Grand Theft Auto Movie: 6 Gangster Films that Inspired Rockstar in Doing the Franchise

Rockstar franchise has continuously sought inspiration from various films in developing "Grand Theft Auto." These are not ordinary titles, but gangster movies that played substantial roles in creating the whole franchise.

Many titles in the GTA series have paid tribute to these influences. Since the beginning of the century, it has always been the undisputed king in the gangster genre. It consistently offered striking mobster experiences ever since Grand Theft Auto III in 2001.

6 Gangster Films that Inspired Rockstar for "Grand Theft Auto" franchise

For eagle-eyed fans, they may find some of these details taken out from classic gangster films, as reported by Game Rant. Here are six gangster films that inspired Rockstar in doing the "Grand Theft Auto" franchise.

'Carlito's Way'

In "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City," you will find Ken Rosenberg, the crooked lawyer of Tommy Vercetti. Rosenberg, who constantly snorts coke due to paranoia and fear that he may be whacked eventually by his clients, is similar to "Carlito's Way" movie's David Kleinfeld character who is also a devious lawyer and a drug abuser. Rosenberg also looks almost like a carbon copy of Kleinfeld. However, at the end of the movie, Kleinfeld is actually beaten by his angry mob clients, unlike Rosenberg who is usually bailed out by Vercetti from any problem he is into.

'The Godfather Part II'

The Grand Theft Auto: Vice City's explosive ending suits the title, "Keep Your Friends Close," which is taken out from one of the most famous The Godfather Part II line: "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." It refers to the betrayal committed by Tommy's boss Sonny Forelli and his ex-friend Lance Vance. They seek to take over Tommy's hard-won gains.

'Reservoir Dogs'

In one of the side missions in "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City," an assassination mission that consists of finding the target and killing him after getting orders from a payphone. Mr. Black, the mysterious man on giving orders on the phone, always use a codename Mr. Teal to refer to Tommy.

In the movie "Reservoir Dogs," color-oriented codenames such as Mr. Brown, Mr. Blue, and Mr. Orange were used by protagonists throughout the entire movie to refer to diamond heist members.

'Goodfellas'

In "Grand Theft Auto: IV," Niko Bellic meets numerous Mafiosi, including Phil Bell who is a paranoid criminal. Bell constantly fears over police infiltration. In the "Catch the Wave" mission, Bell said the line, "I just keep thinking these choppers are following me."

The line is quite similar to a "Goodfellas" scene when Henry Hill though choppers follow him around, which made everyone think he is crazy. However, Hill proved he is right as got jailed.

Another inspiration from the film is the Liberty City landscape dotted with little secrets, which encouraged more exploration as they were discovered. At the back entrance of Luigi's Club is a fictional movie poster "Badfellas," which obviously references to "Goodfellas" film. In fact, the poster is made similar to the style the "Goodfellas'" poster was made.

'The Godfather'

Emilio Barzini is the principal antagonist in "The Godfather" movie who led the Corleone family to numerous misfortunes. In "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City," the player may find an Italian restaurant in Downtown named "Emilio Barzini," which obviously references to the classic film.

Also, in the Vice City mission "Supply and Demand," while Tommy Vercetti dispatches the speedboats, he delivered few lines, including "sleep with the fish." This is quite the same "The Godfather" dialogue: "Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes" as the enforcer died.

'Scarface'

"Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" is popular for taking great inspiration from the "Scarface" movie. Like Liberty City, the Vice City also contains some secrets. A pink roofed building in Ocean Beach has an exact replica of a bathroom with a chainsaw in the movie where Tony Montana will be executed.

Also, in "Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City" ending's cutscene, the antagonist Uncle Leone will mutter the line, "Every dog has his day." The same dialogue was delivered in the movie by Tony Montana as he was about to kill Mel Bernstein after his failed assassination.

Meanwhile, as players can own property in the Vice City, they may opt to buy Malibu Club, which is the most luxurious property. Its interior is a direct reference to Scarface's Babylon Club, particularly the lighting, stage, and the dance floor that brings the 80s vibe.

This is owed by Tech Times

Written by CJ Robles