Thief (1981) [The Criterion Collection #691]

After 11 years in prison, an aging master safecracker (James Caan) decides to pull one more job before retiring to a quiet, peaceful life. However, the mob finds him much too valuable and refuses to let him retire, keeping him trapped in the life he so desperately wants to leave behind. An introspective look at a man reevaluating the life he's lived, THIEF is a fascinating, intense film, based on the novel by Frank Hohimer.

Criterion Collection

The contemporary American auteur Michael Mann burst out of the gate, his bold artistic sensibility fully formed, with Thief, his debut feature. James Caan stars, in one of his most riveting performances, as a no-nonsense ex-con safecracker planning to leave the criminal world behind after one final diamond heist, but discovering that escape is not as simple as he hoped. Finding hypnotic beauty in neon and rain-slick streets, sparks and steel, Thief effortlessly established the moody stylishness and tactile approach to action that would also define such later iconic entertainments from Mann as Miami Vice, Manhunter, and Heat.



Director: Michael Mann
Cast: James Caan, Tuesday Weld, Willie Nelson, James Belushi, Robert Prosky, Tom Signorelli, Dennis Farina, Nick Nickeas, W.R. Brown, Norm Tobin, John Santucci, Gavin MacFadyen, Chuck Adamson, Sam Cirone, Spero Anast, Walter Scott Jr., Sam T. Louis, William LaValley, Lora Staley, Hal Frank, Del Close, Bruce A. Young, John Kapelos, Mike Genovese, Joan Lazzerini, Beverly Somerman, Enrico R. Cannataro, Mary Louise Wade, Donna J. Fenton, Thomas Giblin

Extras:
- Audio commentary with director Michael Mann and actor James Caan
- Interview with director Michael Mann (24:18)
- Interview with actor James Caan (10:39)
- "Tangerine Dream" interview with Johannes Schmoelling (15:40)
- Theatrical Trailer (1:53)




IMDb

DVDTalk (Blu-Ray version

Very loosely based on "The Home Invaders" by cat-burglar-turned-author Frank Hohimer, Michael Mann's debut feature Thief (1981) is a true exercise in style. Having already cut his teeth on the well-received 1979 telefilm The Jericho Mile (still not available as a domestic home video release!), this taut character study stars James Caan as Frank, a skilled ex-convict well versed in the art of jewel heists. Frank is all business on the surface, but his personal relationships show a side of him that's possibly willing to give up a life of crime. He cares deeply for his mentor and father figure David AKA "Okla" (Willie Nelson), who's stuck in prison with a terminal illness that'll probably kill him before his sentence is served. He's also got a fondness for Jessie (Tuesday Weld), a pretty local cashier who's had a difficult life of her own.

Basically, there's a part of Frank that wants to settle down and have a family, but his life's experience–-and his recent dealings with Chicago mafia boss Leo (Robert Prosky)–-may prove too big of an obstacle to overcome. Leo sees big money in Frank's abilities as a thief, so they agree to a one-time partnership…but, as the latter insists, he only steals jewels and cash covered by insurance companies. Unfortunately for them, both career criminals have been monitored by the police, but they proceed as planned with a high-profile diamond heist which includes an $830,000 share for Frank. Law enforcement and the difficult heist aren't Frank's only problems, as Leo's shady financial dealings and continued interest in Frank almost ensure that this job won't be his last…and if it is his last, well, it'll probably be his last.

On the surface–-and to those who have only seen Mann's later, better-known efforts like Heat, The Insider and Collateral, to name a few–-Thief doesn't seem very complicated. But this multi-layered, superbly acted character study carries much of the same tension, weight and visual prowess that define Mann's very best efforts. Thief's cold palette, striking compositions and tight structure show a director firmly in control from beginning to end…so it's safe to say if you're a relatively new fan of Mann, there's a lot to enjoy here. Sonically, there's a lot going on as well, especially via the electronic score by prolific German act Tangerine Dream. Together with the oppressive Chicago landscapes, deep blacks and attention to detail (with several real-life thieves serving as advisers to the production), Thief absolutely drips with style and atmosphere. It may not be Mann's very best effort…but it's a damn good start, that's for sure.

Designed to replace MGM's 1998 non-anamorphic DVD release, this new "Dual-Format" Edition from Criterion is a welcome upgrade for new and established fans of Thief. Featuring a director approved A/V presentation and a small but informative mixture of supplements, this is a fairly well-rounded package for a film worthy of the extra attention.

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