Blu-ray Review of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)

      The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, 1974.

      Directed by Joseph Sargent.

      Starring Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, and Héctor Elizondo.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Four armed individuals hijack a subway car in New York City, demanding a ransom for the passengers' release. The police face a dilemma: even if they pay the ransom, how will they apprehend the hijackers?

      Joseph Sargent's The Taking of Pelham One Two Three exemplifies efficient filmmaking. Running just over 100 minutes, it features a real-time hostage plot and showcases a cast that delivers impeccably nuanced performances. Importantly, it highlights that thrillers shine brightest when grounded in character and setting. While the movie revolves around a hijacked train, it serves as a love letter to a deteriorating New York City and its cynical, quick-witted residents striving to maintain order.

      Adapted by Peter Stone from John Godey's novel, the narrative is surprisingly straightforward. Disguised and led by the meticulous Robert Shaw, four men board a subway train. They detach the front car and take the passengers hostage, demanding one million dollars within an hour or lives will be lost. Despite the seemingly absurd premise, the execution maintains credibility, tapping into the essence of 1970s urban America, where bureaucratic stagnation, economic hardship, and increasing crime converged in fluorescent-lit concrete tunnels.

      Walter Matthau portrays transit officer Lt. Zachary Garber, providing the film with its grounded, human essence. Gruff and cynical yet oddly warm, Matthau's performance is quietly brilliant and feels true to life. He portrays the hero not as a swaggering tough guy but as a weary civil servant striving to ward off chaos with a radio and a tired joke. Robert Shaw, as the hijackers’ leader “Mr. Blue,” complements him perfectly. Shaw’s concise, almost clinical delivery fosters a menacing aura devoid of theatrics—just a calm threat.

      Remarkably, the ensemble cast feels vividly portrayed, even in brief glimpses. From Jerry Stiller’s straightforward supporting role as Garber’s colleague to Martin Balsam’s disgruntled ex-train operator, everyone feels integral. Even the passengers, painted with broad strokes, evade the clichés typical of disaster movies. They show fear, sarcasm, and quiet heroism, appearing as authentic individuals.

      Sargent’s direction is marked by clarity. The pacing is consistent, the spatial layout is always clear, and the tension escalates naturally from the situation rather than spectacle. His touch is light yet precise, allowing humor to surface organically. A recurring joke regarding the mayor's fear of being booed is not only amusing but encapsulates the film’s theme of civic dysfunction. The city is deteriorating, and everyone is aware, yet they still report for duty.

      David Shire's score, infused with jagged jazz rhythms and growling horns, injects energy into each scene. It stands as an exemplary cinematic composition—propulsive, dissonant, and perfectly aligned with the action. Coupled with Owen Roizman's gritty cinematography and Gerald Greenberg's tight editing, it imparts a momentum that feels contemporary.

      The Arrow Blu-ray release enhances the film's strengths with a solid selection of extras. Featuring a 'then and now' look at the movie's locations and interviews with various commentators and individuals associated with the film, it requires a considerable amount of time to explore fully. The reversible sleeve and collector’s booklet add a special touch.

      Although The Taking of Pelham One Two Three has inspired remakes and tributes, none have captured the energy, wit, or the original’s raw charm. It transcends being merely a great thriller; it serves as a snapshot of an era, a space, and a city perpetually on the brink. It remains an absolute pleasure to watch.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Tom Atkinson – Follow me on Instagram