Live by Night (2016)

Overview

Live by Night is a 2016 gangster period film written and directed by Ben Affleck, who also stars in the lead role. Adapted from Dennis Lehane's novel of the same name, the film takes viewers into the chaotic, dangerous, and money-drenched world of Prohibition-era America. With Affleck serving as screenwriter, director, and lead actor, the project carries his signature at every stage, giving the film a cohesive vision.

The film tells a story that begins in 1920s Boston and stretches to the sunny yet dark streets of Florida. Alongside Ben Affleck, the cast features strong performers such as Elle Fanning, Zoe Saldana, Sienna Miller, and Chris Cooper, with British actor Robert Glenister standing out as one of the notable names in the lineup. Glenister, known throughout his career for his character performances particularly in British productions, is an actor whose presence is felt the moment he steps into a scene, and he brings that same seasoned command to this film as well.

Visually, Live by Night meticulously captures the texture of the era, with its costume and production design conveying both the splendor and the danger of the 1920s at once. As a high-production-value, big-budget film, the period-specific automobiles, clothing, and settings contribute significantly to the film's atmosphere.

Plot

The story centers on a man named Joe Coughlin, who returns from World War I bearing its scars. Although he is the son of a police officer, Joe is a character who has fallen into criminal activity while carving out his own moral code. The story, which begins in Boston, gains momentum as Joe finds himself caught between rival gang leaders and drawn into a dangerous love affair.

As events unfold, Joe is forced to relocate to Florida, where he sets out to build a new business empire based on bootlegging. But in these new territories, he faces competition, betrayal, family ties, and social tensions. From the Ku Klux Klan to local authorities, from Italian and Irish gang leaders to the ghosts of his own past, Joe confronts numerous fronts.

While the film tells a classic gangster rise story on one hand, it also touches on the era's social issues such as racism, immigration, religion, and morality on the other. Joe's personal transformation and struggle with his conscience form the emotional backbone of the story.

Why Should You Watch It?

Live by Night stands out as a production that blends the aesthetics of classic gangster cinema with a modern perspective. The visual feast capturing the era's atmosphere transports viewers to the streets, bars, and hidden speakeasies of the 1920s. Ben Affleck's performance, both as director and actor, elevates the quality of the film.

The performances of the supporting cast, led by Robert Glenister, add texture to the story. The character Glenister portrays plays a critical role in the film's main storyline, becoming one of the elements that shapes Joe's journey. Every move the experienced actor makes on screen lends credibility to his character.

The film's visual design, costumes, and music also offer a satisfying experience for fans of period films. The action sequences are presented interwoven with period details, while the story's tension rises at regular intervals.

Who Is It Suitable For?

Live by Night is a good choice for those who enjoy gangster films, period dramas, and stories set in Prohibition-era America. Viewers familiar with Ben Affleck's directorial style and previous films may enjoy seeing his vision in this project.

It is also a satisfying production for those interested in classic crime dramas, themes of family and loyalty, and characters who navigate moral gray areas. However, viewers expecting a fast-paced, action-driven film may find themselves facing a different experience given the film's more atmospheric and character-driven structure.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Strong visual design and art direction that successfully captures the atmosphere of the era.

2. Ben Affleck's consistent and ambitious performance as both director and actor.

3. The depth and credibility that the supporting cast, including Robert Glenister, bring to the film.

Cons:

1. Some sections of the story feel slow-paced and the narrative can feel scattered.

2. The broad scope of the story leaves some characters insufficiently developed.

Genre and Tone

The film combines the genres of crime drama and period film. Tonally, it presents a dignified, melancholic structure interwoven with scenes of occasional violence. Carrying the glamorous yet dark air of classic gangster films, the production incorporates elements of romance and family drama to create a multi-layered narrative.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

The film runs approximately two hours, covering a broad span of time and geography during that runtime. The viewing experience may be more satisfying for a patient audience attentive to period details. Offering an immersive atmosphere through its visual richness and music, the film is suitable for a single family viewing session.

Similar Productions

• Boardwalk Empire (TV Series)

• The Untouchables (1987)

• Public Enemies (2009)

• Miller's Crossing (1990)

• Gangster Squad (2013)

• The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019)

Final Assessment

Live by Night is a gangster drama notable for its period atmosphere and visual design, standing out as a passionate project by Ben Affleck. The cast, strengthened by the contributions of experienced actors like Robert Glenister, enhances the story's credibility. Despite pacing issues and some narrative gaps, it can be considered an enjoyable viewing experience for fans of period films and classic crime dramas.