The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

There are certain movies which I would classify as perfect. Now I realize that perfection isn’t actually possible in any art form, especially film, but sometimes there are those certain pictures which, when scrutinized over years of repeated viewing, prove to be bulletproof. One of the few films to fit this classification is Joseph Sargent’s The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is the story of the hijacking of a New York subway train by a group of mustachioed men who demand a hefty ransom in exchange for the lives of the hostages aboard. The negotiations take place between their leader Mr. Blue (Robert Shaw) and the always entertaining Walter Matthau as the tough, but measured Lt. Zach Garber. Shaw--who most of you will know as the grizzled shark hunting Quint in Jaws-- is an icily authentic villain, almost robotic in his resolve. He plays perfectly against Matthau’s humanistic and humorous hero. These two characters provide sturdy bookends to a film filled with a colorful cross-section of 1974 New Yorkers. The attention given to the melting pot makeup of the cast could possibly provide some measure of social commentary to the subtext of The Taking of Pelham One Tow Three, but I’ll just leave that to you. I find this movie satisfying enough as a perfectly plotted thriller.

Adapted by Peter Stone (Charade), from John Godey’s Novel; The Taking of Pelham One Two Three’s script is as airtight as an aluminum can. Every minute of this film works towards the end; whether it’s accelerating the action, crafting character, or slowly setting up the payoffs which surface in the last act. Many of these potentially mechanical moments are coupled with elements of unexpected humor or even shocking severity, which work to round out the rough edges of the plot and make the story natural and human. Beat for beat, this script is about as good as it gets.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is a breeze. It’s uncontrived, entertaining, and alive.  Do yourself a favor and check it out. It’s on Netflix Instant.