There’s an old saying that truth can be stranger than fiction, and various crime dramas can vouch for this. Numerous celebrated shows and movies in this genre draw from real-life crimes; these true events range from terrifying serial killings to egregious financial scams and comprehensive insights into the world of organized crime. As impactful as top-notch true crime documentaries, these narratives interweave elements of legality, morality, and humanity, ultimately delivering a deeply disturbing viewing experience. This is a rundown of superb films that are, indeed, based on actual events.
In 2019, a critically applauded gangster epic, the ninth joint effort between actor Robert De Niro and director Martin Scorsese, shed light on the life of Frank Sheeran (played by De Niro). Sheeran, initially a trucker, allegedly became a mafia hitman and later got entangled with the infamous Bufalino crime family in the 1950s and subsequently, the influential Teamster Jimmy Hoffa (portrayed by Al Pacino).
The narrative in question garnered Oscar nominations and boasted an impressive cast that also included Joe Pesci, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, and Harvey Keitel. The storyline is rooted in the 2004 factual book, I Heard You Paint Houses, authored by Charles Brandt.
Another monumental film in the genre of investigative journalism is a 2015 American drama that offers a glimpse into the Boston Globe’s ‘Spotlight’ team. These are real-life investigative journalists (played by Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, and Brian d’Arcy James) who exposed a significant child exploitation scandal within the local Catholic Archdiocese.
Though the film adopted some creative freedom in narrating the story (for example, certain events were depicted as having occurred earlier than they did in reality), the Best Picture winner at the 2016 Academy Awards based its storyline on real published articles by the Spotlight team.
The film, set between the 1970s and early ’80s, was an era when Las Vegas was under mob rule. Another Scorsese masterpiece was adapted from the factual book, Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, penned by Nicholas Pileggi. Mirroring the book’s narrative, the movie trails the life of Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein (played by Robert De Niro), a low-rank mobster who was assigned by his superiors to manage operations at the Tangiers Casino.
Rothstein’s career is complicated by the intriguing personalities he mingles with, including mafia executioner Nicky Santora (Joe Pesci) and fraudster showgirl Ginger McKenna…
No matter the film genre, narratives that draw from true-life happenings carry a particular intrigue. Crime dramas, specifically, are lent an additional element of truth and authenticity, making the viewing experience all the more thrilling. These movies deliver an understanding of various significant historical and real-time events, blending fiction with reality.
In a broad sense, these movies reflect the sheer complexity of society and the darker undercurrents that often remain hidden. They play a pivotal role in highlighting the breakdowns within our justice system, the man-eating allure of power, and the often devastating impacts of organized crime.
These films offer audiences a chance to familiarize themselves with both the world of gritty journalism and the terrifying underbelly of organized crime. They highlight the lengths that some individuals are willing to go, and the atrocities they are ready to commit, in the pursuit of power and control.
While the creators often use creative liberties to make stories more accessible and engaging for audiences, the true essence of these real-life events is not lost. Instead, these narratives manage to capture the raw struggles, daunting adversities, and ground realities of the individuals involved.
Artistically, these dramas serve as a stark reminder of the fine line that separates the truth from fiction. Their influence goes beyond simple entertainment, often igniting conversations and debate regarding the societal issues they explore.
Using real events as an inspiration allows these dramas to create authentic, relatable characters and scenarios. This not only makes for good cinema but also helps shed light on important events from our past and present.
Ultimately, films that draw inspiration from real events offer a blend of entertainment, education, and a unique glimpse into our society’s complex fabric. They represent a crucial facet of the filmmaking craft, underscoring the power of cinema as a tool for conveying truth and laying bare humanity’s most profound and darkest corners.
The post The Reality Behind Crime Dramas: A Closer Look appeared first on Real News Now.
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