Today’s quick review: Thief. Frank (James Caan), a car salesman with a criminal record, makes his real money as a safecracker and a jewel thief. Planning out the rest of his life, Frank proposes to Jessie (Tuesday Weld), buys a house for her, and accepts steadier work stealing for Leo (Robert Prosky), a powerful mobster. But when Leo tries to control Frank, Frank must choose between his independence and the life he’s always dreamed of.
Thief is a crime drama written and directed by Michael Mann. The story follows Frank, a sharp criminal, as he navigates a turning point in his life and his career. Thief is a character study of sorts, fleshing out Frank’s character and then applying pressure to see how he reacts. Strong character work and acting, interesting themes, and thoughtful direction make Thief a fine pick for anyone interested in what it has to offer.
Thief takes a more personal tack than a lot of crime movies. James Caan is a perfect fit for the role of Frank, a thief who learned how to protect himself physically and emotionally during a lengthy prison sentence. Seeing him navigate the perils of his job and gradually soften into a relationship with Jessie is a large part of the movie’s appeal. Tough choices and meaningful setbacks give his story a meaning beyond his latest heist.
Still, Thief has a few aspects that will rub some viewers the wrong way. Frank can be aggressive and controlling, and he is not as sympathetic as some other criminal protagonists. The movie falls squarely into the dramatic side of the genre, meaning that even Frank’s victories are bittersweet. Finally, some of the details, such as an intrusive, synth-heavy soundtrack, can be hit-or-miss.
Thief has a lot to offer fans of mature crime dramas. The film takes full advantage of a talented lead, and the tension between Frank’s desire to settle down and his professional need to avoid commitment makes for some effective drama. Not everyone will like the movie’s protagonist or the themes it explores, but it carves out a place for itself as one of the more thoughtful entries into its genre.
For a more action-packed crime drama from Michael Mann that explores similar themes, try Heat. For a similarly personal crime drama from Martin Scorsese, try Mean Streets. For a crime drama in a similar vein, try The Score, starring Robert De Niro, or Heist, starring Gene Hackman.
[7.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083190/). I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for solid craftsmanship.