#312: THIEF

1981

Directed by Michael Mann
Neo-Noir, Crime

Thief is the second film by US director Michael Mann, released in 1981. It stars James Caan in one of his finest roles as a hardass diamond thief. One of the many talking points about this film is how exquisitely beautiful the framing of the camera is. Michael Mann really established his signature visual style here, and you can tell he has painstakingly assembled every frame of the film. He uses lots of night time shots, capturing the city lights and rain drenched roads, making them look so vibrant. It adds a real chilling atmosphere to the film. His use of silhouette and light and shadow is just phenomenal also. A shot at the beginning of the film where James Caan talks to a fisherman looks absolutely stunning. This film has been given the loving HD treatment by Arrow Video, so picking up this Blu-Ray disc is a must!

Of course it is one thing to make a visually striking film, but Thief works on just about all fronts. In particular the score by German synthesiser pioneers Tangerine Dream works superbly well. It was quite a bold move to use this band, as their music is often associated with outer space, making them more suited to a Sci-Fi film, but somehow it works wonders in Thief. The score is used sparingly, but the opening scene where James Caan is cracking open a safe (using real tools) in particular is given that little something extra because of the fantastic score. 

But the thing that impresses most about Thief is what truly matters, a phenomenal central performance by James Caan and a well told story. I would consider Thief to be a sophisticated crime drama. Similarly to films such as Scarface and Taxi Driver, it follows the journey of a ruthless anti-hero, but presents him as a three dimensional character with hopes and dreams, highs and lows. James Caan completely nails the role and carries the film easily so there isn't a dull moment to be found. Thief is not a film that relishes in gunfights or car chases, it is a very character and dialogue driven film, paired with fantastic visual shots that enhance the mood the story.

Thief is one those all around packages that works at every angle you could care to analyse it at. A film that can easily stand up to the likes of Scorsese or Copolla, yet it's not a film I often hear being talked about. 8/10.