The Bank Job

A very fun caper film by NZ-born director Roger Donaldson. One of those films that say they are "based on a true story". This always raises the qestion: how much is true? I find that frustrating. If most of this film is true, then it is quite a hair-raising scenario for democracy, and it makes you think that some of the conspiracy theories about Princess Diana might be worth another look!

Still, this is a skilfully directed film, with a complex story well told. The design aesthetic has something strangely televisual about it - it made me think of the British TV caper series "Hustle". But the script, by British TV veterans Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement, is very tight, the film is extremely well-edited, and the stars do well - Jason Statham is warmly believable and Michael Jibson stood out in a smaller role as Eddie Burton, one of the crims. But what has happened to Saffron Burrows?  She looks like Julie Christie does now!

A most satisfactory Friday night type film.