Cast
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Jason Statham
as Terry Leather
Saffron Burrows
as Martine Love
Stephen Campbell Moore
as Kevin Swain
Daniel Mays
as Dave Shilling
James Faulkner
as Guy Singer
Andrew Brooke
as Quinn
Michael Jibson
as Eddie Burton
Georgia Taylor
as Ingrid
Richard Lintern
as Tim Everett
Peter Bowles
as Miles Urquhart
Alistair Petrie
as Phillip Lisle
Alki David
as Bambas
Hattie Morahan
as Gale Benson
Julian Lewis Jones
as Snow
Rupert Frazer
as Lord Drysdale
Crew
Director
- Roger Donaldson
Producer
- Charles Roven
- Steven Chasman
- Aaron Shuster
- Mairi Bett
Reviews
The Movie Mob
**The Bank Job appears to be a face-paced exciting robbery and espionage film. While those things did take place, it was long, slow, and not as flashy as hoped.**
With Jason Statham as the lead, I expected The Bank Job to have fight scenes and car chases. It did not. Compared to other Statham flicks, The Bank Job was slow-paced and more dramatic than action-focused. Some of the pacing results from the story being based on an actual bank robbery in 1971. As intriguing as that is, it also made the story drag on. The heist takes place halfway through the film, with a full hour of runtime before the end. The robbery's aftermath is filled with political maneuvering and negotiation between several dangerous groups interested in the contents of the safe. With an hour to tie up all the loose ends, the ending somehow felt abrupt and disappointing. The Bank Job has a few cool moments, but even with a strong lead like Statham, it was average at best.
Sep 16, 2022
CinemaSerf
Based on a true story, Jason Statham does his usual as struggling car dealer "Terry" who is alerted to an opportunity to get rich quick by "Martine" (Saffron Burrows). She knows that a safety deposit box facility is going to be without it's alarm systems for a week or so and therefore if they can assemble a skilful team and... yes, think "League of Gentlemen" (1960) only with tunnelling. Now "Terry" doesn't really stop to answer the obvious question - where did "Martine" get this information? Millions of pounds of cash and jewels in these well protected boxes, well of course - but what else might they contain? Who, as importantly, is likely to get a bit narked if their precious cargos are appropriated. Success will come at a price, and that is something that soon descends on them all once they end up with considerably more than the bargained for. This might have worked better with a stronger supporting cast, but neither Burrows nor a motley collection of British regulars really add much to this vehicle for a star who has charisma on screen and a glint in his eye - but that can only take a film so far. This is quite a dry, procedural heist drama that, like so many of the genre, is more fun in the planning but that peters out once the execution and it's aftermath kick in. It's enjoyable enough to watch, and you can only imagine just how many secrets - state or otherwise - are or were holed up in facilities like these all around the world. Somehow, though, this just doesn't ignite nor live up to it's potential and is all a bit flat and forgettable with not enough action and some seriously banal dialogue.
Feb 13, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Bank Job examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Roger Donaldson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2008, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Bank Job took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $20.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 112 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 172 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1571 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Bank Job shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Out of the Past, which focuses more on action than character development, The Bank Job subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Pulp Fiction and Pink Flamingos explore similar territory, The Bank Job stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 28, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Revenue: $64,828,421
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