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.
THE DIRECTOR
Michael Mann crafts a stylish crime story that remains in the bounds of reality – a feat that is difficult to pull off. The jewel heist is more technical than dramatic – we see more of the intricate and patient planning than action. Similarly, the characters involved are professionals – there is a respect for the craft of their activity.
The look and sound of the movie is pure Mann. While not as decadent as his later offerings, Mann uses a tense, synthesizer-driven score to build tension. The darkness of the action is illuminated by the electric lighting in the city. You can easily see the influences that would later shape Miami Vice.
THE BEST – That Look of Satisfaction
Caan’s performance is pure intensity throughout. However, there are two moments that represent pure satisfaction. The first occurs after they get into the vault – Caan watches his partner collect millions of dollars worth of gems. The second is the look he gives Tuesday Weld’s Jessie as she holds their new baby. It’s a simple, striking contrast – Frank realizes the the fruits of his labor.
THE BEST Part 2 – Leverage
Thief gets the little details right. In so many movies, mob bosses are portrayed in stereotypical ways. Prosky’s Leo is a realistic depiction – as he lures Frank in and creates leverage over him. Frank’s new baby is “on loan” and Jessie is completely vulnerable if he goes against Leo. Given Frank’s determination not to be “run” by others, this creates a dynamic moment of tension.
THE BEST Part 3 – Caan’s One Liners
Caan is basically a huge bad ass throughout the movie. His verbal exchanges with just about everyone are legendary. Some of his best:
-When Leo suggests a partnership rather than paying what he owes Frank:
“You talking to me or did someone else walk into this room?”
-To the detectives trying to get their cut:
“You want to pinch me, pinch me. I’ll be out in ten minutes. If not, get the fuck off my car.”
-About doing jail time:
“You got to get where nothing means nothing.”
THE BEST Part 4 – Jim Belushi?
Mann accomplishes something extraordinary: he makes Jim Belushi tolerable. Bonus points for Belushi’s athletic death scene.
THE BEST Part 5 – Tuesday Weld
It’s difficult to emerge from Caan’s shadow, but Weld holds her own in her first few scenes. She shows both a toughness and vulnerability during the coffeeshop scene where Caan’s Frank lays out his plan to have a family. It’s a terrific performance.
THE BEST Part 6 – The Western Ending
You can see Mann’s influences during the climatic shootout.
THE WORST – Picking a Lock on the Mob Boss’ House
I could probably attribute this to the movie’s realism that I praised earlier, but it’s extraordinarily easy for Frank to gain entry into Leo’s house.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4.5/5
Thief is one of the best crime movies ever made, featuring an actor who completely owns his role.
