King of New York 1990
Directed by
Abel Ferrara
Made by
Carolco Pictures
Plot Summary
Frank White, portrayed by Christopher Walken, is a notorious drug lord making a grand return to New York City in a luxurious limousine after his release from the infamous Sing Sing prison. The story kicks off with the cold-blooded murder of a Colombian drug dealer, Emilio El Zapa, whose death is marked by a newspaper headline announcing Frank’s release. Zapa’s associate, King Tito, finds himself in a compromising position, holed up in a hotel room with Jimmy Jump, played by Laurence Fishburne, and Test Tube, depicted by Steve Buscemi. The duo seizes the opportunity to kill Tito and his armed guards, making off with a hefty stash of cocaine.
As Frank settles into his lavish suite at the Plaza Hotel, he is welcomed back into his criminal fold by Jimmy, Test Tube, and other loyal gang members. Seeking more than just a return to power, Frank aims to become the mayor of New York City and recruits his lawyers, Joey Dalesio and Jennifer, played by Paul Calderón and Janet Julian respectively, to help him make connections with influential figures like Mafia boss Arty Clay. During an intense subway ride, he encounters muggers and, rather than resorting to violence, opts to give them cash, suggesting they could find jobs at the Plaza if they want.
Joey heads over to Little Italy to secure a meeting with Clay but is humiliated when the don urinates on his shoes, signaling disdain for Frank’s ambitions. Undeterred, Frank confronts Clay at his social club, asserting that he desires a slice of Clay’s profits. When Clay insults him, Frank retaliates by killing him. As he strides away, Frank offers Clay’s men a chance to work at the Plaza, an audacious declaration of power.
The plot thickens as the NYPD narcotics squad, represented by Detectives Bishop, played by Victor Argo, Gilley, portrayed by David Caruso, and Flanigan, played by Wesley Snipes, take matters into their hands. They drive Frank to an isolated lot to reveal El Zapa’s corpse stuffed in a trunk. When Frank stands firm and refuses to confess, the detectives resort to violence, leaving him there. Meanwhile, Frank sends Dalesio to make a deal with Triad leader Larry Wong for a vast cocaine shipment. Larry demands a hefty upfront payment, but Frank suggests they team up for mutual benefit, which Larry ultimately rebuffs.
As tension escalates, Jimmy and several of Frank’s men are apprehended. Frank learns of their capture and dispatches his lawyers to secure their release. Determined to eliminate threats, he orchestrates the murder of Larry and his gang in Chinatown, reclaiming the cocaine they were after. In an ensuing clash, the detectives disguise themselves as drug dealers, leading to a violent confrontation at a nightclub. Many of Frank’s men fall, but he and Jump manage to evade their pursuers, albeit with chaos brewing around them.
Tragedy strikes when Gilley shoots Jimmy, marking a personal loss for Frank. Grief turns to vengeance as Frank retaliates against Gilley at Flanigan’s funeral, proving that his desire for power is unyielding. However, the body count continues to rise when Frank places a bounty on the heads of detectives involved in his case. In a tense showdown with Bishop at the detective’s apartment, Frank explains his murderous actions were driven by a moral stance against the human trafficking and child exploitation linked to his rivals. When Frank escapes to the subway, a final, deadly encounter with Bishop ensues. As the movie nears its conclusion, Frank, hit by a bullet in the chaos, finds himself cornered in a taxi in Times Square. Surrounded by the police, he succumbs to his injuries, closing his eyes and letting go of his tumultuous life.
Timeline
Frank's Release from Sing Sing
Frank White, a notorious drug lord, makes a grand entrance back into New York City after being released from Sing Sing prison. His return is marked by headlines in the newspapers, announcing both his freedom and the murder of a rival drug dealer, Emilio El Zapa.
Murder of Emilio El Zapa
The film kicks off with the cold-blooded murder of Emilio El Zapa, a Colombian drug dealer. This event sets the stage for the ensuing chaos and power struggles within the drug trade.
King Tito’s Downfall
Following Emilio's death, his associate King Tito and his armed guards are ambushed by Jimmy Jump and Test Tube. The duo seizes the opportunity, killing Tito and stealing a significant stash of cocaine in the process.
Frank's Reunion with Gang Members
Upon settling into his luxurious suite at the Plaza Hotel, Frank is welcomed back by his loyal gang members, including Jimmy and Test Tube. He intends not only to reclaim his former glory but also to expand his ambitions toward political power.
Frank's Political Ambitions
Frank reveals his intention to become the mayor of New York City, formulating a plan to connect with influential figures, including Mafia boss Arty Clay. He recruits his lawyers, Joey Dalesio and Jennifer, to assist in his quest for power.
Confrontation in Little Italy
Joey Dalesio seeks to establish a meeting with Arty Clay in Little Italy but is embarrassed when Clay disrespects him by urinating on his shoes. Despite this humiliation, Frank is determined to assert his influence over the Mafia.
Frank Kills Arty Clay
After facing ill treatment from Clay, Frank boldly confronts him at his social club. The situation escalates quickly, resulting in Frank killing Clay outright, demonstrating his ruthless ambition and desire to control the drug trade.
NYPD's Intervention
In a dramatic turn, NYPD narcotics detectives apprehend Frank, showing him the dead body of El Zapa stuffed in a trunk. When Frank refuses to confess under pressure, the officers resort to violence, leaving him in a precarious situation.
Failed Deal with Larry Wong
Frank sends Joey to negotiate a deal with Triad leader Larry Wong for a substantial cocaine shipment. However, the deal fails as Larry demands too much, rejecting Frank's proposal for cooperation and mutual benefit.
Murder in Chinatown
Determined to remove any threats, Frank orchestrates the murder of Larry Wong and his gang in Chinatown. He successfully reclaims the cocaine that they were pursuing, solidifying his power and influence within the criminal world.
Detectives Disguise as Dealers
The NYPD detectives adopt the guise of drug dealers to infiltrate Frank's operations. This leads to a violent confrontation at a nightclub, resulting in significant losses for Frank's crew while he and Jimmy manage to escape.
Tragedy Strikes with Jimmy's Death
The tension peaks when Detective Gilley shoots Jimmy, leaving Frank devastated. Enraged by the loss of his ally, Frank embarks on a path of vengeance against Gilley during Flanigan's funeral, highlighting the personal stakes involved.
Bounty on Detectives
In response to the escalating conflict, Frank places a bounty on the heads of the detectives that have challenged him. This decision underscores his commitment to eliminating his enemies as he seeks to maintain his grip on power.
Final Showdown with Bishop
In a tense confrontation at Bishop's apartment, Frank explains his actions were fueled by a moral opposition to his rivals' human trafficking and child exploitation. This complex motive adds depth to his character but ultimately leads to further violence.
Frank's Demise in Times Square
As the film draws to a close, Frank faces his fate after being injured in a chaotic confrontation with police in Times Square. Cornered and succumbing to his wounds, he reflects on his tumultuous life before closing his eyes for the last time.
Characters
Frank White
Frank White is a complex character portrayed as a ruthless drug lord determined to reclaim his power after prison. His charm masks a cold-blooded ambition that drives him to eliminate rivals and bend the criminal world of New York City to his will. His moral code, although twisted, suggests he sees himself as a savior against greater evils, which complicates the audience's perception of him.
Jimmy Jump
Jimmy Jump is a loyal associate of Frank White, characterized by his street smarts and cunning nature. As a key player in Frank's operations, Jimmy navigates the dangerous underworld with a mix of bravado and loyalty. His unexpected death adds emotional layers to the story, highlighting the brutal consequences of their criminal lifestyle.
Detective Gilley
Detective Gilley represents the law enforcement perspective within the chaotic narrative. He is part of the NYPD's narcotics squad, determined to bring down Frank and his operations. His actions are often driven by a sense of justice, but ultimately lead to a tragic confrontation with the criminals he seeks to apprehend.
Setting
Time period
While the film does not specify an exact year, it captures the essence of New York City during the late 1980s. This was a time characterized by rampant crime, the rise of drug lords, and the cultural shifts leading to the vibrant yet dangerous urban narrative depicted in the film.
Location
New York City, Plaza Hotel, Little Italy, Times Square, Chinatown
The film is set primarily in the vibrant and gritty environment of New York City, a hub of crime and culture. Key locations include the luxurious Plaza Hotel, which serves as Frank's base of operations, and Little Italy, famous for its rich Italian cuisine and community. Chinatown plays a crucial role in the drug trade within the movie, while Times Square serves as the dramatic backdrop for the film’s intense conclusion.
Themes
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Power
The pursuit of power is a central theme in 'King of New York,' as Frank White's ambition drives him to manipulate and eliminate anyone who stands in his way. His quest to become the mayor highlights the intersection of crime and politics, revealing how power can corrupt and lead to violence. The film starkly portrays the lengths one will go to secure and maintain authority in a complex world.
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Justice
Justice is portrayed from multiple perspectives in the film, raising questions about morality and legality. Frank’s justification for his brutal actions stems from a perceived moral imperative to eliminate rivals involved in human trafficking and exploitation. The conflict between the NYPD and Frank illustrates the gray areas in the fight against crime, prompting viewers to ponder the nature of justice.
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Tragedy
Tragedy unfolds throughout the narrative as personal loss drives characters to extremes. Frank's emotional arc is marked by grief over the death of friends, manifesting in a vengeful pursuit that ultimately leads to his downfall. The film encapsulates the inevitable consequences of violence, leaving a haunting impact that lingers long after the credits roll.
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