Movies / Thief (1981)
Runtime: 122 min
Genres: Action Crime Drama Thriller
Languages: English
Countries: USA
Thief's dark noir spaces are tinged with the neon palette that has become the trademark of director Michael Mann (Miami Vice, Heat). This was his first theatrical film, and all the elements that characterize his later style (and this is a very stylistic film) are dominant. Equal parts grit and glamour, the story is simple. Frank (James Caan) is a lone-wolf jewel thief who was, in his words, brought up "by the state." In prison he was apprenticed to a master thief, played by Willie Nelson. When Frank's successful career comes to the attention of an avuncular syndicate boss (Robert Prosky), Frank is offered (and accepts against his better judgment) a deal that should allow him to retire and enjoy the family life he covets. But the deal sours, and Frank is left to decide what his nature truly is, lone wolf or family man. Thief melds its jazzy visual style with heightened realism: the jewel thief's tools of the trade are authentic, up to the 8,000 degree thermal lance used to cut through a nearly impregnable safe. Some of the bit parts are played by real-life, highly successful jewel thieves, who acted as consultants. And their presence informs the superb dialogue, as every word rings true. In one long, engrossing scene, James Caan gradually persuades the woman he wants to start a family with (Tuesday Weld in one of her most affecting performances) that they should be together. The film was photographed beautifully by Donald Thorin and further emboldened by the driving rhythms of Tangerine Dream. The DVD contains a very funny commentary track by the director and James Caan. --Jim Gay
Keywords (31) |
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neo noir used car dealer fence ex convict heist racial slur shot in the chest idealism jail criminal More Keywords » |
Directors (1) | Credit |
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Michael Mann | ... |
Writers (2) | Credit |
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Frank Hohimer | (novel "The Home Invaders") |
Michael Mann | (screenplay) |
Composers (3) | Credit |
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Christopher Franke | (as Tangerine Dream) |
Edgar Froese | (as Tangerine Dream) |
Johannes Schmölling | (as Tangerine Dream) |
Editors (1) | Credit |
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Dov Hoenig | ... |
Cinematographers (1) | Credit |
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Donald E. Thorin | (director of photography) (as Donald Thorin) |
Actors (51) | Credit |
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Benny Turner | Mighty Joe Young Band |
Beverly Somerman | Secretary with Cup |
Bruce A. Young | Mechanic #2 (as Bruce Young) |
Chuck Adamson | Ancell |
Conrad Mocarski | Mighty Joe Young Band |
Del Close | Mechanic #1 |
Dennis Farina | Carl |
Donna J. Fenton | Waitress #2 at Deli |
Enrico R. Cannataro | Salesman at L&A Plating |
Fredric Stone | Attorney Garner |
Gavin MacFadyen | Boreksco |
Hal Frank | Joe Gags |
James Belushi | Barry |
James Caan | Frank |
J. Jay Saunders | Doctor (as J.J. Saunders) |
Joan Lazzerini | Attaglia's Receptionist |
Joene Hanhardt | Court Recorder |
John Kapelos | Mechanic #3 |
John Santucci | Urizzi |
Karen Bercovici | Ruthie |
Lora Staley | Paula |
Marge Kotlisky | Mrs. Knowles |
Margot Charlior | Rosa |
Mary Louise Wade | Waitress #1 at Deli |
Michael Paul Chan | Waiter at Chinese Restaurant |
Mike Genovese | Bartender at Green Mill |
Nancy Santucci | Hojo Waitress |
Nathan Davis | Grossman |
Nick Nickeas | Nick |
Norm Tobin | Guido |
Oscar DiLorenzo | Customer at Green Mill (as Oscar Di Lorenzo) |
Patti Ross | Marie |
Richard Karie | Jewelry Salesmen #2 |
Robert J. Kuper | Bailiff |
Robert Prosky | Leo |
Ron L. Cox | Guy in Bar (uncredited) |
Sam Cirone | Martello |
Sam T. Louis | Large Detective in Suit |
Spero Anast | Bukowski |
Susan McCormick | Nurse |
Thomas Giblin | Mighty Joe Young Band |
Thomas O. Erhart Jr. | Judge |
Tom Howard | Jewelry Salesman #1 |
Tom Signorelli | Attaglia |
Tuesday Weld | Jessie |
Walter Scott | Detective D. Simpson |
William LaValley | Joseph |
William Petersen | Katz & Jammer Bartender (as William L. Peterson) |
Willie Hayes | Mighty Joe Young Band |
Willie Nelson | Okla |
W.R. Brown | Mitch (as W.R. [Bill] Brown) |