An overlooked gem...

Nick Wells (De Niro) is a veteran safecracker tempted into one last score that will set him up for a new life as a jazz bar owner and a husband to his beautiful girlfriend (Bassett). His backer (Brando) is in desperate need of paying off his own backers, and Nick, feeling a sense of loyalty coupled with the temptation of a four million dollar payout, agrees to the job. Young upstart Jack Teller (Norton) is brash and bold in his enthusiasm for the job. He is the one who cased the building, a customs house, that contains a virtually impenetrable safe which houses an invaluable gold scepter. Egos clash, and eyes shift throughout the film as both of them plan out in meticulous detail how they will steal the treasure.

The viewer is treated to a caper film that does not cheat by using extreme coincidences. We are aware at all times of the risks, the plan & the timing. Many films in this genre revert to unintelligible shootouts, unbelievable physical acts, and ridiculous coincidences in order to see their protagonists safe. I appreciated that this film was patient in the way it showed me everything. No scenes were cut short, in MTV style fashion, in order to create excitement. Everything was supremely clear to me, and that created more tension than any John Woo action sequence ever has. Frank Oz directs this film with a sure hand and we know we are in the hands of a truly professional director that won't leave us disappointed at the end.

The acting, as you can guess given the cast, is sublime. Even Brando, who has disappointed a little in his few select roles over the past fifteen years, was exquisite. He is at the same time funny and sad. We feel that for all of his greed and cocksureness he is a lonely and desperate man. Robert De Niro is as good as always, rarely does he disappoint. His Nick Wells is smart and sure, careful and paranoid. His nose for trouble clues us into the fact that nothing is quite as it seems. Edward Norton, who must now be considered one of the great young actors bound for a long and powerful career, is a master at creating a character that can be loved and hated at the same time (see Rounders). Angela Basset is underused, as always, but what little screen time she has here is powerful and memorable.

The score of 'The Score' is a haunting jazz medley that really accompanies the pace of the film. Whereas films like 'Face Off' and 'Mission Impossible II' have loud, fast and incomprehensible soundtracks, this film is reflected in its choice of music.

Perhaps we see the plot twists coming a little too early, but that is really stretching for a flaw that really isn't there. The resolution (the final minute of the film) is a little rushed. It doesn't seem to match the patience of the entire film.

A caper film is almost by definition a popcorn movie. 'The Score', however, does it's best to elevate itself to something higher and more meaningful. I really appreciate it for it's attention to detail... there isn't a hole to be found in the entire plot... how rare is that?

© Written by TC Candler

How We Rated This Film TC Candler - A- Richard Propes - B- Jacob Hall - B-

Richard Propes' Comment

"The Score" proves, once and for all, that Marlon Brando was a really big star. Unfortunately, his performance here is largely forgettable and it has been years since we've seen a Brando performance worth watching. Edward Norton carries this caper flick, with moderate support from a DeNiro who feels resigned to the mediocrity of the film.

Jacob Hall's Comment

The biggest draw to "The Score" is that it features some of the best actors from three generations of thespians: Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro, and Edward Norton. Sadly, Brando does little more than mumble and look like a beached whale, and DeNiro, while good, never really reaches the standard he has set throughout his career. Thankfully, Norton keeps things afloat with a brilliant performance.