Final answer:
The narrative of 'American Gangster' is seen as formulaic by critics, but the performances of Washington and Crowe are noted, with Washington showing great acting within his comfort zone, and Crowe providing a foil to Washington's character.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question seeks to explore the critical perspective on American Gangster, specifically the narrative's potential lack of originality and the quality of acting by the lead actors. Critics have labeled the film's narrative as too familiar and formulaic, following conventional tropes of standard gangster films. Despite this criticism, the acting skills of the two lead characters have been assessed positively but with caveats.
Regarding Denzel Washington's performance, he is praised for great acting, yet it is suggested that he does not venture far from roles he has played before, possibly indicating a lack of risk-taking in his role selection. On the other hand, Russell Crowe's acting is viewed as a foil to Washington's portrayal, suggesting that Crowe's character serves as a contrast, enriching the dynamic between the protagonists and adding depth to the film.
It is implied that the audience's view and financial support are influential in challenging the status quo perpetuated by dominant narratives in Hollywood films. This can be seen as a call to action for audiences to utilize their influence to advocate for more diverse and representative storytelling in cinema.