Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton and Marlon Brando in "The Score."

MOVIE INFORMATION

With 10 as a must-see, Jack gives this film a: Stars: Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, Angela Bassett and Marlon Brando Director: Frank Oz Rated: R, with profanity Length: 123 minutes

ROCHESTERCRITIQUE

Having seen this film, how would you rate it? 10 5 9 4 8 3 7 2 6 1

By Jack Garner
Democrat and Chronicle

(July 13, 2001) -- As the cliche goes, I'd line up to see Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro and Edward Norton read the phone book.

But here's a bonus: The three co-star in The Score, a polished, engrossing heist film in the grand style of such classics as Topkapi, Rififi and Thief.

And all three actors -- among the greatest of their respective generations -- are at the top of their game.

De Niro stars as Nick, an experienced, cautious and successful thief who's ready to go straight. After pulling off a jewel heist in the film's beginning, he returns home to Montreal's evocative Old City, where he operates a classy jazz club.

There Nick meets his girlfriend (an attractive but underused Angela Bassett) 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 longtime 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 Jack (Norton). Jack has adapted the guise of an autistic janitor and works inside the Custom House.

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

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

Adding pleasure is a subtle, low-key, jazz-influenced score by Howard Shore that brings appropriate echoes of the 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.

But despite The Score's all-around quality, its raison d'etre is the meeting of acting titans. For the first time, De Niro and Brando share screen time -- and neither disappoints.

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. He perfectly conveys Nick's wary, world-weary approach to the job, combined with his pride at being one of the best thieves in the business.

Norton elevates his considerable stature, as well, as he shifts effortlessly between two diverse portrayal -- the confident young thief and his guise as the autistic man.

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