Review of The Drop (2006) by David M — 19 Feb 2015

Animal Rescue.

As a Dennis Lehane fan, I chose to see The Drop over Interstellar, The Imitation Game and other big draws. Yes, I read the book of the film, so I knew what to expect. I had low expectations of a nearly 100% foreign cast pretending to be from Brooklyn, directed by another European. But Lehane wrote the script, so that was good enough for me.

Idiotic reviewers say that this is well trod territory, but it is most definitely not. This is the redemption story of a pit bull named Rocco, and also the lead character, the seemingly dim and distant Bob. He tends bar for Uncle Marv, a shady fat man played by the huge Gandolfini (the only American with s genuine accent!) and trouble is brewing. After Bob rescues a beaten pit bull puppy and befriends Nadia (Rapace) things start to go bad for all those at Uncle Marv's Bar (now owned by Chechen gangsters). It is a drop, a place where gambling money is gathered for this mob. 2 jerks rob the bar of $5,000, but this is just to get everyone looking the wrong way for the big robbery. Bob turns out to be more than almost everyone bargains for and in a way 'no one can see coming' as one character says at the end.

This is like a George V Higgins novel, like Cogans Trade or the Friends of Eddie Coyle - a slow burn, smart dialogue, shady characters, and a tightly wound plot.

The good news is Tom Hardy holds the screen like Eastwood used to, all sullen looks and silence, as Bob. Who cares if you can't recognise what part of Brooklyn or Planet Earth he is from? Gandolfini looks like he is going to explode (he did shortly after the shoot) and grounds the film in the place. All the minor characters are great, including Rocco the dog.

This is my kind of film. It is moody, short, tightly plotted, well played, surprising and humble. I only wish it was made by Americans with an American cast. I was relieved it was so good, and I urge you to see it.

Up there with the best this year, believe me.