Charley Varrick

Charley Varrick is an intricate, offbeat suspense film from 1973 directed by Don Siegel, starring the outstanding Walter Matthau embodying the title role with a peppering of dark humor alongside his gritty realism. Co-stars include Joe Don Baker and Felicia Farr, who each bring their unique contributions to this compelling narrative.

The story revolves around the prodigiously shrewd and determined Charley Varrick, portrayed convincingly by Matthau who, alongside his accomplices, including Harman Sullivan (played by Andrew Robinson), plans what should have been a small-time heist aimed at a local bank in the New Mexican desert. Sporting the code name of 'Last of the Independents', Varrick is a former stunt pilot turned criminal mastermind who meticulously strategizes his every move. However, the plan goes awry when it results in an unexpectedly massive windfall, making Varrick suspicious of the actual origins of the money.

Joe Don Baker complements the narrative as the icy, merciless enforcer Molly, working for 'The Bank', referred to as a powerful clandestine organization dabbling in unlawful activities. Zoe, played by Felicia Farr, is a grounded yet intriguing character who plays an integral part in Varrick's escape plan. With the sudden influx of cash leading to dangerous criminals on their tail, Varrick realizes that he and his partners are now targeted by formidable opponents.

As Varrick and his crew dive deeper into the intrigue, they're forced to delve into their reservoirs of cunning and guile to navigate the tight corners they find themselves in. The narrative increasingly depicts Varrick as the proverbial David against a daunting Goliath. The film truly shines in its depiction of Varrick's wit and determination to outsmart his foes, keeping the audience on their toes as they follow his labyrinthine plotting.

Each scene of the film is designed for high impact, with Siegel's direction meticulously focusing on character development and narrative progression. There's a steady crescendo in tension and stakes, making Charley Varrick a cat-and-mouse caper that doesn't lose its vice-like grip over the audience.

The cinematography of the film, coupled with exceptional performances from the cast, serves to bring out the dusty yet sunlit landscapes of New Mexico and Nevada. These beautifully bleak and spare locations enhance the drama's sense of isolation and intensify the feelings of danger lurking around every corner. The movie, being very much a product of its time, also bears the hallmarks of the pervasive paranoia and cynical detachment of America in the early '70s.

Walter Matthau, in particular, delivers a compelling performance as the smart, resourceful, but also fallible Varrick. His nuanced portrayal of Varrick as a clever, resourceful rogue who's vastly out of his depth but refuses to go down without a fight resonates on a larger canvas.

On the other hand, Joe Don Baker's Molly is a compelling antagonist, unflinching and single-minded in his pursuit of Varrick. Felicia Farr’s Zoe adds an extra layer to the narrative as a multifaceted character that interacts with Varrick in intriguing ways.

Charley Varrick doesn't just stop at being a heist movie. Beyond the surface level of robbery and chase, it beautifully explores themes such as survival, audacity, consequences of actions, and the struggle between the underdog and large, faceless entities.

In conclusion, Charley Varrick is an engaging, atmospheric film that takes the viewer on a relentless journey through the tough terrains of the criminal world. The film's suspenseful storyline, coupled with the commendable performances of its key players, makes it a standout piece in the realm of crime-heist cinema. The tense narrative and its layered undercurrents ensure the film stays with viewers long after the credits roll.