Review of Thieves Like Us (1974) by Felix G — 21 Aug 2008

Like MASH and The Long Goodbye and just about every other Altman film, Thieves like Us both bats away and plays with the formula of period outlaw film. The final shootout plays like a criticism of Bonnie and Clyde's last stand ( the film version of course, heh). The use of slow motion and framing is just perfect.

Another weapon in Altman's arsenal that he uses perfectly here is soundtrack. In a lot of movies, setting becomes a character. Here, it's the radio. It plays in just about every scene and doesn't just set the mood. It comments on the plot. It is a part of the plot (mass media is in its infancy here and Altman makes us damned sure aware of it). In a way, it's the Greek chorus of the film.

Before I get too academic, I should mention the awesomely bad jokes, the great performances by everyone (including Louise Fletcher, one of the great faces in the movies), and a great bank robbery (again, in terms of film. In real life bank robberies can be tragic affairs and this movie one is but. . . never mind).

You really need to watch this if you like Altman movie or just really good movies with bank robberies involving a man with three toes on one foot. One of the other robbers is nicknamed "Tommy Gun" by the authorities. He'd held a tommy gun before but hadn't ever fired one. Watch the look in his eye when he gets the chance.