King of New York (1990)

A drug kingpin is released from prison and seeks to take total control of the criminal underworld in order to give back to the community.

Director:

Abel Ferrara

Writer:

Nicholas St. John

Stars:

Christopher Walken, David Caruso, Laurence Fishburne

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christopher Walken	...	Frank White
David Caruso	...	Dennis Gilley
Laurence Fishburne	...	Jimmy Jump (as Larry Fishburne)
Victor Argo	...	Roy Bishop
Wesley Snipes	...	Thomas Flanigan
Janet Julian	...	Jennifer
Joey Chin	...	Larry Wong
Giancarlo Esposito	...	Lance
Paul Calderon	...	Joey Dalesio
Steve Buscemi	...	Test Tube
Theresa Randle	...	Raye
Leonard L. Thomas	...	Blood (as Leonard Lee Thomas)
Roger Guenveur Smith	...	Tanner (as Roger Smith)
Carrie Nygren	...	Melanie
Ernest Abuba	...	King Tito

Storyline

After completing a lengthy prison sentence, one-time drug kingpin Frank White returns to New York intent on reestablishing his empire and making things as they were before he left. Others of course have taken over the business during his absence but that clearly isn't going to stop White. While he is gunning down the opposition, he decides he's going to give away the money he'll make to modernize the hospital in his old neighborhood. Drug dealers aren't the only thing he has to worry about however: a group of rogue cops decide they are going to take him down.

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Plot Keywords:

mob boss | cult film | murder | chase | release from prison | 

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Taglines:

The cops tried to stop him their way...Now they'll have to do it HIS way.

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Genres:

Crime | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Abel Ferrara and screenwriter Nicholas St. John worked on the screenplay for 5 years. There was very little improvisation on the set.

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Goofs

In the car chase and gun battle scene where Frank is driving the limo across the bridge and cars are sideswiping each other, in multiple clips you can clearly see that the limo driver isn't Christopher Walken, but a stunt driver.

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Quotes

Frank White: [to Gilley before he kills him] Hey. You.

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Alternate Versions

Orignally rated "X", edited and changed for R rating on appeal.

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Connections

Referenced in Adjust Your Tracking (2013)

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Soundtracks

Concierto for Violin OP. 8# Autumn
Antonio Vivaldi
Arranged by Joe Delia

User Reviews

Style Over Substance

This is a strange movie. The IMDb trivia notes for the movie state that the director and writer spent five years working on the script, yet the story is disjointed and doesn't have a strong plot. The story basically follows the life of drug kingpin Frank White (Christopher Walken) after he is released from prison and re-enters the criminal world to reclaim his drug empire. However, there's not much character development and many of the characters are one dimensional. And the movie could be called over-stylized.

Yet, somehow it all works and this movie, while not a classic, could be considered a cult classic for its great cinematography, superb acting performances, tense action sequences, its cinematic risk taking and its outright coolness. For a movie shot in the late 80's (released in 1990) its ahead of its time.

Christopher Walken gives a great performance as Frank White. Many viewers who may only know Walken from his more recent appearances as "the weird but cool guy" will be surprised by the multifaceted performance he gives here. The late Victor Argo's performance as White's nemesis on the police force, Roy Bishop, should also be noted. Argo gives a note perfect, yet nuanced portrayal, of a weary, "seen it all" cop who is determined to get his man.

Wesley Snipes and Laurence Fishburne were still early in their film careers while appearing in this movie, but you can clearly see the qualities that would make them stars. Both bring depth and realism to their otherwise stock characters. David Caruso also does a great job with his character. One of the shortcomings of the movie is that there's no strong female lead... Frank White has a relationship with one of his attorney's, Jennifer (Janet Julian), but the script leaves out a lot of details (e.g., why they are together in the first place). In fact, all the women in this movie look like models which only adds to the stylized unreality the movie creates.

Finally, I have to mention the oldschool rap soundtrack which fits the proceedings to a "t".

If you are a fan of crime/action movies, "King of New York" comes recommended, but fair warning, its not your typical gangsta flick.

Details

Country:

Italy USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 January 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

King of New York

Filming Locations:

436 W. 162nd St., New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,300,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$411,597, 30 September 1990

Gross USA:

$2,554,476

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,554,476

Company Credits

Production Co:

Reteitalia, Scena International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1