FILM REVIEW: 'The Drop'

James Gandolfini's final film performance in "The Drop" is nothing short of perfection. He manages to elevate his flawed-tough-guy persona to an art form in this simmering thriller set in the bowels of Brooklyn.
Gandolfini's character, Cousin Marv, owned a neighborhood bar for 10 years until Chechen mobsters took it over, reducing him to manager status. Nightly, dirty money is "dropped" at the bar and later laundered by the mob. Marv's less than happy with the set up.

Marv's cousin, Bob (Tom Hardy, nailing the accent), tends bar. Outwardly seeming aloof, Bob's guarded smile belies the sinister goings-on that he harbors deep inside. One night on his way home, he rescues a beaten pitbull puppy from a trashcan, belonging to Nadia (Noomi Rapace) who has no idea how it got there.
It's a pivotal moment in his life that will not only define his future but, ultimately, expose his past.

Everyone has a secret up their sleeve in this authentically executed story. Early on, a shady hold-up at the bar sets into play a sequence of events which keeps the audience in a constant state of dread. The twists and turns don't just play out. They catch you by surprise and shock with a vengeance.

This is Belgian director Michael Roskam's first English-speaking movie and it's a formidable piece of filmmaking. It hearkens back to the noir films of the 40s and 50s in its distinctively textured style. His camera technique of employing murky figures which slowly morph into human form mirror the evolution of his characters. It's a brilliant move.

Hardy and Gandolfini play exquisitely off one another in this terrific film. They also share a common bond in that few audiences have seen some of their finest work. Gandolfini was at his best in "Killing Them Softly" as Hardy was in "Locke." After viewing "The Drop" their amazing performances should entice film lovers to visit these unsung but unforgettable actor's repertoires.

Gifted screenwriter Dennis Lehane ("Mystic River") adapted "The Drop" from his short story "Animal Rescue." In the film, the little pitbull with the big heart is the source of salvation for Bob and Nadia. I'd like to think that Mr. Lehane had James Gandolfini in mind as he scripted this bittersweet tale.