Bugsy

Bugsy

Year: 1991

Runtime: 136 min

Language: English

Director: Barry Levinson

BiographyDramaCrime

In 1940s Hollywood, Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel trades East Coast power struggles for West Coast glamour, courting actress Virginia Hill while secretly building a gambling empire. But as he becomes obsessed with creating a Las Vegas haven, his reckless ambition and construction of the Flamingo Hotel threaten to engulf him in a sea of trouble.

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Timeline & Setting – Bugsy (1991)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Bugsy (1991). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film captures the vibrant yet tumultuous atmosphere of post-World War II America, a time when organized crime significantly influenced American society and culture. The late 1940s leading into the 1950s were marked by a booming economy and shifting values, which set the stage for ambitious individuals like Siegel.

Location

New York City, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills

New York City serves as the grim backdrop for Bugsy Siegel's ruthless ascent in organized crime, showcasing its gritty underbelly. Los Angeles is where Siegel attempts to expand his criminal empire and chase his dreams, embodying the allure of Hollywood. Beverly Hills, with its opulent homes, represents the peak of wealth and fame that Siegel covets.

🏙️ City 🎬 Hollywood

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Main Characters – Bugsy (1991)
Meet the key characters of Bugsy (1991), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Benjamin Siegel

Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel is a notorious organized crime boss known for his ruthless nature and ambition. Driven by a desire for status and wealth, his actions often lead to violent consequences. His complex character embodies the duality of charm and danger, as he navigates love, betrayal, and his quest for power.

🕵️‍♂️ Crime 🎭 Complex

Virginia Hill

Virginia Hill is a captivating and resourceful woman who captures Siegel's heart and becomes integral to his narrative. Despite her allure, she is marked by her own past and insecurities, often being the target of Siegel's jealousy. Her journey reflects the intertwining of ambition and heartbreak in the high-stakes world of organized crime.

❤️ Love 🎭 Dramatic

Jack Dragna

Jack Dragna is a fellow gangster who initially resists Siegel's ambitious plans but ultimately joins forces with him. His character represents the cautious yet opportunistic nature of organized crime during a time of uncertainty. Dragna's interactions with Siegel illustrate the complicated alliances within the criminal underworld.

👥 Criminal 🔄 Opportunistic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Major Themes – Bugsy (1991)
Explore the central themes of Bugsy (1991), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal weaves through Siegel's life as alliances shift and trust deteriorates among friends and associates. His relationship with Virginia is fraught with jealousy, leading to mutual deceit and tragic consequences. The ultimate betrayal comes as he faces violent retribution for his actions in the criminal world.

🌪️ Ambition

Siegel's relentless ambition drives the narrative, showcasing his desire to establish a glamorous empire through *The Flamingo*. His high-flying aspirations are met with recklessness and excess, illustrating the dark side of the American Dream. Ultimately, his ambition leads to both monumental success and catastrophic failure.

💏 Love

The passionate yet tumultuous romance between Siegel and Virginia Hill adds depth to the storyline, exploring themes of love intertwined with greed and jealousy. Their relationship serves as a catalyst for many of Siegel's choices, impacting both his personal and professional life. However, love in this context becomes a source of conflict and tragedy.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

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