5. Thief (Dir.: Michael Mann, 1981)
Michael Manns directorial debut is a stylish engrossing crime thriller. James Caan gives a wonderful performance as a career criminal who tries to turn straight but is inevitably drawn back into the underworld. The premise is nothing new but Mann delivers an ultra-violent neo-noir that has certainly influenced Manns own
Miami Vice and most recently,
Drive. Frank (Caan) and his partner (James Belushi) agree to do a heist for the Chicago mafia which is head up by Leo (Robert Prosky). Frank is eager to do one last score and settle down with his girlfriend (Tuesday Weld) and start a family. The caper is a $4 million diamond heist which Frank wishes to be his last and walk away from the underworld for good. However Leo and the Outfit have other ideas. The cast of
Thief is excellent a blend of movie stars giving career best work and wonderful character actors. Robert Prosky, for instance is a character actor known mainly for his mentor roles plays the sadistic villain who at first is a father figure to Frank. Proskys warmth and charm is plausibly magnetic which makes his metamorphosis into malevolence all the more electrifying. Speaking of against type, Willie Nelson (yes that Willie Nelson) gives a scintillating cameo as an old friend of Franks languishing in prison who gives a moving performance in his limited screen time. Caan too gives one of the performances of his career. Frank is a not an invincible tough guy or a character that relishes violence (like Caans most famous role in
The Godfather) but a man grown weary of crime. He wants to reject his illegitimate skills and make it as an honest citizen. Mann propagates the idea that the violent world is impossible to escape and that the American Dream is not open to everyone. Mann along with his producer Jerry Bruckheimer (also an earlier film for the mega mogul) creates a stylish neon lit world where the American Dream is flashed on every corner. Franks eagerness to settle into a normal crime-free life is ultimately what draws him deeper into the world of violence. The violence is swift and shocking particularly in an exhilarating climactic showdown that is among Manns finest action scenes.