Gomorrah (2009)

“Gomorrah” breaks the mold of gangster films. It takes what we know from the glimmer and cool factor of mob classics such as “The Godfather” and splatters seemingly real-life blood and guts in our face. The Italian-language drama feels so authentic, so you-are-there journalistic, it’s startling to re-read the “Martin Scorsese presents” title card on a second viewing. Directed by Matteo Garrone and based on a expose book that earned its author death threats, “Gomorrah” is a multi-arch/character epic focusing on the bagmen, peripheral workers, wannabes, mothers, and children living and dying under the thumb of a new mafia. The rules of old are gone. The Godfather has left the building. The one true mob boss we meet is bed-ridden and unaware that his time is over. It’s every man for himself. Stand outs include two gun-crazy youths (Marco Macor and Ciro Petrone) addicted to violence and the banter of DePalma’s “Scarface,” but fully unaware of true consequences, and a tailor (Salvatore Cantalupo) who crosses racial boundaries. The violence is startling and whiplash fast, and the story written so large and complex, it takes at least two viewings to fully encompass. An amazing work of art. A