The Score is a film about robbery but it is not like the typical “cops and robbers” stuff. It also has nothing to do with very mediocre “Ocean 11”. The Score tells us about the life of a professional robber who specializes in stealing various valuable objects like jewelry, antiques and so on. He has strict rules that he follows unbendingly. Nick made these rules resulting from his experience. The rules are simple: do not steal in the town where you live, do not risk too much. And perhaps that's the reason that he was always a success, he owns a club, he has money, he has never been caught.
But one day his old friend Max who provides him with job offered him an affair that went against all Nick's rules. Quite a risky enterprise and in the town where Nick lives. First he refuses but later as one can expect agree. And as usual this happens to be the last robbery he would commit. Quite a good guy is this Nick in fact.
The deal is complicated by the fact that Max gives Nick a youth named Jack Teller to help from inside the building where the robbery should take place. Jack specializes in security system and has other talents as well. Nick used to work alone but the affair indeed required an assistant so they start to work together. And it is not quite clear how it will end…
This is a very good film. The process is shown from the beginning till the end with all the details, all the dialogues. The dialogues are brilliant. The acting is perfect. I am not a big fan of De Niro but in this film he is really magnificent. I noticed one thing about him though: Robert should not play definitely positive characters (like in The Sleepers, for example). It's just not his style. He is disgusting. But when he acts as a bad guy or kind of in between, then he is usually good. In this film he is brilliant. Just as we can imagine a professional robber would look like.
Max is played by Marlon Brando, another interesting role that is well acted. One can think that Brando lost his fire but he just has to stick to proper roles. And this one is really good: old fat Brando is Max, a dealer of stolen antiques.
The young lad, Nick's assistant is played by Edward Norton who became noticeable after such movies as Keeping the faith and especially Fight Club. His acting is superb: it includes act within the act, a masterful portrayal of a young lad who is eager to do something to prove that he is not worse than old wolves. The kid who is eager for respect from others but has to master lots of skills, develop understanding and gain experience. Psychological nuances are portrayed very well.
It is strange that the film never gained popularity but on the other hand it's not so surprising. It is subtle. There is practically no action in it, but the pace is dynamic. It is concentrated about one event that is shown in all the details. There are surprises in store and the title can give us a hint.
It is highly recommended as an enjoyable and entertaining movie. It is well-crafted and has an excellent acting in it.
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