Historical Films with Context: "Gangs of New York" with Ben Rubin
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This conversation will examine Gangs of New York, the 2002 epic historical crime film – directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Cameron Diaz. This movie is set in the 1860s slum neighborhoods of Manhattan amidst the upheaval of the American Civil War. Its creative team received 10 Oscar nominations at the 75th Academy Awards but won none.
Scorsese spent 20 years developing the project, inspired by Herbert Asbury's 1927 nonfiction book of the same name. Since its release, it has been both praised and criticized for its historical representation of the era. Its primary plotline follows a territory battle between two gangs – one Irish Catholic and one Protestant.
During our conversation, we will take a deeper look at the broader historical themes of the film – including 19th-century immigration, crime, class relations, industrialization, and urbanization. More specifically, we will contextualize New York City’s 1863 Draft Riots and its Tammany Hall era politics.
Led by an expert on American History, Ben Rubin, this conversation will explore the complex historical narratives which have both influenced and inspired American filmmakers. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased appreciation for this chaotic and transformative period of New York City’s history.
Ben Rubin is a public historian specializing in the American Revolution and Early America. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he holds a Bachelor's Degree in History and Political Science from Hanover College, a Master's in American History from Western Carolina University, and is a Ph.D. candidate in History and Culture at Drew University, as well a graduate of the School of Criticism and Theory at Cornell University. Ben taught history and writing at Bloomfield College for five years before leaving academia to start his own music education business, JC Instrumental. He continues to work in public history with Context Travel, leading both in-person walking tours and virtual conversations on early American history, and at Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution, where he has been a fellow since 2007. His work has been published in both academic and public history journals, and you can hear him most recently as a featured guest on the History Happy Hour podcast. He currently lives in Jersey City, New Jersey with his wife Dana, daughter Sylvie, and dog Oslo, and spends his free time playing music, rock climbing, playing board games, and following Cincinnati Reds baseball.
Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
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