i've only seen it in the theater one time, i think it would take multiple viewings to get a better sense of it.
it was very gritty and "real" if a bit fantastic (as in fantasy) but the movie played by the rules that were set up, and the performances were great.
it's a simple story told really, really well.
if you like serpico and dog day afternoon, then there's no reason that you will watch this and shake your head.
it's more ronin than reindeer games if i were to compare it to frankenheimer's later works.