1. I liked the non-linear style of storytelling here. To be frank, till yesterday I believed it was something the became popular after 'Pulp Fiction'. It works more in the second half than the first half when the heist is actually in operation.
2. Time is not wasted on building characters as only the important are focused upon. I liked this idea. Not a reel is wasted!
3. The narration is very effective in helping the viewer through the non-linear plot. I don't like thinking every few minutes after a scene change to figure where the story is now.
4. Never heard of Sterling Hayden before? Doesn't matter! His no-nonsense style of mouthing his lines is just perfect for this film. He displays no emotions and is to the point which are perfect qualities for mastermind of the heist.
5. If this movie were to be made today then stuff like technology, over characterization and unnecessary exploitation of women would have hindered the flow of the film. Not here though. I like this James Hadley Chase style of storytelling. Wearing clown masks during the robbery was enough. Every single gun to be used in the operation had to be planned for. One could drive through town with a couple of million dollars in bag made of cloth. The same money could become checked-in baggage while flying a airplane. Such simple but exciting heists so convincing shown make me believe a few men with guile would be enough for a robbery unlike the planning and execution of a modern 'Swordfish' or 'Ocean's Eleven'.
5. The pace of the film has to be credited. It builds up and carries till the last scene. The intensity just goes up, up and up till the credits roll.
6. At 83 minutes this is as taut as it can get. Absolutely no slack here.
7. Two doubts I had during the movie,
a. What's the purpose of the old man asking Hayden to come with him after the robbery?
b. What was he doing loitering around the bar during the operation? I thought he was supposed to stay at home. Was it to distract us into thinking he'd be the one to foil the plot?
RATING: 4/5
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