The Bank Job – 2008
*** Out of ****
Lately, it has seemed that heist thrillers have been falling into one of two groups. The first group (and usually the most common) contains films that are either so cliché ridden and formulaic they fade into the backdrop, or films that try to capture some aspect of modern society. (See the Perfect Score) The second group boasts films such as Oceans 11 and the Italian Job that have either a commanding ensemble cast or have a gimmick to distinguish them from other capers. The British heist flick The Bank Job, does not fall into either one of these categories, but instead is more of a throwback to classic robbery flicks before either of the former distinctions existed.
Directed by Roger Donaldson, The Bank Job relies more on forthwith intellect then slight-of-hand storytelling. Little about this film seems embellished, and why should it? Telling the true story about one of the most notorious unsolved capers in history, the facts of which have still not been disclosed to the public, the flick features Jason Statham as Terry Leather a down-on-his-luck mechanic who is recruited by the sultry Martine Love. (Saffron Burrows) Although married, Terry is drawn in by the allure of a big score, and the opportunity to mingle with his past flame (Love). As the plans move forward Terry and his crew of six men, each with a unique skill to offer (a staple of any heist film) try not only to untangle the series of roadblocks plopped down in front of them pertaining to the robbery, but also to uncover a sinister ulterior motive that is hanging in the air; buried somewhere within the gang. MI5, (including agent Tim Everett played by Richard Lintern) who is secretly allowing the heist to move into fruition, needs incriminating photos of Princess Margaret that are being used as leverage by a crime figure Michael X (played well by Peter De Jersey)
The Bank Job does not try to be anything more then what it is. It is simple and straight forward, but never dumbed down for the masses. This is not a thriller where you can leave the theatre for a leak, as you’ll be challenged without any interruptions. Boasting a high number of subplots that rarely fail to add something to the story add an aura of believability to the narrative. Unlike a number of films in the genre, this film is not just about the robbers, nor is it even just about the robbers and a lone dedicated man of the law. All the persons who would be caught up in such a scenario are, and we believe the unfolding of events because of this.
All those actors involved give solid performances, and Jason Statham is well suited to such a role, and is underrated as a serious actor. He always bursts with a commanding charisma, and his performance, and the reactions and emotions he draws from other characters all ring true. The class of the movie can be proven by the fact that Statham does not need to resort to martial arts to make it thrilling. The truth is, nobody (at least of the movie going public) knows what truly went down behind the scenes of the famed robbery, but Donaldson’s retelling is a perfectly suited and believable recreation of what could have happened. Even admitting they are not bank robbers, they succeed through dumb luck and an odd, but albeit successful collaboration of skills.
With the long awaited The Brazilian Job slated for release sometime in 2009, viewers will be able to see the contrast between this type and film and the former. Not to say that one is better then the other, but just to mention that a film like The Bank Job is a fun and engaging way to spend your time at the movies, and will hold its own against the heist films of the future.
© 2008 Simon Brookfield
