Thief

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Buy This Item Thief by MGM (Video & DVD)  Available from Amazon  $14.95  on 11-15-2008     <I>Thief</I>'s dark noir spaces are tinged with the neon palette that has become the trademark of director Michael Mann (<I>Miami Vice</I>, <I>Heat</I>). This was his first theatrical film, and all the elements that characterize his later style (and this is a <I>very</I> stylistic film) are dominant. Equal parts grit and glamour, the story is simple. Frank (James Caan) is a lone-wolf jewel thief who was, in his words, brought up "by the state." In prison he was apprenticed to a master thief, played by Willie Nelson. When Frank's successful career comes to the attention of an avuncular syndicate boss (Robert Prosky), Frank is offered (and accepts against his better judgment) a deal that should allow him to retire and enjoy the family life he covets. But the deal sours, and Frank is left to decide what his nature truly is, lone wolf or family man. <I>Thief</I> melds its jazzy visual style with heightened realism: the jewel thief's tools of the trade are authentic, up to the 8,000 degree thermal lance used to cut through a nearly impregnable safe. Some of the bit parts are played by real-life, highly successful jewel thieves, who acted as consultants. And their presence informs the superb dialogue, as every word rings true. In one long, engrossing scene, James Caan gradually persuades the woman he wants to start a family with (Tuesday Weld in one of her most affecting performances) that they should be together. The film was photographed beautifully by Donald Thorin and further emboldened by the driving rhythms of Tangerine Dream. The DVD contains a very funny commentary track by the director and James Caan. <I>--Jim Gay</I> Reader Reviews This movie took a impeccable dive into the mind of a thief and the work of a thief. If you like psychology, or maybe action intelligence, than this movie is for you. The movie features stealing, a full length display of how it is done, as the camera pans all angles. America meet scarface, Cuba meet Thief. This man stole diamonds, Scarface sold coke. Thief killed his boss, Scarface killed his boss. Thief was a low life and scarface was a low life. They both took their low selves and grew to billions, and then ruined it all in the end. Scarface was a gangster crime lord, and thief was a crime lord. In the end however, Scarface died, as Thief did not. There were a few differences, however, James made an uncanny resemblance to Scarface. What the parallel synthesis, as both stories were amazing. If you liked Scarface, then you may like thief.

Thief Available from Amazon Price: $14.95 Updated on 11-15-2008.

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