As I aimlessly navigated through a sea of TV channels, I found myself pausing at an airing of “Friedkin Uncut”, a movie I had previously enjoyed and critiqued. During this revisit, I watched Quentin Tarantino discuss his take on the significance of casting in film production. He suggested that perhaps, 80% of a film's success rests on casting choices.
Inspiration struck during the screening of a recently launched movie, "Fast Charlie," directed by Philip Noyce, with a script penned by Richard Wenk. This film, adapted from Victor Gischler’s novel, travels the well-trodden path of the mobster contemplating retirement. The plot revolves around the protagonist, Fast Charlie, a mob fixer maneuvering through criminal repositioning that might retire him more permanently than he had planned.
The charm in "Fast Charlie" comes not from the novelty of its plot, but from its compelling casting. Pierce Brosnan nails his performance as the Biloxi-based mob operative, Charlie Swift, delivering a charismatic show with a Southern accent that's just as broad as the Mississippi River. Positioning his character in a junkyard at the start of the film, he sets the tone with his voiceover: "I always thought my life would end in some godforsaken place, from a bullet I didn’t see coming. But I never thought I’d care.”
A cinematic chain of events unfurls, beginning with Charlie taking out a man named Rollo on the orders of his bosses, Sol and Stan, who are angling to help a young upstart, Beggar. Charlie's motley crew introduces us to characters like ‘Blade', who quickly earns the nickname ‘Donut’, and Marcie, a compelling taxidermist and Rollo's ex, masterfully played by the subtly charming Morena Baccarin.
Life in Charlie’s criminal world takes a turn when the ambitious Beggar stirs trouble, leading to a bloody criminal coup. Brosnan’s character elevates the film with high doses of sardonic humor and delivers one-liners that resonate with the audience.
Respected director Noyce’s meticulous implementation ensures the vibrant cast's talents are used to their full potential towards a satisfying resolution. Although "Fast Charlie" won't be taking the cinematic world by storm, it provides a thoroughly engaging watch for your average evening.
In my tenure as chief film critic of Premiere magazine, I've seen many films. The thrill of "Fast Charlie" lies not in its innovative storyline, but in its exceptional casting and how these actors bring the characters to life. This movie is an homage to the power and importance of casting, following the words of Quentin Tarantino. Sizeable credit is due to director Philip Noyce, without whose skill the talents of this capable cast might have gone to waste. Sometimes, refinement can be found within the walls of a tried and tested genre.
