Review of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) by Paul G — 07 Jun 2007

The taking of pelham 1 2 3 - one of the great crime movies of the seventies.

Director Joseph Sargent of TV fame scored an alltime high with this nailbaiter of a heist-movie. Four goons set about hijacking one of New Yorks el-trains, hence the film's title. In return for the passengers safety, the hijackers demand one million dollars to be paid within the hour. The four goons who each refer to themselves as Mr. Blue, Mr. Green, Gray and Mr. Brown, are dead serious in their undertaking. And when the police start stalling, they show their resolve by indescriminately executing passengers. In other words, this film is not for the faint of heart.

The films? premise is exciting, but it's hardly groundbreaking in itself. What makes The taking of pelham 1 2 3 click with the audience, is the share talent involved and they all manage to shine. The film is devoid of any superstars. Character actors populate every single role, from the stars to the supporting parts. And what actors! Legendary actors Robert Shaw and Walter Matthau head the cast. Robert Shaw, who forever will be remembered for his part as the salty seaman Clint in "Jaws", gives a restrained, yet powerful performance as the lead hijacker, Mr Blue. Just by looking at him, you'll immediately understand that this guy means business. Take my word for it!

Walter Matthau is another standout as the New York Transit Police chief hot on the hijackers trail. His scene with a Japanese delegation visiting the New York Transit Police Headquaters is unforgettable. That alongside the funky pulsating score made by David Shire sort of sums the New York psyche: cynicism coupled with in your face honesty.

The two virtues that have made New York the capital of the world.

And lest we not forget the editing. Modern moviemakers have a thing or two to learn about editing. In The taking of pelham 1 2 3 speed is of the essence. Everything is about meeting the timetables set by the hijackers and the clock is ticking. If Joseph Sargent and his editor hadn't been able to convey the sense of urgency that was taking place, the film would simply have bombed. When watching the film I urge every movie buff to pay close attention to how the money delivery sequence is played out. It's a stroke of genius.

I can recommend "The Taking of pelham 1 2 3" to anyone who enjoys moviemaking at its finest. To me, the seventies is the last golden era of Hollywood. Granted, there are still great movies being made in Hollywood, but the MTV style editing that has come to prevail among modern directors like Tony Scott and Antoine Fuqua, is putting my nerves to the test. Films like "Training Day" and "Man on Fire" in particular are examples of this new breed of filmmaking. If you enjoyed these and thought of them as great, you'll probably be better off seeing something else.