Thief

Rating:
Summary: A must-see movie, and an AWESOME DVD!
Review: James Caan plays a hardcore master thief who's spent almost his entire adult life behind bars. When he makes a Faustian bargain with a mobster (Robert Prosky) in order to get out of the life, everything he's worked for tumbles down around him. This is a MAGNIFICENT movie, full of power, irony, and ferocious action! I think it's Caan's greatest role, and that's saying A LOT! He brings incredible intensity to his role as a man who, in order to save himself, must destroy everything he loves. Not only is this a fabulous movie, it's my favorite DVD. The DVD/widescreen format truly does justice to Director Mann (MIAMI VICE, MANHUNTER, HEAT)'s quirky, ultra-slick style. Also, the commentary by Mann and Caan is EXACTLY what a DVD commentary track should be: two great artists commenting on the film at the same time, playing off of each other and really adding a whole new dimension to the film (for instance, did you know that the "technical advisors" for the film were a "crew" of jewltheives, and that Caan was breaking into REAL safes with REAL burglary tools?). If you loved HEAT, you HAVE TO see this movie! In fact, this is almost a companion piece to HEAT, because Caan's character is sort of an earlier version of DeNiro's character. If you are a fan of films like RESERVOIR DOGS, HEAT, PULP FICTION, and THE GETAWAY, this is a MUST-SEE! This is truly a modern classic!

Rating:
Summary: The revenge is a wonderful dish
Review: The thief is a modern film noir. James Caan gives his most powerful performance to date. Cool, analytical with a hard debt that it must be paid.
There is a film that I still remind very close related, titled Point Blank and directed by John Boorman. The starring in that film was the hard Lee Marvin. I have the inner conviction that Thief was inspired by that one. Please acquire both of two. I have them in my personal collection.
This is the opera prima of Michael Mann as director. Well effort and amazing script.
One of the top ten cult movies from the eighties.
A must in your collection!.

Rating:
Summary: Cream of the Crop Crime/Drama
Review: James Caan in the role of his life as an ex-con jewel thief trying to break from his past and start a new life, but only after one or 2 more "scores".

A rather semi-obscure flick, but see this film! The dialogue, acting and screenplay are all top-notch. Musical score by Tangerine Dream adds to an already fabulous movie. Robert Proskie almost steals the show from Caan (well, not quite) as the Godfather-figure who tries (unsuccessfully) to lure Caan into his fold.

For those who say this movie isn't violent, sure it is. Perhaps not by "21st century standards", and that is to the good. In fact, even the last 20 minutes of the movie could have been "toned down" with the same, if not better, effect. I always get the feeling that graphic violence is put in these types of movies as a stop-gap measure for those who don't appreciate the fine acting and directing - "Thief" is no exception here.

Tuesday Weld, Jim Belushi and Willie Nelson as Caan's father figure/role model.

Yes, the transfer is poor, but considering the DVD can be had new for cheap, it is a "steal". One of the best crime/drama flicks of the modern era.


Rating:
Summary: Mann's masterpiece
Review: Unfortunately for Michael Mann, Thief is his first and easily his best movie. How do you top yourself when the results are this close to perfection? The story may be familiar, but when the cast and the location are this good, everything old and familiar is recast as something special. James Caan's performance is also the best of his long career. There is not a single note out of place. The characters lives are etched on their faces, the grittiness does not come across as Hollywood manufactured. Modern film noir at its absolute finest.

Rating:
Summary: Unheralded Classic.
Review: This is one of the best action/heist films many have not heard of. Anyone who follows Michael Mann, and finds his style and substance appealing, will dig this. This is also James Caan at his best. Great soundtrack, atmosphere and writing. The seeds of DeNiro in Heat and Cruise in Collateral are here in Caan's Frank. The scene at the diner, in particular Caan's speech about his prison time are highlights.


Rating:
Summary: Mann's Mesmerizing Debut
Review: For a major theatrical motion picture, director Michael Mann could not have asked for a better one in a movie debut. The year was 1981 when he brought us the spellbinding film, 'Thief', starring James Cann. And, it has always been a favorite of Mann afficionados (include me in that group), and a foretelling of things to come. Not only did this signal the arrival of a talented director-writer-producer, it changed the look, feel, and texture of the crime drama genre from that point forward. This film incorporated a solid cast, with more than one actor making their own screen debuts, a gritty authentic story, and a mesmerizing atmosphere and soundtrack in tune with this director's now trademark visual style.

Though it is now considered the talent pool to draw from for motion pictures, Mann (like another great director, Ridley Scott) did his prerequisite work in TV commercials. Both were the vanguard for today's directors. However, though Michael's gift for stunning, even artistic, visuals developed there, it really blossomed once he started directing and producing movies. I include the great TV movie 'The Jericho Mile' here (another film that truly demands a good DVD release). But, Michael Mann has always been underrated in his ability to tell a story and develop characters. Many of his films were also written for the screen and executive-produced by him. He is in that rarified air of directors who are also great screenwriters and film producers in their own right.

Veteran actor James Caan was in his 'street' element when he took on the role of Frank, the movie title's high-line, independent thief. And, he's as hard as the diamonds he steals. The character of Frank is somewhat a throwback to the 70's film anti-heroes. A flawed, dangerous man who draws the audience to him as he attempts to play catch-up from a prison-shortened life. Caan wonderfully portrays him as a man, though expert and skilled in his illegal trade, self-taught about (family) life on the outside. His directness (with his collage postcard as a roadmap) is one of not wanting to waste any more of time--to construct a normalcy he's never experienced. He's a nihilist seeking to fulfill his dreams of a life wished upon him by his prison mentor/father-figure. Unfortunately, Frank's dreams become his downfall.

Being 'state' raised and with little parenting, Frank is naturally pulled toward father-figures. Easily, the other stirring character performances are from them: the too-little seen Willie Nelson as Okla, and especially, Robert Prosky as Leo. In a remarkable screen debut, Prosky is startling as the syndicate boss seeking to tempt Frank with a Faustian deal. Plus, he gives one of the most chilling and vile culminating speeches spoken on film (by a sweet looking old man), ever. The other very touching performance is by Tuesday Weld as Frank's love interest, Jessie. Hers is one that makes Frank's decisions late in the film that much more heartbreaking. The supporting cast members are more than solid, with Jim Belushi (in his first prominent role) and John Santucci (in another debut) standing out.

If there's another earmark of a Mann film, it is in its authenticity of story and trade craft. Based upon the novel 'The Home Invaders' by Frank Hohimer, 'Thief' also makes use of real-life thieves as technical advisors (and as cast members). In fact, real-life Chicago cops also dot the cast and lend their experience in the proceedings. The terms and dialog, tools and techniques used in the film ring true because they are. The safes are real--no props here. All of the tools and guns are genuine (and have real histories). Another point is the combat pistol craft displayed, especially by Caan's Frank. Nothing here is Hollywood fake or flash. All of this adds to the undisputed credibility in the film and only enhances the direction and actor's performances.

Michael Mann created a memorable major film director debut brimming with visuals and technique that would be copied throughout the 80's by others. But, besides its style and atmosphere, it's a more character-driven movie than many give it credit for. And, as Amazon's Jim Gay writes, beautifully photographed by Donald Thorin and enhanced by the Tangerine Dream soundtrack. This DVD is the director's cut, with some minor scene additions to the theatrical release. I'm also in complete agreement with reviewer G.E. Goodwin that this was the precursor to Mann's more realized film, 1995's 'Heat'. In fact, if you listen to the very fun commentary track by Mann and Caan (which was probably done for the earlier laser disc release of the film), you'll learn it was recorded while the director was filming that later, great work. They are both worthy and remarkable films for their decades, and their fans.

Rating:
Summary: THE SIGNATURE STYLE OF MICHAEL MANN
Review: James Caan in black Armani leather looking better than he did in THE GODFATHER; Tuesday Weld looking angelic; Chicago lit up in neon with non-cliched corrupt cops, desperate crooks and the underbelly of the Midwest. Michael Mann imprinted his signature style on this fierce tale of a career criminal caught in the nightmare of a dream gone bad and a life that could never exist. THIEF is distingushed by its incredible visuals and hard dialogue... the most frightening of both is an exchange between a silent, face up Caan and Robert Prosky (a powerhouse as Leo) in a back alley shop with an acid bath at arms length. THIEF is the prototype for the new era film noir and Mann a skilled and worthy architect of the genre. William L. Petersen appears for a second as a bartender and Dennis Farina makes his acting debut as a shotgun toting mobster.

Rating:
Summary: thief in the night
Review: I seen this movie when it was 1st released in the theatre,
and i like it, and also the style of filing, and storey line.
filmed in chicago, this movie gives ya a world wind tour of
the area with land marks....the elevated train tracks,
the bridges, chocago police interview techniques, pay off's, the mob, double cross's, the love connection.
jame caan was around 42 at the time of the movie and probably
at the zenith of his looks and ability's.
tuesday weld, was around 38 and looked....hot..!!!!
james belushi, was in his late 20's and starting his film career
based on his own talents.
dennis farina, the ex chicago cop, i believe this may have been his 1st film as well, we see him prior to his tv show
crime storey when his hair was still dark.
the bad guy mob boss- robert prosky, although older than james caan, later played the 2nd lead sgt on hill street blues.
unlike the new york mob, chicago's " outfit" always had a different flair to it.
willie nelson, shows up in the film as a aging- death bed convict also., this film , with a lot of footage filmed at night, y takes us in the world of the professional thief, on the prowl, one of the better crime movies to come out of the 80s'