Tom Hardy has a strong filmography; Mad Max, Warrior, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, and The Revenant are just some of his best works that have highlighted him as one of the best actors working today. However, the Oscar nominee has a film on his list that’s highly underrated: The Drop. This also featured the final performance of the late and great James Gandolfini.
Tom Hardy and James Gandolfini
In truth, part of the reason this film isn’t talked about too much is that it’s similar to many crime dramas before it. However, something is engrossing about this small film. It’s well-written and beautifully shot. The reason The Drop is a cut above most films of this genre is due to the fine performances of both its leads. I started the piece by highlighting Tom Hardy’s accolades, yet The Drop is arguably his best performance. His character just feels natural and his performance feels earnest.
A decent guy caught up in the wrong neighborhood is nothing new. However, there are elements that Hardy puts into his performance that make it truly Oscar-worthy. From his deflection on the crimes of his neighborhood to his interactions with Nadia (Noomi Rapace) and his newfound pup; It never feels like a character he’s simply playing for a paycheck.
Admittedly, Gandolfini does top his performance here. He’s no stranger to playing criminals so it’s not a particular surprise that he’s able to do this with ease. However, what’s most impressive is the fact that it never feels that’s he repeating a past performance. The Emmy winner has shown his versatility as an actor in films such as Enough Said and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.
He brings that here as Gandolfini isn’t acting like a traditional gangster – he’s sympathetic but still tough and compelling. If anything, James Gandolfini was robbed of a Best Supporting Actor nomination.
The Small Story Works For The Overall Film
In scope, The Drop is a pretty small film. The plot itself is relatively simple. There’s nothing overly complicated about the story because it’s easy to see most of the beats coming from a mile away. However, that doesn’t mean a great story can’t transcend from overly familiar themes. Even though it’s small, the complexity of its themes carries the film to its compelling climax. You know that Cousin Marv’s fate was death when he made the situation worse. Bob never felt much in danger because he was going through a redemption arc.
However, the weight of the story feels all too real. It’s easy to get invested in these characters because they feel like everyday people. As previously mentioned, the story is well written and tension develops to an all-time high as it develops. I heavily praised Hardy and Gandolfini’s performances, but the entire cast does a great job with what they’re given.
A little nitpick is that Noomi Rapace isn’t given much to do. Given the context of the story, it’s understandable why she’s saddled with the abused girlfriend/love interest role. She does play an important part in Bob’s character arc, but Rapace isn’t allowed to flex her muscles beyond that, which is quite disappointing.
The Drop Is A Film Worth Checking Out
Though it’s been ten years since The Drop came out, it’s still a film well worth watching. The central conflict is engaging and there’s always tension that builds into the climax. The biggest crime may be that The Drop is predictable overall, but some of the best movies ever made are also predictable. At the very least, it’s worth a watch for James Gandolfini‘s incredible performance. The Drop is a gem that should be discussed more about being one of the best films of 2014.
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