The legend of Robin Hood re-imagined as a contemporary hardcore New York crime fable by bad by auteur Abel Ferrara, “King of New York” stars Christopher Walken (in his first of what would be several collaborations with Ferrara) as Frank White, a former drug lord who’s just been released from Sing Sing and is determined to control the New York underworld. With his effortless charisma, ruthlessness and almost supernatural ability to survive even the most dangerous situations, Frank takes on both the Mafia and the NYPD in his quest for power, ruling the streets from his suite at the Plaza Hotel – and becoming a greatly admired and respected community figure as he shares his vast wealth with local hospitals and other charity organizations. Ferrara continues to explore his usual themes of guilt, morality and mortality (with a generous helping of his familiar religious imagery), painting a portrait of a tortured soul who is never, ever an “easy” villain; the director insists that the death and destruction White instigates can barely be compared to the damage he’s inflicting upon his own damned soul. The supporting cast is a “Who’s Who” of some of New York’s finest thespians and Ferrara regulars, including Laurence Fishburne, David Caruso, Wesley Snipes, Victor Argo, Paul Calderon, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Janet Julian, Frank Adonis and Giancarlo Esposito. – IFC Staff
King of New York
