Gangster Squad Story Analysis: Plot Summary & Character Arcs
Deep dive into the narrative structure and emotional journey of Gangster Squad.
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, Gangster Squad is a Crime, Drama, Action, Thriller film directed by Ruben Fleischer, written by Will Beall. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Josh Brolin as John O'Mara.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Los Angeles, 1949. Ruthless, Brooklyn-born mob king Mickey Cohen runs the show in this town, reaping the ill-gotten gains from the drugs, the guns, the prostitutes and — if he has his way — every wire bet placed west of Chicago. And he does it all with the protection of not only his own paid goons, but also the police and the politicians who are under his control. It’s enough to intimidate even the bravest, street-hardened cop… except, perhaps, for the small, secret crew of LAPD outsiders led by Sgt. John O’Mara and Jerry Wooters who come together to try to tear Cohen’s world apart. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: Gangster Squad establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Ruben Fleischer introducing Josh Brolin as John O'Mara in the opening act, and over its 113-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Josh Brolin's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Josh Brolin's arc reaching resolution. Ruben Fleischer's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.