivers a multi-faceted character - one that keeps us guessing continually throughout the film. He’s touchingly generous to a loyal follower one moment, and then chillingly ruthless the next to someone that gets in his way. He’s pensive at times when considering his past and his future, and then upon making some internal decision, he explodes into manic activity.

In a role as a crime boss, Walken is refreshingly different. He’s not the stiff stereotype that we’ve seen countless times in lesser movies.

Laurence Fishburne

Whoa! Can this guy fly off the handle or what? As Jimmy Jump, he’s all over the place. A bad attitude, plus heavy amphetamine usage, plus guns, equals some very interesting scenes. Jimmy’s visit to a fast food joint for lunch is priceless. Very funny stuff!

Fishburne puts a lot of actor’s portrayals of gangsters to shame. He’s got the part down pat in The King of New York.

In particular, Fishburne works well as a contrast to Walken. Fishburne is out of control, whereas Walken is often measured. He’s also an indication of just how ‘bad’ Walken’s Frank White is. At the beginning of the film, there’s a little bit of dialogue when Jimmy and Frank first meet up, upon Frank’s release from prison. Jimmy arrives at Frank’s suite in an aggressive fashion, and drinking something out of a paper cup. The scene is tense as it seems more than likely that Jimmy’s there to confront Frank. The dialogue goes like this:

Frank: What’s in the cup?

Jimmy: (sneers) Root beer. Want some? (whereby he finishes the contents and crumples the cup)

Frank: (shakes head) There’s just some things I don’t do.

I guess you had to be there, but Fishburne compliments Walken’s main role.

The depth of the plot

Producer Mary Kane, screenwriter Nicholas St. John, and director Abel Ferrara took a lot of risks with The King of New York. Rather than opting for a sure fire plot that 14 year old kids would adore for its simplicity, they’ve gambled with added depth. Yes, there’s the main line of Frank White blasting his way to the top of the drug lord heap, but there’s also a series of intersecting plot lines that pose some interesting questions for the audience. For instance:

Someone’s going to be selling drugs in New York, why not let Frank do it? At least he’s throwing some of the rewards into building hospital wings in areas that aren’t in favor with the city’s politicians. Does the end justify the means?

The King of New York is thought provoking as well as a good romp.

Joe’s final word

For a movie with such a cast – Walken, Fishburne, Buscemi, Snipes, Caruso – it’s surprising that the budget was only US$8 million. It just goes to show that a great movie doesn’t have to use up an obscene amount of money.

What’s even more interesting is that for some reason the film’s makers had to source all of the funds overseas (Italy). It seems that Hollywood wasn’t very interested in the project.

Five stars for the courage of the filmmakers. Five stars for the film’s success. The King of New York is worthy of cult status. Go out and get it!

Cheers for reading!


~Joe


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age