THIEF - a film by Michael Mann (includes trailer)
August 26th 2010 14:00
Thief - written and directed by Michael Mann
There is a shot in Thief, where we see over the front of a shiny Cadillac, as it moves through the streets at night time. The lights from glitzy hotels, casinos and night clubs sparkle against the reflection of the vehicle as it moves with a sense of importance. The world we see on screen is an expensive one, a glossy and empty one but one that every one wants a piece of. The man driving this car already has that, he can dip into these riches anytime he wants, but not without risk – we’re talking about Frank, an expert safe cracker who steals luminous quantities of diamonds and cash from everywhere in the city. There is a sense of urgency in everything Frank does, not just a need to fly under the radar but to achieve his ultimate goal – a dream life. The life he yearns for has been pasted together in a collage of pictures, all stuck into a photo he carries with him and that’s what he’s hoping everything will lead up to, his own peace of paradise.
Thief, the stunning debut from writer/director Michael Mann (Heat, Manhunter, The Insider) stars James Caan (The Godfather, Bottle Rocket, The Yards) at his very best, playing Frank. Thief, made in 1981, first off doesn’t feel like an apprentice piece from this director who would continue to make quality films through out his career. Immediately saturated in atmosphere, Mann’s style of film making was present from the very first frame of Thief. Blanketed with a lush musical score by influential art rock band ‘Tangerine Dream’ and also featuring exciting neo noir cinematography by Donald Thorin (Purple Rain, Scent Of A Woman, Minnie & Moskowitz) that fills the screen with vibrantly menacing, sleazy neon colours, carrying all the essence of a great film noir without using traditional black and white.
Tuesday Weld and James Caan in Thief
Frank attempts to finally ease his way out of safe cracking, and he can see the light at the end of the tunnel too, despite the police constantly harassing him. All that gets in Frank’s way is the Mafia, who are trying to reel Frank into work for them. When Frank commits to his girlfriend Jessie, played by Tuesday Weld (A Safe Place, Once Upon A Time In America), he takes the bate. The film also stars country singer Willy Nelson, James Belushi, and for fans of films that fit nicely into a double bill with Thief, the film also features the screen debut of William Petersen, star of Manhunter and To Live & Die In L.A, both of which are recommended if you enjoy Thief.
Jimmy Caan is a force to be reckoned with here in one of his greatest performances ever as he plays a masculine, aggressive and determined man who is holding onto one dream. Thief indeed dwells on this, in the end making it not just a mere crime film but a mesmerising character study that has the time to slow down and let us understand more about this man. He’s enigmatic, forceful, impatient and sometimes resembles a wounded animal when life doesn’t go how he wanted it to. Thief mines further than most films do, making the film a poignant surprise when it heads towards unexpected territory. I’d heard a lot about Jimmy Caan’s powerhouse performance over the years. I’d heard tales of Michael Mann encouraging Caan to sniff as much coke as he wanted then letting him off the leash during takes. What surprised me though, was how restrained Caan actually is. He’s aggressive, a man who you don’t want to mess with and he bumps up against almost everyone in the film, but it’s always controlled, no matter how fierce.
Thief turns out to be one of Mann’s best films and in true Michael Mann fashion, it’s at night when the city around the main character comes to life, like an urban jungle threatening to swallow the character’s hopes up, in all it’s empty, sparkling gloss. We’re always aware of Franks surroundings and it never seems to favour him much, we always get the feeling someone or something is closing in on him. The production design of the film is also worth mentioning, with it’s keen eye for detail, Frank comes across as polished and sharp in appearance, blending into the shallow façade around him, Frank and everyone else in this crime world is motivated purely by money and communicate only through aggression and all of the smallest details are perfect in coming together and creating this bigger picture.
Thief is a tense, atmospheric film that washes over you. Mann proves to be in form right from the beginning and it’s a perfect role for James Caan to show of his range in this knockout, character driven crime film. It’s executed with mouth watering, slick perfection and dazzling style and the realistic dialogue reflects everything about what makes these criminals tick. It’s a dazzling gem!
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Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
Matt - no more excuses.
Thanks for the read gents.
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Rather that repeat myself here is a slice of my own review:
Dazzling cinematography, surreal blue and red lighting, swiftly cut to the loud strums of an epic electric guitar and synthesisers. The Michael Mann stamp is all over his cinematic debut.
Thief is like an urban Sergio Leone western, larger than life, aggresive and engulfing the viewer with its mood of celluloid authenticity.
It’s a character study of a life in crime and the sacrifices that are made to maintain it, the Director would later re-examine the same themes with the cops and robbers epic Heat.
Beautifully colourful imagery, driven by a pumping soundtrack from Tangerine Dream, the plot is not a new one, but the execution is sublime
Meticulous attention to detail and a gritty sense of realism make for riveting viewing. The scenes where Frank is at work are spellbinding to watch, filled with nail biting tension and excitement.
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
Hey JD, thanks - of course I've already read your review and commented but why not add to the fun I say! Did this film also totally remind you of Chinese Bookie or am I just one track minded?