The Take

The Take is a classic crime thriller movie that was released in 1974, and it is situated in the realm of American neo-noir cinema. It stars veteran actors such as Billy Dee Williams, Eddie Albert, and Frankie Avalon, who are well known for their sterling performances in various roles throughout the years.

The movie positions Billy Dee Williams, known for his charismatic aura, as the protagonist, Lieutenant Terrence Sneed. Sneed is a well-weathered, cool and street-smart cop from San Francisco who is transferred to Paloma, New Mexico. Sneed's charming and smooth-talking exterior hides a complicated and complex character. What sets him apart from the stereotype of the quintessential cop protagonist is his lack of stringent moral compass which is often evident in his corrupt, but practical approach to his work.

Eddie Albert delivers the role of the business tycoon Phil K. Gaines brilliantly. Gaines is a shrewd, shifty, and starkly ambitious character who does not shy away from engaging in any form of illegal activities to safeguard his interests. He serves as the classic antagonist whose clash with our protagonist forms the crux of the plot.

Frankie Avalon, on the other hand, portrays the character of Danny James, a role that he beautifully integrates with the film's plot. His character adds an additional layer of complexity, showcasing his talent and range as an actor.

The cinematography is gritty, appropriately mirroring the grimy world of underhanded deals, and frequent palms greased to maintain the status quo. The environment of the movie is an integral character in itself, presenting the city of Paloma not as a backdrop but as a living, breathing entity permeated with corruption. The city's landscape, filled with narrow alleyways and grimy storefronts, complements the story's shady characters and murky events perfectly.

In The Take, director Robert Hartford-Davis manages to paint an exquisite panorama of deceit, duplicity, and desire by incorporating an array of thematic overtones related to crime, greed, and human frailty. The director has meticulously articulated the moral ambivalence of the world of the characters with their surroundings and situations, prompting the audience to rethink the most revered notions of good and evil, right and wrong.

The script, skillfully written by Franklin Coen and Del Reisman, adds depth and dimension to not only the storyline but also to individual character arcs. It masterfully balances exchanges packed with dry wit and heavily layered dialogues, all the while maintaining the fast-paced momentum essential for a crime thriller.

Another standout feature of the movie is its soundtrack. Composed by the talented Fred Karlin, the music brilliantly underscores the movie's historical context and resonates perfectly with the narrative's nervy tension and moments of action. Blending elements of soft jazz with intense orchestral crescendos, the resulting score enhances the film's overall atmosphere with its distinctive rhythm and melody.

Overall, The Take is an intriguing dive into the underbelly of city corruption through the eyes of an unconventional lawman. It showcases a dark world where morality becomes blurred, and survival often comes at a hefty price. Fans of crime thrillers will find this movie an immersive experience, thanks to its well-rounded characters, a compelling plot, and an atmosphere that takes you back in time to a world that though grim, stands captivating in its grimness.

From the outstanding performances of the lead actors to the astute direction and to the well-penned script, The Take is a movie that has aged like fine wine. It still serves today as an exemplary model of the American noir genre and continues to hold its own more than four decades after its original release. Fans of classic cinema, especially crime thrillers, would find The Take to be a worthy inclusion in their movie list.