Movie No. 77 (2014): THIEF

Thief (1981)
Director: Michael Mann
Cast: James Caan, Tuesday Weld, Robert Prosky

James Caan, in probably the finest performance of his career, is a jewel thief who usually goes solo. Then, in the hope of settling down with the girl he wants to marry and live a normal life, he agrees to work with an organized crime group for a final heist. But the trouble is the crime boss doesn't want him to break free.

The film, Michael Mann's debut, is cool and its execution sophisticated, reminiscent of the works of the masters of noir of 1950s and 1960s (Jean Pierre Melvillle, Jules Dassin). Some people of this generation might find this film off since there are scenes that seem like a demonstration of of exercise in Thievery 101. In my opinion, however, that the director's style. The film's treatment of the main character is focuses, which is more important than anything else. The story knows exactly where it starts and ends in a way that's so fluid.

Rating: 4.0/4.0

Date seen: November 1, 2014