Lansky Lansky (2021)

Eytan Rockaway's 'Lansky' (2021) is not a conventional crime chronicle, but rather a deeply introspective psychological examination of one of the greatest organizational minds in American Mafia history. Eschewing gratuitous violence or typical gangster theatrics, the film ingeniously employs a non-linear narrative, interweaving the somber present of an aging Meyer Lansky (portrayed with masterful gravitas by Harvey Keitel) with powerful flashbacks of his ascendancy. Keitel doesn't merely act; he embodies the character, revealing the intricate internal landscape of a man who built an underground empire, now confronting his legacy and unresolved regrets.

The film delves into the inherent nihilism beneath the glitz of the underworld, questioning the true meaning of power and success as mortality looms. Cinematography and lighting are subtly utilized to craft a pensive, melancholic atmosphere, mirroring the protagonist's psychological state. This is a profoundly humanistic entry in the crime drama genre, offering a nuanced perspective on a legendary figure, moving beyond common anecdotes to touch upon the very essence of human ambition and its consequences.