Small Time Gangster

Small Time Gangster is an Australian television series that was aired on the Movie Extra channel in 2011, starring Steve Le Marquand, known for his robust performances in movies and television. The show artfully blends elements of crime, drama, comedy, and wit, and reveals the complex life of an ordinary family man wrapped in the sophistication of criminal undertakings. The narrative meanders through both the tedious suburban life and the exciting underworld, creating a comedic dichotomy that fuels its appeal.

Steve Le Marquand plays the central character, Tony Piccolo, who appears to be an average family man on the surface but conceals a dark and secretive life. By day, he's seen as a responsible father and a devoted husband, however, as the sun goes down, Tony morphs into "Mr. Fix It", an eminent enforcer for a local crime syndicate operating in Melbourne's shadows.

Tony's dual life forms the crux of Small Time Gangster, where the mundane ordinary world often collides with the danger-filled underbelly of crime. The show beautifully depicts this contrast, presenting the dilemma faced by Tony every so often. Tony's moral compass often spins wildly as he tries to separate his dangerous night job from his daytime duties as a family man. As he delves deeper into the world of organized crime, keeping up this double life gets increasingly complicated and risky.

What enhances the audience's interest in Small Time Gangster is its comedic undertone. Even in precarious situations where life and death hang in the balance, the lacing of humor never abates. The Australian dark comedy, in all its glory, is evident throughout the series, making it a unique one amongst the cluster of crime-related dramas. Tony's life, embedded with the intensity of a crime drama and punctuated with the entertaining wit typical of comedies, forms a roller-coaster ride of emotions that keeps the viewers hooked.

The strongest suit about this series is the powerful performance by Steve Le Marquand playing the lead role. He impeccably portrays the contrasting emotions associated with his intricate character. On one hand, he embodies the quintessential suburban dad, and on the other, he flawlessly manifests the ruthlessness required of a syndicate enforcer. Le Marquand's portrayal of Tony is intriguing, highly engaging, and naturally contributes significantly to the popularity of Small Time Gangster.

Furthermore, the show's strong supporting cast comprises various characters, each contributing to the narrative's intriguing turn of events. Characters, such as Tony's clueless wife, his fellow workers in the underworld, and his seemingly vapid neighborhood friends, create intriguing sub-plots as the story unravels, bringing in diverse dimensions to the narrative, making it even more impactful.

One of the most significant facets of Small Time Gangster is the successful interweaving of the two contrasting worlds - one revolving around family, domesticity, and the daily humdrum, and the other focused on danger, crime, and the constant haunting of getting caught or killed. The way these two worlds fuse and conflict, sporadically, captures an honest depiction of Tony's intricate life, making viewers sympathize with him one moment and fear him the next.

In the realm of cinematic aesthetics, Small Time Gangster doesn't shy away from using the vibrant cityscape of Melbourne as its backdrop. The city's dual nature, similar to Tony's life - peaceful by the day and buzzing by the night, adds another layer of depth to the story's portrayal. The cinematography captures the essence of Melbourne, a city that silently nurtures a thriving underworld within its calm exterior.

All in all, Small Time Gangster is more than just a television series; it's a journey through the paradoxical life of a man grappling with his dual existence. Set in the realm of suburban mundane and underworld crime, it examines the quintessential hard choices that come with living a life on the edge, mixed with the hearty Australian wit and comedy. Its humoristic approach within a risky business scenario sets it apart from other crime dramas, making it a must-watch for anyone who relishes an unconventional combination of genres, packed with spell-binding performances.