Cast: Christopher Walken, John Ortiz, Cyndi Lauper, Vera Farmiga, Donal Logue, Peter McDonald, Jose Zuniga, Tom Noonan
Director: Myles Connell
Producers: John S. Lyons, Tim Perell
Screenplay: Myles Connell
Cinematography: Teodoro Maniaci
U.S. Distributor: First Look Pictures
The Opportunists is a character study masquerading as a heist movie. Although the plot follows a clearly-defined path with little room for side trips or detours, the element that keeps viewers interested isn't the crime, but the presence of the central character, Vic (Christopher Walken). With his flawed-yet-noble personality, Vic is the kind of guy it's hard not to pull for - a former safe cracker who spent nearly a decade in jail and is now on the straight-and-narrow. The Opportunists presents Vic non-judgmentally, and doesn't cloud our impressions of him with melodramatic reactions from other characters. People react to him in a natural, low-key manner.
When the film opens, Vic is seen plying his new, honest trade: fixing cars. He is surrounded by people he loves, or at least feels a responsibility for: his girlfriend, Sally (Cyndi Lauper), who understands him; his adult daughter, Miriam (Vera Farmiga), who doesn't hold it against him that he was in prison for most of her formative years; and his aunt, whose space in a Catholic nursing home he pays for. But making ends meet is tough, and Vic is beginning to realize that "the regular citizen thing is not going too good." Enter cousin Michael Kelly (Peter McDonald) from Ireland, who has hooked up with a couple of local armored car security guards, Pat (Donal Logue) and Jesus (Jose Zuniga) Presenting a united front, the three of them come to Vic with a "can't miss" proposal involving a safe and a lot of loot. And Vic finds himself sorely tempted.
Those who saw Paul Newman's most recent film, Where the Money Is, may find a few similarities to The Opportunists, although this movie concentrates less on the crime than on the man committing it. Nevertheless, there are some fascinating heist-related scenes, including a lengthy practice session in which Vic stays up all night reducing the time it takes for him to crack the combination (there's a six minute limit before an alarm goes off). Then, when the actual event transpires, things go in a refreshingly unanticipated manner. It's nice to find a movie capable of dumping a surprise or two on the audience.
For actor Christopher Walken, this represents a rare chance to essay a normal, everyday guy. Vic is not a violent man, nor is he prone to displays of temper. Walken carefully underplays the role, never showing so much as the slightest sign of psychopathic tendencies. It's a calm, studied performance that affirms Walken to be an actor of some range, not just a good match for flashy, over-the-top parts as villains (his bread and butter over the years). It's surprising how quickly and effortlessly he sheds his image-related baggage by climbing into Vic's skin. The supporting cast is equally low-key, with each player turning in a competent but not scene-stealing performance. Cyndi Lauper, following the leads of numerous other singers who have moved into acting, is credible as Sally; Peter McDonald shows a roguish charm as Michael; John Ortiz is suitably gruff as the police detective with his eye on Vic; Tom Noonan is his usual weird self; and Vera Farmiga complements her work as the "mystery woman" in Autumn In New York with another solid effort.
Writer/director Myles Connell, making his feature debut, orchestrates a leisurely pace and modulates the film's tone to incorporate humor, drama, and a little suspense. However, those expecting a twisty, convoluted caper movie in the tradition of The Sting will come home disappointed. The Opportunists employs a straightforward storyline in order to allow the characters - Vic in particular - to breathe. This understated approach works well on its own terms, and illustrates that a heist movie (even one featuring Christopher Walken) doesn't have to be in-your-face to be effective.
© 2000 James Berardinelli