The Drop

The genre of crime drama has certainly been around since year one as it's been a mainstay for film fodder for juicy plots and meaty roles for actors. I could list an array of films that embody this genre, but suffice it to say, the list would be endless ,so let's skip that. We've seen so many of these films that finding new and original ideas can and has been difficult. In viewing "The Drop" this took a premise that has been done before, but goes into more depth of its seedy underbelly world of 'dirty money'.

This is a crime drama that chronicles lonely, withdrawn bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) through a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters-- 'money drops' in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini), Bob finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighborhood's past.
There is a subplot whereas Bob inadvertently finds a hurt dog, whom he later names Rocco, thrown in a trash can for dead. He enlists help from the owner of the house, Nadia (Noomi Rapace) to advise him what he should do. You will find this is an integral part of the plot as the two plots start interweaving and connecting in ways that will surprise.

Others to round out the cast are Matthias Schoenaerts as Eric Deeds, John Ortiz as Detective Torres, Elizabeth Rodriguez as Detective Romsey, Michael Aronov as Chovka, Michael Esper as Rardy, Ann Dowd as Dottie, Marv's older sister, James Frecheville as Fitz, Morgan Spector as Andre, Tobias Segal as Briele, Chris Sullivan as Jimmy and Patricia Squire as Millie.

Considering this guy has only one other theatrical film credit to his name, director Michael R. Roskam ("Bullhead" '11) effectively helmed this story. certainly Hardy has played roles similar to this before, however the steely looks, aloofness, austerity that Hardy displayed was carried out well I feel to the credit of this director. He will undoubtedly receive more film work. It was written by Dennis Lehane ("Mystic River" (novel) '03, "Gone Baby Gone" (novel) '07, "Shutter Island" (novel) '10) based on his story "Animal Rescue". As I've mentioned in other reviews, novelists aren't necessarily screenwriters, and with this film it rings true. Now, this doesn't mean that it was poorly done in that it was well written, but there were too many places in story that were clearly not answered--ones that needed answers. To name these places would give an integral part of the plot away, suffice it to say, it will leave you asking questions by the film's end.

The main reason for seeing this is for the consummate performances of Hardy, Rapace, Schoenaerts, and especially the now late Gandolfini which makes and has made his roles look effortless. Trust me, it's difficult to feel sorry for anyone in this with the exception of Nadia and the dog, Rocco, but as you are very patient with this script, you will then know why.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                             Rated: R                              106mins.