This festive movie marathon has thrown up some wonderful surprises, amazing films I don’t think I’d ever have stumbled upon otherwise and another absolute beauty is up next with 1978’s The Silent Partner. This Canadian movie stars Elliott Gould, who I once stood next to in an Edinburgh cinema but was too nervous to pluck up the courage to talk to. Gould plays Miles, a seemingly meek bank teller who reveals a hidden ruthlessness when he decides to skim a pile of cash for himself during a Christmastime robbery. Things get complicated when the psychotic robber (Christopher Plummer) - who disguised himself as Santa - works out what Miles did and sets out to get the money back. Daryl Duke directs this one from a script by L.A. Confidential’s Curtis Hanson and it’s one of the greatest thrillers I’ve ever seen. It’s a taut, terrifying, cleverly put together crime thriller that keeps the audience guessing and also features a very early role for a young John Candy as a fellow bank employee.
Miles is a nice but wacky guy who fancies attractive British co-worker Julie (Sussanah York). He initially comes across as a dorky loser but that’s just so we can later be surprised by how cutthroat and supercool he becomes. It’s inspired casting and Gould is phenomenal here, playing both geekish dolt and callous schemer with equal persuasiveness.
Through excellent visual storytelling we see through Miles’ eyes as he gradually susses out that the mall’s Santa is plotting to rob the bank. Rather than tell anyone, he sets things up so he can pinch a load of cash, while making himself look like a hero.
Of course, Miles doesn’t count on Plummer’s homicidal Santa spotting him boasting on TV afterwards, figuring out he’s been duped and then coming after him with everything he’s got. This leads to some great moments of suspense, with these two trying to outsmart and outmanoeuvre each other to get away with the loot.
Plummer is fearsome, a real nasty piece of work, introduced unrepentantly beating up a hooker. It’s a scary premise - this relentless guy wants the money and he wants you dead. He stalks you, calls you from the payphone outside, lets himself into your home when you’re out. He won’t back down but what are you gonna do - go to the cops? Miles has to figure a way out of this thing and he goes to surprising, cunning lengths.
A scheme involving a pot of jam is inspired and even more thrilling when things all start to go awry. Miles stays cool and composed throughout, completely earning the right to make off with the money and the girl in the end.
It’s a gripping, engrossing film that delivers some top surprises and will make you believe that Elliott Gould can be a total badass. It’s a fantastic tale about how, when shit gets real, we find out who we really are, what we’re capable of and how far we’re willing to go to beat the odds. Think Breaking Bad. In a mall. At Christmas. But better than that sounds.
Commenti