Thief (1981)

Thief's dark noir spaces are tinged with the neon palette that has become the trademark of director Michael Mann (Miami Vice, Heat). This was his first theatrical film, and all the elements that characterize his later style (and this is a very 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. Thief 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. --Jim Gay Amazon.com

Brilliant Piece

Tangerine Dream's score takes this beautifully written and directed film to unimaginable heights. In my opinion, the best electronic composition ever in film, superbly original. The dialogue, the acting, the writing - stunning. It's a shame that not enough people know about this classic directed by Michael Mann. Just about everything he made after is a derivitave of this one. Hands-down, a masterpiece. November 26, 2008

Highly underrated, for discerning viewers. Quality work.

I hadn't seen this in 15 years and was amazed at how much better it is in every way to the high end noisy Hollywood slop that blows up in our faces these days. The acting, script, look, feel, and moody soundtrack are all top notch. Michael Mann could learn something by studying his old work here instead of torturing us with expensive and boring garbage like Miami Vice. This is not for shoesized IQ's with ADD who need to see stuff blowed up real good every 5 minutes, but if you have a brain that enjoys great character development, cinematography, and subtleties of tension and mood, go for it. A gem in any collection. October 5, 2008

utcmom

We enjoyed this movie when it first came out about 20 years ago. We werepleased to find it available on DVD. If you like anything by Michael Mann such as Heat or Miami Vice (the tv show), you will enjoy this movie. Intense and well acted.

August 28, 2008

Theif is my role model

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. January 16, 2008

MANN'S FIRST AND HIS BEST

For a first-time film effort, Thief is an instant classic and a benchmark work in the storied career of Michael Mann. Long before his Miami Vice fame, Mann made this compelling film noir about a thief trying to go straight and live the life of his dreams. James Caan turns in a performance that raises his level of brilliance that much further. Indeed, the entire cast is excellent. Of note, Tuesday Weld's performance as the woman Caan's character covents as part of his goal for a better life is equally compelling. Though Mann's re-explored this territory in Heat, that work never strikes the level of intimacy with the audience that Thief does. A truly great American film. November 7, 2007

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