10 Times Your Favourite Directors Totally Let You Down

10. Gangs Of New York - Martin Scorsese

Gangs Of New York Leonardo DicaprioParamount PicturesGangs Of New York is nothing close to the worst ever Martin Scorsese movie; there are others, such as Boxcar Bertha, New York, New York, and Kundun, all noticeably lesser in quality that this flick, which features the likes of Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz and Leonardo DiCaprio. And yet, in terms of feeling "let down" by a picture, this is arguably the one that takes the prize, given the sheer potential - and talent - that is on show throughout. Here's Scorsese at his least prepared, at the helm of a picture that feels like it's being made up on the spot. Where to start on the problems with this movie, then? How about with Leonardo DiCaprio, who is wholly unconvincing in the leading role? Or with the sappy love story, which feels at odds with the tone of the movie and makes ill use of Cameron Diaz? Gangs of New York was also reportedly recut and edited into something resembling incomprehension before being shaped as it appears now, but there's no denying that the movie feels messy and unfocused - despite an excellent, Oscar-worthy performance from the legend that is Mr Day. Lewis.
Contributor

Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.