Thief (1981)
Directed by: Michael Mann
Written by: Frank Hohimer, Michael Mann
Starring: James Belushi, James Caan, Tuesday Weld, Willie Nelson
Thief (1981)
Directed by Michael Mann
Available from Amazon
Michael Mann’s debut feature film THIEF is a slick, noir crime drama fronted by cool-as-ice James Caan as professional thief, Frank. Running a used car sales lot by day, Frank makes his real money at night with the help of phone tapper best friend Barry (James Belushi). Longing to start a family and have a fresh start with his new wife Jessie (Tuesday Weld), he plans to make enough money with the mafia then leave the business for good. Only the mafia won’t let go of their prized cow until they’ve milked it dry…
Though THIEF is showing its age slightly, its old-school style and mentality is refreshing to watch. It’s true that these types of films aren’t made anymore, and if they were, they sure wouldn’t look this good, especially for a debut feature film. James Caan is perfect in the role of Frank with solid supporting performances from James Belushi, Tuesday Weld, Robert Prosky as gangster boss Leo and Willie Nelson as Frank’s father figure and safecracker genius, Okla.
The expensive cars, the neon lights in the city night and the electric score from Tangerine Dream pack quite a punch to compliment the film’s narrative. Whilst the story may be a rather simple idea, the way it is developed and executed makes for an entertaining, visually-impressive experience. Add a dash of violence and you have a solid crime drama that stands its ground, no matter what, just like the character of Frank.
In 5.1 audio with a flawless high-definition transfer from Arrow Video, the Blu-Ray release of THIEF is an impressive one. The sounds of the vaults being broken into, the sparks flying, the car tyres screeching on the road and the gun shots blaring out from all angles will put you in the same room as Frank. And it doesn’t stop there. The release also comes with some cool extras including audio commentary, a documentary on Michael Mann, an old French interview with James Caan from the 80’s, and an excellent recent interview with James Caan from 2014, among others. The Blu-Ray features a reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork by Maarko Phntm and a collector’s booklet containing an essay on the film by Brad Stevens.
An artful, character-driven, gritty noir tale, Arrow Video’s release of THIEF is definitely one to add to your collection.
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