The Score [DVD] [2001]

The Score is no different in that respect in that it stars Robert De Niro as a craggy old world weary thief, persuaded to take on one last high risk job before retiring. Ed Norton plays the rookie understudy scamming his employers by posing as Brian, a man with a disability and learning difficulties. Of course Robert De Niro's character Nick, always works alone and doesn't trust anybody but he is persuaded by his camp bloated old fence, Max (Marlon Brando) to work with Jack (Ed Norton). You see Max (Brando) is in up to his eyeballs in gambling debts and is likely to be forcibly shuffled off this mortal coil unless he comes up with the money, Jack (Norton) is working on the inside and Nick (De Niro) is the only man with the knowledge and the skills to get the job done.

Like most heist movies it's a bit of a slow burn build up, it's all about building up the tension until showtime. Inevitably there are a few scares along the way and Director Frank Oz (yes that's right Yoda, or at least the voice of Yoda) does a decent job in building up the tension. Of course one of the great draws of this movie is Frank Oz's coup in getting Brando, De Niro and Norton all on screen at the same time in the same movie. Brando was in his day was considered to be the world's greatest living actor, a mantle De Niro has carried for the past 20/25 years. Edward Norton is not far behind and is generally considered by many (including myself) to be the greatest actor of his generation on the back of great films (American History X, Fight Club) and great performances (Primal Fear, Rounders, Keeping The Faith, The People Versus Larry Flynt, Everybody Says I Love You). Robert De Niro is of course reliably good but not at his brilliant best and it is Ed Norton in the dual role of Jack and Brian who has the meatiest part and adds some energy and vitality to the whole production. Marlon Brando's role however, is something of an oddity. It's not much more than a cameo and its something that he could do in his sleep, which is just as well because it looks like that's exactly what he did.

If there are any criticisms to be levelled at The Score it has to be on the basis that it really is a by the numbers crime caper and lacks none of the originality or vitality of something like Reservoir Dogs and nor does it really take full advantage of its AAA list cast. The opening sequences whilst interesting, perhaps lack the action and intensity you might wish, although they do serve as an insight into Jack's MO (he always works outside the country, he always plans meticulously, doesn't take chances and is never greedy). That said The Score is enjoyable first and foremost for its excellent cast and the opportunity to see them share screen time. Secondly the last forty minutes of the movie where we eventually get to witness the heist are excellent; the heist is great edge of your seat stuff and there are plenty of unexpected twists and turns and an excellent climax. Ultimately though, you are left with the feeling that you've seen this all before and done better. It's more like that trusty old arm chair, warm and comfortable rather than new and exciting. That said it's an enjoyable yarn. Good rather than great BUT still well worth a watch.

Frank Oz's movie, The Score retreads this familiar story but what really elevates it above the normal offering for the genre is of course the actors involved and what a cast list it is. De Niro, Brando & Norton. A Method acting marriage made in heaven & quite possibly the 3 greatest actors of their generation.

De Niro is Nick Wells, jazz club owner by day, expert thief by night who longs for a quiet life with his girlfriend (played by Angela Bassett). However soon an old buddy comes calling (Brando), offering him the job of a lifetime - to steal a valuable sceptre from the Montreal Customs House. Once the job is done Nick can return to his new life. However it's not going to be easy - not only is the building security extremely tight but he's going to have to work with a young pretender determined to prove himself as a expert thief (played by Norton).

What the plot lacks in originality it more than makes for it with sheer class. The big heist is well set up and executed and it really is such a joy to watch old pros like Brando & De Niro together at last. However its Edward Norton's performance that almost steals the movie alternating between master thief and a clever masquerade as a mentally challenged cleaner to gain access to the Custom House. He proves beyond doubt that he's more than a match for the Method masters.

However if we must be critical perhaps the movie just lacks that a bit of spark, that extra bit of drive & excitement at times. A few more action set pieces would have been gratefully appreciated but overall it's a minor quibble.

Verdict:

A comfortable way to spend a few hours watching great actors at work. The Score elevates itself above the normal run of the mill heist movie through sheer Method acting class.