Thief (1981)

Directed by Michael Mann. Starring James Caan, Tuesday Weld, Robert Prosky, Jim Belushi, Willie Nelson, Tom Signorelli, John Santucci. [R]

Smarter-than-average tough-guy dialogue and Caan’s compelling lead performance as a hardened professional thief propel this character study masquerading as a no-nonsense crime film. He wants to retire, settle down with Weld, and start a family, but there’s one last score he needs to complete for ruthless crime boss Prosky; anyone think it won’t be so easy as that? Pic has enough going for it to make up for the occasional story lull or misfire (e.g., an off-key scene set at an adoption agency). Prosky and Nelson are the supporting cast standouts, the latter playing Caan’s incarcerated mentor who yearns to get out of the slammer before heart disease kills him. Donald Thorin’s sleek nighttime photography and the stylish score composed by Tangerine Dream are also worthy of acclaim. A lot of first-timers involved in the production: writer/director Mann’s kickoff in the world of feature filmmaking after several years writing for TV, plus the first credited motion picture appearances for Prosky and Belushi (as Caan’s partner/friend), while Dennis Farina and William Petersen each make their film acting debuts in minor roles.

81/100