Movie Scene
Brando, De Niro and Norton heist caper is jazzy tribute to trio of acting titans

By Jack Garner
Gannett News Service

THE SCORE (Rated R for profanity) * * * * (Excellent) Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando and Edward Norton are at the top of their considerable games in this rousing heist film. De Niro is a reluctant veteran thief, Norton is the cocky upstart partner, and Brando is the fence who organizes the caper. Frank Oz directs, with talent and verve. Paramount, 123 mins.

But here is a bonus: They co-star in "The Score," a finely polished, richly engrossing heist film, in the grand style of "Topkapi," "Rififi" and "Thief."

And all three actors – among the greatest of their respective generations – are at the top of their game in this Montreal-based caper film.

Frank Oz has directed with skill and verve, making a strong case to be considered for more than his amusing comedies (like "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" and "Bowfinger") or as the voice of Miss Piggy and Yoda.

De Niro stars as Nick, an experienced, cautious and successful thief who is ready to go straight.

We watch him operate with his typical talent in the film's opening, as he cleans the jewels out of a mansion – even while young lovers have a tryst in the room where he's working.

He then pulls off a calm, clever escape and returns to his home, where he operates a classy jazz club.

There Nick meets his girlfriend (Angela Bassett), pledges his love, and promises to give up thievery for an honest living as a club operator.

But that's when Max (Brando) – Nick's wily fence and long-time associate – dangles a too-attractive carrot: The chance to steal a priceless medieval scepter from Montreal's Custom House.

Nick will make millions with one final hit.

And Max even provides a partner for the reluctant Nick – the cocky and talented young Jack (Norton).

Jack has adapted the guise of an amiable but autistic janitor, and works inside the Custom House, where he has befriended the guards and uncovered the ins and outs of their elaborate security systems.

Typical of high-end heist tales, "The Score" then proceeds to offer extensive scenes of skillful, high-tech thieves at work, along with prerequisite moments of dangling suspense, and a wallop of a final twist.

Supporting performances are limited (but well-done) including Gary Farmer as Nick's veteran heavy-lifter and gofer; and Paul Soles as a nervous, nerdy computer geek whom Nick uses to help break security codes.

Adding pleasure is a subtle, low-key jazz-influenced score by Howard Shore, which brings appropriate echoes of famous Miles Davis-Gil Evans collaborations. Highly respected performers Cassandra Wilson and Mose Allison bring credibility to Nick's jazz club with brief on-screen appearances.

Despite "The Score's" fine, all-around quality, the film's raison d'etre is the meeting of acting titans. For the first time, De Niro and Brando share screen time – and neither disappoint.

Brando, in particular, is clearly having fun with this plum supporting role, and brings surprising depth and color to his four or five scenes. He remains perhaps the most electrifying actor film has ever seen.

And De Niro is not only his successor, but also his match in their scenes together.

To top it off, Norton elevates his considerable game, as well.

Fans of first-rate acting won't want to miss "The Score." Everything else in the film is gravy.

Rated R, with profanity.

Jack Garner is chief film reviewer for the Gannett News Service.