The Brink's Job

The Brink's Job is a captivating American heist comedy film directed by William Friedkin in 1978. The film parades a stellar cast featuring Peter Falk, Peter Boyle, Allen Garfield, and others, which was inspired by real-life events - the Great Brink's Garage Robbery of 1955 in Boston.

In this comedy caper, the film's main protagonist, Tony Pino, enacted by Peter Falk, is a seasoned petty thief just released from a long stretch in prison. Flat broke and itching for a well-paying job, Pino is the embodiment of an old-fashioned, hand-to-mouth hoodsman. The film does an excellent job in establishing Tony's motivation and grit, presenting him as a disillusioned anti-hero who dives headlong into the criminal world again, against the backdrop of a seemingly complacent society.

Alongside Falk, Peter Boyle delivers an impressive performance as Pino's partner in crime – Joe McGinnis. McGinnis is an old friend of Tony's, a like-minded man with a vicious streak and a sharp wit. Boyle's skillful portrayal of McGinnis adds a potent layer to the intriguing partnership between the two main characters.

Allen Garfield plays the part of Vinnie Costa, another member of Pino's crew. Vinnie is an explosives expert who, despite his apparent loyalty, proves himself to be the joker in the pack always keeping the audiences guessing and on edge.

The film is directed by the masterful William Friedkin who artfully sets the tones of humor and suspense while bringing Pino's grand theft aspirations to the silver screen. The story, set in the late 1950s, is cleverly intertwined with the socio-political climate of the time, adding an extra depth to the narrative.

The film deftly captures the escapades and camaraderie of the thieving gang as they plan and execute a daring heist on the Brink's Garage in Boston. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at what would become famously known as the "crime of the century."

The screenplay does an excellent job framing the characters, revealing their strengths, flaws, and quirks. It also balances high stakes drama and heist movie tension, combining to evoke a layer of authenticity and relatability to the criminal ensemble. The comedy arises naturally from the situational extremes and the criminals' nonchalant attitude toward danger and potential consequences.

As the gang navigates police scrutiny, interpersonal relationships, and the stress of planning the heist, the steady back-and-forth between tension and lamentation gives the film a distinct comedic edge. The grimy, blue-collar neighborhoods of Boston lend a gritty authenticity to the film, while sardonic one-liners often punctuate the narrative, adding to its charm.

The cinematography and art direction are worth mentioning, as they successfully evoke a feeling reminiscent of the 1950s era. The production designers capture the essence of the period with their detailed and accurate portrayal of the times. The soundtrack, filled with era-specific music, complements the story with a tune-filled time capsule.

The Brink's Job is a fitting tribute to the genre of classic heist comedies. Through the innovative storytelling flair of William Friedkin and the dynamic performances of Peter Falk, Peter Boyle, and Allen Garfield, it cleverly weaves together elements of humor, tension, and drama to create an engaging watch.

Far from the usual framework of tension-laden heist films, The Brink's Job peddles humor, not only as an artful distraction but as an integral part of the narrative itself. This fact marks the distinction of the movie in the genre. It deconstructs the heroes-and-villains trope, offering instead a layered and humanizing glimpse into the lives of a band of thieves.

In wrapping up, The Brink's Job is more than just a tale about a string of heists that spiraled into one of the most significant robberies. It's about the people behind those crimes, their motivations, their relationships, and their eventual downfall. Right from the beginning through to the seamless finish, this film offers a captivating and comic ride through one of the most audacious heists in American history.