“The deal is over. I want my end, and I’m out.”
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Synopsis:
A professional safecracker (James Caan) becomes involved with the Mafia, but soon realizes that his dreams for early retirement with his wife (Tuesday Weld) and child have been put on hold.
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Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
- Ex-Cons
- Gangsters and Mafia
- Heists
- James Caan Films
- Revenge
- Thieves and Criminals
- Tuesday Weld Films
- Willie Nelson Films
Review:
Michael Mann’s directorial debut features exciting action sequences, a fascinating glimpse at high-level safecracking, and a powerhouse performance by James Caan.
Unfortunately, however, it remains a less-than-satisfactory film, due primarily to a lack of vested interest in Caan’s character. He comes across as bull-headed rather than sympathetic, and his unwise decision to get involved with the Mob shows that he isn’t really ready to come clean. The moral of the film is crystal-clear: a connection with the Mafia is for life; don’t try to delude yourself otherwise.
Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
- James Caan as the thief longing to go straight after a lifetime of crime
- Some fascinating, lengthy scenes of big-scale safecracking
- Fine cinematography
Must See?
No, though fans of Michael Mann will undoubtedly want to see his directorial debut.
Links:
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One thought on “Thief (1981)”
In total agreement with the spot-on assessment here. Not a must, but Mann fans will want to see it – and, since it accomplishes what it sets out to do, it’s not a waste of time. A particular plus is the authentic, slang-filled dialogue.
Special mention should be made of:
a) A lengthy scene between Caan and Tuesday Weld, in which he convinces her to stay with him. It’s interesting watching the two of them together – even if Weld unfortunately seems miscast in a part that’s also under-written.
b) Mob boss Prosky’s ultimatum speech to Caan – in words that couldn’t possibly be more direct.
Bit of humor: when Caan and Prosky are first talking out in the open, one of Prosky’s flunkies is taking aim on Caan above a billboard hawking soda pop – we see the ad’s slogan…’Here’s To Fun’.