Warning: Contains spoilers for American Gangster!
American Gangster is director Ridley Scott’s account of the life of real-life mobster Frank Lucas, but it leaves one of the most incredible Frank Lucas and Richie Roberts stories after the release of the gangster. Denzel Washington’s performance as Frank Lucas became one of the most well-known actors, with his role in American gangster Being one of his most iconic. However, one major detail about Washington’s character is left out American gangsterAnd it is one of the most interesting parts.
American gangster Not only does it star Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas, but it also stars Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts, another real-life figure. In the film, Richie Roberts stands up for what’s right by calling out corruption in the police department, something that gets him in hot water with many of his fellow officers. Although Richie is pursuing Frank Lucas for most of the filmFate featured a massive twist for both real-world people.
Richie Roberts later became Frank Lucas’ lawyer and the godfather to his son
The two stayed connected after the events of American Gangster
at the end of American gangsterRichie Roberts makes a deal with Frank Lucas, with the magazines ratting out corrupt police officers and other members of organized crime in exchange for survival. however, American gangster Doesn’t quite go into the fact that Richie Roberts became a defense attorney after his detective work was done, with Lucas being his first client. Through Roberts’ work, Lucas got a shorter sentence than he otherwise would have, with him being released in 1991.
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Interestingly, this is not the end of Roberts and Lucas’ connection. The duo remained close after the events of American gangsterWith Roberts even becoming the godfather to Lucas’ son, Ray (via The Washington Post). Roberts paid for Ray to go to Catholic school, showing that there is a lot more story for Roberts and Lucas after the credits roll. American gangster.
How accurate is American Outlaw to Richie Roberts and Frank Lucas’ real-life relationship
The film is mostly inaccurate according to those involved
generally, American gangster was criticized for being inaccurate to real life, with it making many changes to the actual story. Frank Lucas has said that very little of the film is true, while Richie Roberts has stated that elements such as the custody battle are not true to real life. Moreover, Lucas’ role in exposing corruption in the police departments seems to be overblown, although he became an informant for Roberts after the events of the film.
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However, the dynamic of their relationships seems to be mostly true, with their partnership at the end of the film actually happening. So, although the specific details may be altered, American gangster Captured the reality of how Roberts and Lucas interacted.