The Drop

"The Drop" stars the late James Gandolfini, Naomi Rapace and British actor Tom Hardy in this film written by Dennis LeHane (based on his short story "Animal Rescue") and directed by Michael R. Roskam. At first glance, and certainly from the trailers, this appears to be a stereotyped gangster film toned down from New Jersey to Brooklyn with Mr.Gandolfini suitably cast as the main character. Unfortunately, actually quite fortunately for the viewer, this is not the case. The main character is, in fact, played by Tom Hardy (with a Brooklyn accent so genuine it would make my neighbors in Bensonhurst proud). Mr. Hardy is indeed a unique and exeptionally gifted performer.. Like the movie trailers, what you see initially is not what you get for Mr. Hardy’s character, Bob, is deep and caring and, although Bob himself may not realize it, a kind of knight in shining armor-type who lives in a black/white world of right and wrong.  He gives an extraordinary performance that, for no other reason, should compel the would-be viewer to go to see the movie.
Of course one must acknowledge the "elephant in the room" as the late Mr. Gandolfini graces the screen in his last film appearance and reminds us once again of that which the entertainment community lost as a result of his untimely passing. That being said, Mr. Hardy, in the vernacular of his Brooklyn film brethren, steals the film and each scene he is in. I feel confident that if Mr. Gandolfini were with us today, he, the true professional that he was, would be the first to appreciate and acknowledge that performance as much as any of us. I give the film 3 stars noting that the one star shining above all the rest belongs to Tom Hardy.