
I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster 2008
Samuel Benchetrit's darkly comic *I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster* (2008) dissects the delusional dreams of four wannabe criminals in a series of biting vignettes that blur the line between ambition and absurdity.
Director: Samuel Benchetrit
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster (2008) about?
This existential comedy-drama follows four aspiring criminals whose grand plans to escape their mundane lives keep crashing into reality with hilarious and disillusioning results. Each vignette peels back the layers of their misguided ambitions, revealing the gap between fantasy and the often unglamorous truth of a life of crime.
Who directed I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster?
The film was directed by Samuel Benchetrit, a French filmmaker known for his sharp wit and ability to blend drama with dark humor in unconventional storytelling.
Who stars in I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster?
The film features Anna Mouglalis, Édouard Baer, Jean Rochefort, Jean-Pierre Kalfon, and Laurent Terzieff in a standout ensemble cast.
Is I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster (2008) worth watching?
While it may not be a high-octane crime thriller, *I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster* is a clever and thought-provoking comedy-drama that rewards viewers with its unique voice and dry humor. Fans of offbeat European cinema will likely find plenty to enjoy in its quirky take on ambition and failure.
How long is I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster?
The film runs for 108 minutes, offering a concise yet impactful viewing experience packed with four distinct narratives.
About I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster (2008) — A Darkly Comic Take on Crime and Failure
Samuel Benchetrit's darkly comic *I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster* (2008) dissects the delusional dreams of four wannabe criminals in a series of biting vignettes that blur the line between ambition and absurdity. Through razor-sharp dialogue and deadpan humor, the film explores the fragile gap between desire and capability, where every heist teeters on the edge of failure and every plan unravels with existential flair. Set against a backdrop of gritty realism punctuated by fleeting moments of farce, it's a quirky meditation on failure, identity, and the absurd lengths people go to chase the illusion of power. With its offbeat charm and unflinching gaze, this French crime comedy-drama delivers laughs that sting and truths that linger.
Starring the magnetic Anna Mouglalis, the effortlessly cool Édouard Baer, and the legendary Jean Rochefort, the ensemble cast brings depth and wit to this unconventional tale of would-be gangsters. Divided into four distinct, interwoven stories, the film challenges viewers to question whether these characters are flawed dreamers or simply misfits in a world that rewards conformity. It's a fresh take on the crime genre—less about thrills and more about the existential comedy of trying, and often failing, to reinvent oneself.