Review of Thieves Like Us (1974) by Craig T — 08 Feb 2011

Robert Altman presents us with a trio of bank robbers doing business in the 1930's southern United States. I soon grew to appreciate the lack of polish on this film and the delicacy of the characters (namely Shelly Duvall).

None of them are especially sharp or educated but Duvall stands out as the always awkward yet kindhearted misfit. She and Carridine mix well and give a certain credibility to the story. However, credibility being a strong suit here, what the film lacks is posture.

It sulks and never flexes any muscle. It has ideas but never really seizes any moments. The calm pace is tranquil enough to set the mood for Altman's show but every time a scene ends we feel the next will promise some impact.

I don't feel this effort needed excessive shoot outs or wild car chases, that would have been out of character for this breed of film. Yet, any kind of intrigue or passion is never really revealed by either Carradine or Duvall.

Likewise, for any of the other robbers, as I wanted more from them. They stood on the verge and then scooted back onto safer ground before taking too much risk. Maybe some kind of 30's appropriate southern music could have helped but I don't know that music or a score could have saved the film from the mundane.

While there is not much to like or dislike, the film is like a falling snowflake as it seems pretty until it touches ground and quickly evaporates. Not much can be taken away from Thieves Like Us since it is, in all respects, a weaker version of Bonnie and Clyde minus the performances, dialog, and climax.

(D).