Tag: James caan

The Gambler

The Gambler is a 1974 movie directed by Karel Reisz.

WHAT HAPPENS?

A literature professor chases the thrill and destruction of his devastating gambling addiction.

ONE LINE REVIEW

The Gambler is a honest and often difficult look at the impulsive nature of a gambler.

THE ACTORS

James Caan is compelling as Axel Freed, a professor who constantly seeks the “juice” of betting. It’s a unique role for Caan – as he balances his character’s wealthy upbringing and intellectual background with an impulse for seedy action. Caan’s natural fire emerges in several scenes but is tempered during moments with Jacqueline Brookes’ Naomi. Caan appears both enabled and wounded – a victim of both his grandfather’s success and his warped addiction.

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Thief

Thief is a 1981 movie directed by Michael Mann.

WHAT HAPPENS?

A safe-cracking expert attempts to make a lucrative, final score before starting a new life. His job is successful but he becomes entangled with a ruthless mob boss.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Thief is a gritty, realistic crime movie that features a phenomenal performance by James Caan.

THE ACTORS

James Caan completely owns the role of Frank, a hard-nosed, self-reliant master thief who wants to go straight after one last score. There isn’t a lot of nuance in the performance but rarely does an actor hold such command over a character. Caan’s Frank wants complete control over his destiny – to achieve such an end, he is compelled to destroy his life. Caan exhibits a measured intensity throughout. In practically every scene, seething rage is waiting to erupt.

Robert Prosky is a scene-stealer as mob boss Leo. He emerges as a mild-mannered, fatherly fixer but reveals himself as a ruthless, dangerous force. After Frank refuses a future job, Prosky’s Leo has Jim Belushi’s Barry killed. Prosky leans over a beaten Caan and delivers a chilling reality – everything Frank has belongs to Leo. It’s an extraordinary scene that effectively establishes an otherwise genteel characters as a threat.

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