#691: MANN, Michael: Thief (1981)

MANN, Michael (United States)

Thief [1981]

Spine #691
Blu-ray

The contemporary American auteur Michael Mann burst out of the gate, his bold artistic sensibility fully formed, with Thief, his debut feature. James Caan stars, in one of his most riveting performances, as a no-nonsense ex-con safecracker planning to leave the criminal world behind after one final diamond heist, but discovering that escape is not as simple as he hoped. Finding hypnotic beauty in neon and rain-slick streets, sparks and steel, Thief effortlessly established the moody stylishness and tactile approach to action that would also define such later iconic entertainments from Mann as Miami Vice, Manhunter, and Heat.

124 minutes
Color

5.1 Surround

1:85:1 aspect ratio

Criterion Release 2014

Director/Writers

Based on The Home Invaders by Frank Hohimer.

Michael Mann was 38 when he wrote and directed Thief.

The Film

Mann’s first feature film features plenty of stuff getting blown up — almost a trademark of his later work — but in this case, everything that explodes is intricately related to Frank (James Caan)’s own internal rage.

Caan prepared for this part — perhaps his best-known role — by doing a deep dive into the world his character inhabits. Everything was real — the guns; even the 200-pound drill which he used to drill through a safe — Mann used no props.

The carefully prepared character development is what saves this thriller from being just another immediately forgettable edge-of-your-seater.

Willie Nelson is Okla, introduced with barely any plot exposition — we immediately get that he is a very dear friend of Frank’s — dying in prison for crimes probably committed with Frank in the “old days.” His screen time is negligible, but memorable.

James Belushi (in his first film) is Frank’s tech guy. Again, a nearly invisible character who Mann cleverly brings to life.

Robert Prosky (also in his first film, age 51!) is Leo and might be a close second to Caan in being a totally believable scary character. He’s a terrific bad guy.

Tuesday Weld (Jessie) is unfortunately a badly written cipher. Frank treats her as a disposable object who should willingly join up with him for little good reason. Her fate is as randomly ambiguous as Mann’s creation of this only important female character.

Otherwise, a good captivating thriller.

Film Rating (0-60):

55

The Extras

The Booklet

Twenty-two page booklet featuring an essay by Nick James.

“Caan’s performance is so alive that the weather of thought not only crosses his face but appears to affect every other part of his body — for instance, the way his head and shoulders sometimes move like he’s trying to balance his ass on a ball. He tells Jessie what prison was like: ‘You gotta forget time. You gotta not give a fuck if you live or die. You gotta get to where nothing means nothing … I survived because I achieved that mental attitude.’”

Commentary

Featuring Mann and actor Caan.

Mutual love-fest, but informative.

Interviews

With Mann, Caan, and Johannes Schmoelling of the band Tangerine Dream, which contributed to the film’s soundtrack.

Trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

34

55 + 34 =

89

By Director
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