Thief (1981) Review

Director: Michael Mann
Cast: James Caan, James Belushi, Tuesday Weld, Willie Nelson, etc.
Country: United States

Synthesized music, noir visuals, a protagonist who lives by his own code, and neon lights. Sounds a bit to me like Nicholas Winding Refn's Drive (2011). I know Drive was inspired by a lot of other films, but I feel that this was undoubtedly an influence on the film in someway. I just want to get that out of the way because I don't remember anyone listing this film in their Drive discussions before. Let it be known that Drive has Thief all over it! But in all seriousness, on to the review.

"My son is Buddy The Elf!"

Michael Mann is a director who likes to combine urban cities, criminals, and police officers in his narratives. The protagonists in his pictures vary from criminals, to cops, or even innocent bystanders dragged into the muck of things. Thief is one of his films where the protagonist happens to be the...well, thief. Not only that, but Thief is Mann's feature film, and a darn good one too. The elements that Mann would become known for are all introduced right here in this blisteringly bleak noir.

James Caan plays Frank, a car dealer by day and a jewel thief by night. He and his partner Barry (James Belushi of all people) are grade A professionals and are strictly self employed. One night, Frank is introduced to Leo (Robert Prosky), a man with serious connections, money, and opportunities. Leo wants to work with Frank because Frank is the best. Frank dislikes working for someone else though because it means he is pulling major exposure and is not completely in control of his work. As he ponders the offer, Frank meets and falls in love with Jessie (Tuesday Weld). Knowing that he'll need major money fast in order to support a life with her, Frank strikes a one time deal with Leo. However, Leo has plans to keep Frank on forever while Frank does not. Even though everyone is making money and dodging the cops along the way, an inevitable disagreement and showdown awaits these characters.

Great Leone-esque tension in scenes such as this.

It should be noted that Thief is not much of an action film. It has about as much violence and action that you would find in films like Drive, No Country for Old Men, and Unforgiven. However, Thief plays great to action fans because of its action-esque elements. It has a short but sweet kill count, suspenseful scenes straight out of a Leone western, lengthy jewel heists, epic explosions, a soundtrack that any 80's action flick would beg for, and competent protagonists and antagonists. The film is also directed by action maestro Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral, Public Enemies, etc.). Therefore, I think that the film lends itself to the action audience quite well.

Thief is a wonderfully photographed noir. The blues are especially noticeable in every scene. The night time scenes are gorgeous too. The film takes place in Chicago and it definitely shows. Director / Screenwriter Michael Mann grew up in Chicago. Therefore, the film has a very authentic look and feel to it. The tight and confining streets and visual imagery compliments the fact that this is a film noir. As most noirs go, everyone is trying to get out of a situation. And as usual, there is no way out. Kudos to the claustrophobic alleys and skyscrapers seen in the film. Chicago's beautiful and haunting night time sequences feel like a character all of their own.

7000 degrees of awesomeness.

The film also does a great job at immersing us into the lifestyle of the way of a thief. I can't quite remember the exact phrases, but during the first few scenes where Frank discusses getting paid for his heists, he uses phrases like "down" and a couple others a lot. It took me a minute to realize we were getting a film that wasn't going to give us atypical dialog. You feel like you are truly watching thieves go to work. Michael Mann has stated that even the tools and methods used in the heist sequences are 100% real. This realism definitely shows, especially during the heist when Frank must "burn" a vault open. Sparks fly everywhere - It is quite the visual showcase.

Thief has a soundtrack that might as well be its own character. It's one of the best film scores I have ever heard. Tangerine Dream composes some of the most awesome and affective synthesized beats I have ever heard in a film. The two main jewel heists are expertly photographed and edited. The film score ties it all together though in a nice little bow. The final scene is also complimented by a unique bad ass guitar riff. Whenever the film chooses to limit its dialog, the score takes over and sets the mood perfectly.

James Caan, the lady's man.

Mann's debut features some very first rate performances as well. James Caan gives my favorite performance of his as Frank. He is a complicated character with a code of his own. He only likes to make one time deals, provide for those he cares for, and does not want to be messed with. By being in prison from age 20 to age 31 as Frank recounts in a diner scene, he has missed a massive portion of growing up as an adult in the real world. Therefore, Frank operates a little differently and has philosophies of his own.

Tuesday Weld, Robert Prosky, and James Belushi are all fantastic in their supporting roles. Even though Prosky has a silly and kind looking face, he can be quite menacing and terrifying in some scenes. Willie Nelson has a small but memorable part as a man named Okla, the thief who taught Frank everything that he knows. I love good mentor/student stories in any film. Therefore, it was a nice surprise to get this as a subplot amidst everything else going on. The film does a fantastic job telling everyone's stories without any one character ever feeling useless.

Say hello to the 80's.

Rating: 9/10 - Michael Mann's slow burn debut is a truly dazzling neo-noir. It has great performances, a tense realism, and one of the best 80's soundtracks I have ever heard. Highly recommended to fans of dramatic action films and especially noir.

Best Kill / Beatdown: Aw man, it's too spoilery to reveal!
Best Performance: James Caan gives a superb performance as a character we don't see too often in our action films of today. He has a unique personal code, a bizarre way of dealing with the ladies, and a taste for leather jackets. Who doesn't love this character?
Best Action Scene: The final gunfight is just great. It's beautifully edited, scored, and shot. While very short, it is simply exquisite. It's like sipping a wine, tasting it, and than spitting it out. Short but sweet.