'American Gangster'premieres as the HBO Blockbuster of the Month

Media News

Delhi, April 22, 2009

In this month of the Hollywood Premiere League, HBO brings television premiere of the crime film American Gangster on 24th April only on HBO Blockbuster of the Month. Featuring an Oscar winning star cast and directed by Academy Award nominated British director and producer Ridley Scott, the movie is based on the true story of the man who ran the illegal drug trade in New York's Harlem 40 years ago.

Frank Lucas is a powerful and respected member of the social elite. Intelligent and observant, Lucas is responsible for the widespread drug addiction running rampant on the streets of Harlem. Detective Richie Roberts is an outcast cop and a womanizing boor, but is also the only cop willing and capable to take on the burgeoning drug problem. American Gangster is an epic crime drama which analyzes the social milieu of Harlem and raises thought-provoking questions on the pursuit and validity of The American Dream.

Character Description:

Academy Award Winner American actor and director Denzel Washington portrays Frank Lucas, a real-life gangster from Harlem who smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War.

Australian actor and musician Russell Crowe portrays Detective Richie Roberts, a detective attempting to bring down Lucas' drug empire.

Watch Oscar nominated American actor Josh Brolin as Detective Trupo in the movie.

Movie Trivia:

Russell Crowe requested tape recordings of Richie Roberts speaking in order to match his voice mannerisms accurately.

The story was first inspired by an article in New York Magazine written by Mark Jacobson. He was introduced to the real Frank Lucas by author Nicholas Pileggi.

Ridley Scott recalls that this production was one of the most massive undertakings of his career. There were 360 scenes filmed in over 180 different locations.

The film was nominated for the 2 Academy Awards for the Best Art Direction and Best Supporting Actress for Ruby Dee. It was nominated for the Golden Globe Awards for the Best Motion Picture – Drama.

For more information on HBO log on to www.hbosouthasia.com.

For further information, please contact:

IPAN

Arpita Bhatia/Rohit Chauhan

Tel: 011- 42492100

E-mail: arpita.bhatia@ipan.com/rohit.chauhan@ipan.com