Counting down the IMDB bottom 100 films... see my Ciao homepage for more info and a list of the film...
Counting down the IMDB bottom 100 films... see my Ciao homepage for more info and a list of the films...
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Thief (1981)
Through the opening credits sequence it quickly becomes clear that Frank (James Caan) is the safecracking thief in question, and no doubt a professional with a taste for diamonds. Frank has been a thief all his life, spent over ten years in prison and is ready to pack it all in once he makes enough money to retire with a wife and kids. After a snag in his most recent job he attracts the attention of the local mob’s godfather, who would like to put Frank on his books. Can Frank tame his independent streak long enough to work with them on what would be his largest and last diamond job? And will the corrupt cops get off his back long enough to do it?
This is one of Michael Mann’s (Heat, Collateral) earliest features as director, and is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. Mann wrote the script himself, basing it on Frank Hohimer’s novel ‘The Home Invaders: Confessions of a Cat Burglar’, but with a few of the facts twisted round to suit. Hohimer was serving time when the
film was made. Mann blends together the world of crime with drama and very good attention to detail, using real ex-thieves as consultants. One of which is ironically cast as a police officer. Humourously Mann also casts Dennis Farina, a former policeman, in the role of a mob henchman. The opening scene of Caan breaking into a vault is real. The safe and tools were all genuine and Caan trained to do it, as is true of the other heist scenes. The only down side to the these scenes is that being 1981 security is far less than we’d expect today and so it seems a little easy at times.
Caan gives a very convincing performance as Frank, a self-confident and violent man younger in his mind than in his years. His only failing is that he makes it a little too hard to sympathise with Frank’s dream of leaving the business when he is still such a brash and selfish person. One of his best scenes is when he talks about his time in prison and ‘career’ choice with the woman he wants to settle down with, Jessie - played by Tuesday Weld, in a good supporting role. Here we see an emotional and whimsical side to criminals that is often overlooked. Unfortunately in other scenes I wished he would just shut up and have a little dignity, rather than stick a gun in everybody’s face. Robert Prosky (Gremlins 2) also plays his godfather role very well, even if it is a bit of a one-dimensional character. Willie Nelson (best known for his music) makes a shamefully underused appearance as Frank’s friend and mentor dying whilst still in prison. I felt a lot more could have been made of side of his life. James Belushi reminds us that he didn’t always need a dog to make a decent movie, as Frank’s partner. Other good support comes from the very violent and corrupt police officers, providing a couple of tense and funny moments.
The original music comes from the band Tangerine Dream. Not everyone’s first choice at a party but here they provide a very atmospheric and surprisingly fitting soundtrack of electronic beats and synthesized hums. At times the music almost takes centre stage but Mann weaves it together nicely.
Whilst the composite parts are all good it is unfortunate that Caan is unable to carry the whole film, which the very linear and straightforward script requires of him. Caan is very much the central focus leaving other characters under developed. If he were a little more charismatic or forgivable it would have made for a better film. The camerawork is fluid and pleasing to the eye throughout, unlike the ghastly beige suits and floral shirts of the time (there’s no understanding trends in fashion). Mann does everything to keep your interest to the end, but doesn’t quite have the emotional punch of his later films to back it up. The climax is crammed into the last twenty minutes or so, and while being one of the best parts of the film with a surprising turn of events, it highlighted how little had really occurred up to this point.
Thief tries to examine the aspirations of the criminal mind. Posing the question, ‘Is what they want out of life any different from anyone else?’. The high crime lifestyle is far from glorified and I did care for Caan’s character to some degree. However, it did feel overlong for the rather simple material and Mann (and others) have made better films on similar themes since. Overall it makes entertaining but slightly disappointing viewing. Definitely worth watching if you’re a fan of the genre, Mann or Caan, but don’t expect too much.
Rated: 18 Running Time: 122 mins
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