- A camera-zoom heavy Cold War 1970’s spy film—pales in comparison Day of the Jackal (also 1973) or Three Days of the Condor but an interesting picture nonetheless. It does feel like John le Carr.
- The two leads- Burt Lancaster and Alain Delon (aided by a talented Paul Scofield) back for a little 10 year reunion after 1963’s masterpiece The Leopard
- A great shot at the 39 minute mark—dust in Vienna (shot there and DC/Virginia) right when the street lights turn on with Lancaster’s broad shouldered back facing the camera.
the cat and mouse spy narrative takes us from location shooting in Vienna to DC/Virginia
- A story of cat and mouse, dueling spies—but mutual respect between the two. Lancaster aptly cast as the wily veteran with a few tricks left up his sleeve and Delon as the talented, handsome but peculiar up and comer with cats in his apartment
- Long chases like French Connection– Lancaster’s athleticism pays off- even at this age
Long chases like French Connection– Lancaster’s athleticism pays off- even at this age
- Nihilistic and cynical- appropriate ending for the two spies and Winner quickly takes us to the final credits abruptly. Well done
- Recommend but not terribly close to the top 10 of 1973- closer to the fringe
Is there any need to archive unknown films like these when The Score(2001) a movie starring Brando and De Niro is not in the archives.The Score may not be the best film of 2001 but still a decent film which is far more interesting and relevant than this one.
@Janith– this is not a convincing argument– “far more interesting and relevant”.
I don’t actually think people even know this one even exist.This isn’t a hidden gem like Pornographers(1966) either.Meanwhile The Score has a lot going for it.The last chance to witness the most talented actor of all time.The last good role of De Niro before he went to self parody throughout the rest of the decade.If you are picking the most vital and best films to archive and leave out The Score that’s okay but if Scorpio is in the archives The Score must make the archives as well.A meeting between two acting giants.
@Janith- Scorpio has more redeeming qualities. Listed above. That’s why it is in. The Score isn’t great– a fine little movie. They’re close in quality– but Scorpio is slightly superior- that’s why it is in.
You are focused on the auteur theory way too much.Frank Oz is not a great director.But The Score is a better film than you think.Maybe deserves another look.
@Janith- this argument doesn’t make sense here though. Scorpio isn’t an auteur-driven film
But something like Sanshiro Sugata Part 2 is an auteur driven film though you only included it because it was directed by Kurosawa.The Score(2001) is certainly better than that.
@Janith– No– Sanshiro Sugata Part 2 is the superior film
I’m amused by the notion that Drake would somehow be biased against a film featuring Brando, DeNiro, and Norton… three of his top 50 actors of all-time (and 2 of his top 3). My guess is it’s the sort of film he would have gone into with some level of excitement and given a fair shot.