On The Drop

The Drop is a nostalgic film, it has low key wintery, Brooklyn locations, simply filmed, but effective for the story. Thematically, it explores small time crime, bordering the organised, but staying closer to those occupying a liminal position. In these ways it brings to mind films such as Clockers (1995), A Bronx Tale (1993) and Donnie Brasco (1997). The oxymoron is that while feeling nostalgic The Drop manages to seem very fresh, contextually. This film is about story and characters and goes to lengths to negate the star power of those involved. Gandolfini seems to be playing to his Sopranos type, before making slight shifts to become something different, while Tom Hardy is remarkable, showing Locke (2013) was no fluke. Here he disappears into the role, communicating all the subtleties of his character (named Bob, mundane and deliberate) with the greatest of skill. No masks, no strange costume, no larger than life back-story, just great writing and directing. Plus, for those who can speak the language of cinema, his character’s conclusion may not be surprising, but it certainly is enjoyable. The Drop is a film to emerge yourself in and enjoy.