Dennis Lehane wrote the book that inspired Mr. Martin Scorsese to direct Shutter Island. It is a great movie. Messes with your mind. You already know because you saw it. Well, Lehane is at it again only switching up genres from psychological thriller to crime drama. He wrote the novelization and screenplay for The Drop. There are moments that shine throughout the 106 minute duration and then there are times where you may question what's going on exactly. Nevertheless, we cannot forget this is James Gandolfini's final film and it looks like Tom Hardy may have found another area of the screen where he excels.
Okay, what's a "drop?" Fantastic question, I'm glad you asked. In New York's bar scene, crime rules over all including the person who pours your shots. Bars act as money launderers as well as storage for other cash the mafia needs. Your name may be written in neons over the front door but always keep in mind that you are not the one running the show in this town. As the night goes on, middlemen stop by, may they order a drink, but be certain that they also make a different deposit. Actually, they drop it off for the bartender to hold until the boss comes around to pick it up. Smooth business, right. Let's just hope no one catches on to what your hiding under the whiskey bottles.
This is Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy, Warrior, Lawless). A bit of a lonely and timid guy, Bob likes going to church and working with his older cousin, Marv. They run a bar together and are a frequent stop to nightly "drops" from those who seeks deeds from the "real owners" of the bar. Bob comes across an abused pitbull puppy in a trashcan and his life changes. Nadia (a graceful Noomi Rapace) has her own dramatic and colorful history but is now a new friend to Bob and little Rocco.
Here's Marv. That's cousin Marv to you (Gandolfini. Tony Soprano. Respect). Owner of Cousin Marv's bar and (actual) first cousin to Bob. Marv's a hard-nosed person with a lot on his mind. He lives with his sister and together they worry about their dying father's medical bills. He's been in the business long enough to see rough times but he knows how to deliver a good time in a glass to those who seek (or demand) it. Don't expect too many drinks on the house from Marv, though.
When a robbery occurs at Cousin Marv's, eyebrows are raised and questions asked, especially from a nosey cop played by an annoyingly good John Ortiz (Silver Linings Playbook). An Eastern-European crime boss gets his feathers ruffled from some money lost while Marv and Bob were on the clock but that's not the end of it; other people, and animals, could be endangered as well if the next drop runs into some speed bumps.
James Gandolfini died suddenly back in 2013. Tough guy extraordinaire. It's as clear as a light beer the talent that was lost. He steals the show with his strict and rigid ways of managing a bar and his fortifying respect for family. Subtle but brutal. When the movie was over I had to painfully remind myself that he was gone even though he seemed so alive onscreen. Thank you, James. We can do nothing but learn from what you've left.
The first half of this film is superbly set up. There's a noir-eeriness that trouble could be around the corner but Tom Hardy makes you feel at home with his gentle care and innocent nature help watch out for those around him. Even though there are pent up moments reulting to be dull or anti-climactic, Hardy doesn't have to flex his muscles or throw punches to be great in this film. He very soft-spoken but even Cousin Marv advises "don't fuck with him." His performance as Bob is refreshing in a sense and he needs to truly harness these characteristics next time because there's perfection that lies ahead.
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| Hardy, Rapace enjoy coffee as Rocco hides in plain sight. |
There are not many movies that I can say I wished were longer. This was a comfortable, less-than-2 hours but it seemed to get a little fast for the senses as it drew to a close. another 15 minutes may have wrapped it up a little easier but it is still highly entertaining and a different look behind the bar. GRADE: 8.1/10
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