That's the discipline
As we are introduced to the worlds of both characters, we see their reflecting methodologies. This is demonstrated by the level of craftsmanship displayed on both sides.
It is clear that this score has been meticulously planned, evident by the teams’ silent confidence (in contrast to Waingrow’s nervous chatter). When the hold-up takes place, we witness the skill with which Macauley’s team acts. There’s little dialogue, no names are used and their movements are smooth and efficient. This last point highlights their technical proficiency – when they use explosives, we see force, but tempered with control. The doors are blown off the truck, but there’s little damage to the surrounding area, or fatalities to the guards inside. In addition to this controlled force, we also see their knowledge of police procedure:
they use a radio scanner to monitor police calls
upon hearing the code 211 they set a timer, aware that they have exactly 3 minutes to complete the job
they pull stingers across the roads, showing an understanding of the standard police response, patrol cars typically being first on the scene
This demonstrates an understanding of police mindset and procedures to such a level that they could pass as law enforcement officers. This is a key point between criminal and cop, in that one must think like the other in order to stay a step ahead. What this results in, is an echoing of methodologies and an increasingly intricate relationship.
In addition to this intimate understanding of police procedure, what is most telling beyond their craft is their adherence to a code of conduct. This can be seen by the way they handle the security guards. Although they are neutralized through force, it’s done so in a clinical manner without serious injury. This methodology is impressive, as having the ability to destroy, but choosing not to, demonstrates control over power. While initially an admirable quality, it is then contrasted with the team’s capacity for violence.
In a gesture revealing insecurity and a desire to impress the crew, Waingrow shoots one of the security guards in cold blood. What follows is a character moment that is fleeting, but reverberates with meaning.
Following the murder, a second security guard reaches for his gun. In response, Macauley unleashes a short burst of assault rifle fire, ending the man’s last stand. He is efficient in his movement, and also incredibly accurate, demonstrated by the controlled burst between two people.
This shows a high degree of combat proficiency - not only in marksmanship, but in reacting to a live situation - the target was of reduced size and there was an added complication of ‘friendlies’ in the encounter. This is not a man who learned to shoot at a gun range. Instead, this is someone whose skill set was honed in armed conflict, echoing Colville’s wartime experience.
At this point in the scene, there is only one guard left, restrained and unarmed. While he doesn’t pose a direct threat, the circumstances dictate a change in the plan.
Cheritto turns to Macauley, wordlessly seeking guidance on what to do.
What may initially appear to be a moment of hesitation, actually demonstrates Macauley’s thought process.
Though the second guard was killed in a fifty-fifty exchange, this situation has a different feel to it. The remaining survivor witnessed a homicide. Witnesses increase the chance of capture; therefore, a hard decision needs to be made.
After a brief pause, Macaulaey nods confirmation. The result is a ‘Mozambique drill’, which is executed with clinical efficiency.
What is key to note here, is that this is a close-quarters shooting technique. This method requires a high level of accuracy, matched by an ice-cold nerve. These are skills found predominantly in military and law enforcement personnel due to their extensive training in firearms. The average man in the street is unable to walk up to an individual, look them in the eye, and put three bullets in them. Macauley makes the decision, and Cheritto does it in a heartbeat.
Though this sequence is shown wordlessly and without seeing Macauley’s facial expressions, we can understand his mindset through his actions. Despite the guard’s compliance, the parameters of the situation changed, and he had to be removed from the equation. Macauley’s nod was an acknowledgement of rigid cause and effect, tempered by risk vs. reward thinking. This man was almost killed less than five minutes ago, yet it did not impair his ability to function in the midst of chaos. This lack of emotional turbulence in the aftermath of a near death experience denotes an intimate familiarity with the extreme. Macauley is an individual that lives on a different plane of reality to normal people, and has complete control over his craft, regardless of the situation.
