The best dressed movie gangsters
Words: Charlie Thomas
It’s a well-known fact that gangsters are some of the best dressed men on the planet. Well, not really, but these movie wise guys would certainly lead you to believe so. The gangster genre is one of the most coveted of all and has produced some truly memorable characters, and outfits. Read on to discover how the former implemented the latter, you lousy schmuck.
JOHN DILLINGER, PUBLIC ENEMIES (2009), , The quintessential gangster get-up, here Mr Depp’s John Dillinger opts for a statement double-breasted overcoat, featuring heavily padded shoulders and wide peak lapels, for an entirely dominant, commanding look. His tilted fedora only adds to the mystique, as does the loosened tie, which tells us he must have had a rough day in the ‘office’.
CHARLIE ‘LUCKY’ LUCIANO, BOARDWALK EMPIRE (2010-), , Although not technically a movie, the characters on HBO’s award-winning drama Boardwalk Empire are always impeccably dressed. Charlie Luciano – played by Vincent Piazza – generally favours a three-piece suit, the likes of which looks great in this deep navy hue. His accessories are always on point too, but he never goes over-the-top, choosing instead to implement subtle patterns through his ties and pocket squares, which perfectly complement his expertly tailored-wear.
FRANK LUCAS, AMERICAN GANGSTER (2007), , There’s a pivotal moment in American Gangster when Frank Lucas’ gets photographed wearing a chinchilla coat, bringing him to the attention of the police and blowing his covert cover. A gift from his wife, the coat was a huge departure from the classic suits Lucas took pride in wearing throughout the rest of the film, like this double-breasted example here. Anchored by a simple tie and showing just the right amount of cuff, this is a look you can easily add to your own wardrobe. Just remember, ‘the loudest one in the room, is the weakest one in the room’.
SAM ‘ACE’ ROTHSTEIN, CASINO (1995), , Robert De Niro has played countless gangsters throughout his 50 year career, but his role as Sam Rothstein in Casino is one of his greatest, in more ways than one. His clothing choices throughout the film reflect his audacious character, but we particularly like this more understated, slim-fitting check suit. The matching shirt/tie/pocket square combination is a bold one, but when you’re De Niro you can practically pull anything off.
MICHAEL CORLEONE, THE GODFATHER PART 1, 2 (1972, 1974), , The best-dressed gangster of all time though, has to be Michael Corleone. Forgetting the third film, Al Pacino looks plain incredible during his time as the seminal character, wearing minimal suits that perfectly complement his frame. Here, he demonstrates that a well-tailored grey suit should be a regular feature of every man’s wardrobe. Notice the soft, lightly padded shoulders and modest notch lapels – they lack drama and allow his menacing persona and imposing good looks to take centre stage.
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