Review of Thief (1981) by Tonypolito — 18 May 2010

Arguably Caan's greatest and most gripping performance, though "Rollerball" (1975) contends for that title. Caan himself calls it his best work other than Sonny Corleone.

The title doesn't refer to Caan, the high-end jewel-house crook. No, Caan EARNS his keep through sweat, planning, risk and stigma. But he's surrounded by thieves - cops wanting a taste o' honey, crime boss Leo (Prosky) wanting to milk Caan's talent, juvie warehousing that stole Caan's childhood. By Act III, Caan's throttle is wide open, making sure no one -but no one- takes what belongs to him.

Director Mann grips his viewers at Minute One. The stylistic cinematography is extremely satisfying: dark shadows, intense neon colors and wet road reflections that yield neo-noir atmospherics. Dialogue, realistic gritty street-solider stuff, engages; when Prosky informs Caan of his only remaining option, his brutal monologue is terrifying. The then-innovative Tangerine Dream synthesized score amps-up the intensity. Transfer & commentary average.

BACKSTORY: Loosely based on a 1975 tell-all novel by jewel thief John Seybold, who also served here as technical advisor (under assumed name, given outstanding FBI warrants). Dirty Chicago Detective Urizzi is played by John Santucci, yet another jewel thief incorporated into Caan's characterization; Santucci actually pulled the big West Coast heist here depicted. Santucci's wife cameos as a diner waitress. Leo's based on two Chicago Syndicate mobsters: Seybold's real-life crew-chief Leo Rugendorf and also Milwaukee Phil Alderisio. And Caan's actual safe cracking is real; he was trained how to use the awesome 8000-degree oxy-lance-torch to get 'er done. Most tools seen were actually borrowed from Seybold & Santucci.

RECOMMENDATION: Given the true-enough detailing, Caan's powerhouse delivery and Mann's skilled camerawork, this is serious juice. If you scored with Mann's DiNiro/Pacino showcase "Heat," you should queue this one up.