A Brooklyn Dad’s Trick-or-Treating Encounter
At first, I didn’t quite grasp what a Brooklyn dad was dressed as while he took his child trick-or-treating. Once I noticed he was toting an unfinished four-pack of Modelos—just a few small beers—it clicked. He was portraying Sergio San Carlos, a character played by Benicio del Toro in a movie. When he was stopped by an officer, the dad casually admitted to having “drank a little.” The cop asked how much, and, well, as anyone with internet access might know, it’s hard to replicate that playful smirk that del Toro gives when delivering lines.
This moment offers a lighthearted glimpse into the character, adding a layer to the story. The film’s plot revolves around former revolutionary Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio) desperate to rescue his daughter Willa (Chase Infinity) from a white supremacist soldier named Stephen Lockjaw (Sean Penn), who’s trying to wipe out evidence of a past interracial relationship. Sergio, known as “Sensei” by Bob, is a local leader likened to a Latin Harriet Tubman, aiding illegal immigrants in evading ICE. His antics, including the “few small beers” moment, serve as a diversion, enabling Bob to continue his mission of saving Willa.
What stands out here is that, while del Toro’s performance is deserving of a nomination, it’s not filled with overtly flashy moments that scream for awards. Sure, he helped Bob make a daring leap from a moving vehicle, referencing writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson’s work, but compared to DiCaprio’s more exaggerated, fumbling reactions, del Toro remains grounded. Certain actors or characters are often dubbed as the heart of a film, but in this case, del Toro feels like a soothing breath of fresh air.
If he were to snag an Oscar nod, it would cap off a spectacular year for him, especially since he also appeared in Anderson’s latest film. Not to mention, this is his second collaboration with Wes Anderson, where he plays Anatole “Za Zsa” Korda in Phoenician Scheme. Korda, a businessman from the mid-20th century, navigates an intricate infrastructure deal with his estranged daughter Liesl (Mia Sleapleton), who’s on the cusp of becoming a nun. Del Toro’s understated style is well-suited to Anderson’s tone, where characters often deliver lines in a monotone yet comedic manner, with some moments of exaggerated humor thrown in.
Interestingly, Korda’s demeanor mirrors Sergio’s calm approach, but with a more self-serving twist. While Sergio assists a group of immigrants in evading a menacing task force, Korda claims to feel safe, even when facing clear dangers. His confidence suggests he can handle anything that comes his way.
Like Bob Ferguson, Korda forges a connection with his daughter throughout the film, yet their dynamics flip. In Phoenician Scheme, Korda becomes a better parent not by offering emotional support, but by learning from his daughter to let go of past greed and adopt a more positive outlook. Meanwhile, Bob has to learn to accept the challenging world his daughter operates in and give her the freedom to navigate it her way. Del Toro may not be a biological father here, but he embodies the good that provides hope during tough times, especially amidst the chaos often created by characters like Korda.
It’s refreshing to see del Toro represent this sentiment. Many of his recent roles lean toward morally grey characters, a realm in which he excels. His distinct and expressive face captures various shades of morality. Think about his roles ranging from a gangster in Sudden Movements Are Prohibited to a cold-hearted assassin in Sicario, or even a thief in The Last Jedi. He initially gained recognition for his role in The Usual Suspects, where his mumbled dialogue captivated audiences.
Although his characters may sometimes inhabit ambiguous moral territory, in Battles Continue One After Another, and even in Phoenician Scheme, he remains straightforward and charismatic. Del Toro has a captivating presence that evokes deep emotions; his unique vocal delivery in The Last Jedi is just one example. Yet his ability to give nuanced performances with subtlety is increasing. It might be small beer, as they say, but his contribution is nothing short of remarkable.
