Review of Thief (1981) by Luisfelipe Z — 04 Sep 2009

A stylish, intriguing and well-thought out crime drama, 'Thief' announced Michael Mann on the theatrical scene with a bang. James Caan, a man's man's man, is perfectly coiled and focused in the lead, a thief of impeccable ability and unwavering belief systems. His monologue to Tuesday Weld (who's strong and more than adequate in what could be a borderline thankless role of the love interest) is the dramatic highlight of the film, and features Caan at the height of his powers - perhaps his strongest post-'Godfather' moment.

The film is gorgeously shot, embodying everything that's become great about Mann, and together with the music makes the 80s look cooler than a lot of us would remember.

It's also impressive how many notable film debuts were made in this film. Not only did Mann pop his theatrical cherry with this, but it was also Jim Belushi's, Dennis Farina, and the great (and tragically late, I just found out) Robert Prosky, who is absolutely fabulous in his role as the equally coiled villain whose equally unbudgeable code of ethics smacks head-on into Caan's. The climax - starting with the Caan character's unique and organic response to Prosky's character using his family and livelihood - is a visceral exercise in taut and excellent thriller execution.

Having seen most of Mann's films, this is easily near the top of his pile, possibly equaled by 'Heat' and bested only by the excellent 'Collateral'.