JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonThief (1981)
November 9th 2006 06:34
Thief
Writer/Director:Michael Mann
DVD Cover
Starring:James Caan, Tuesday Weld, Dennis Farina, James Belushi, Willie Nelson, Robert Prosky
Cinematography:Donald E Thorin
Music By:Tangerine Dream
“Look. I said fuckin' look at 'im! Look at what happened to ya friend 'cause you gotta go against the way the things go down. You treat what I try to do for you like shit? You don't wanna work for me, what's wrong with you? And then, you carry a piece, in my house! You one of those burned-out demolished wackos in the joint? You're scary, because you don't give a fuck. But don't come onto me now with your jailhouse bullshit 'cause you are not that guy, dont'chu get it, you prick? You got a home, car, businesses, family, n' I own the paper on ya whole fuckin' life. I'll put ya cunt wife on the street to be fucked in the ass by niggers and Puerto Ricans. Ya kids mine because I bought 'it. You got 'im on loan, he is leased, you are renting him. I'll whack out ya whole family. People'll be eatin' 'em in their lunch tomorrow in their Wimpyburgers and not know it. You get paid what I say. You do what I say, I run you, there is no discussion. I want, you work, until you are burned-out, you are busted, or you're dead . . . you get it? You got responsibilities - tighten up n' do it. Clean this mess up, get 'im outta here. Back to work, Frank”.-Leo
Thief is a scorching exercise in cinematic cool by uber slick Director Michael Mann (Heat, The Keep, Man Hunter, Miami Vice, Last Of The Mohicans). Cutting his teeth producing, writing and occasionally helming the TV show’s Miami Vice and Crime Story, this was the Directors Feature film debut.
Known in Australia as Violent Streets upon cinematic release, this is an atmospheric and violent, slow burning action thriller filled with intensity and an air of inevitable confrontation.
Tough, professional and beaten down, Frank (James Caan) is a career criminal, street smart and unbreakable. An industrial safe cracker, employing state of the art, tools of the trade with precision and expertise.
“I wear $150 slacks, I wear silk shirts, I wear $800 suits, I wear a gold watch, I wear a perfect, D-flawless three carat ring. I change cars like other guys change their fucking shoes. I'm a thief. I've been in prison, all right?”-Frank
A romantic at heart, Looking to get out of the business, Frank pines for a real life, to settle down with his girl Jessie (Tuesday Weld) and live the American Dream.
“See I am a straight. I am a true blue kinda guy. I been coll. Now I’m unmarried so we can cut the mini-moves and bullshit and have a big romance”-Frank
He sees his chance and takes it, wedging between the mob and the Chicago P.D. Frank lives by a code and with one last score insight it will take him down a bloody road of ferocious rage from which he can never come back.
“My money in 24 hours, or you will wear your ass for a hat.”-Frank
John Doe says:
Dazzling cinematography, surreal blue and red lighting, swiftly cut to the loud strums of an epic electric guitar and synthesisers. The Michael Mann stamp is all over his cinematic debut.
Thief is like an urban Sergio Leone western, larger than life, aggresive and engulfing the viewer with its mood of celluloid authenticity.
It’s a character study of a life in crime and the sacrifices that are made to maintain it, the Director would later re-examine the same themes with the cops and robbers epic Heat.
Beautifully colourful imagery, driven by a pumping soundtrack from Tangerine Dream, the plot is not a new one, but the execution is sublime
Meticulous attention to detail and a gritty sense of realism make for riveting viewing. The scenes where Frank is at work are spellbinding to watch, filled with nail biting tension and excitement.
Years of research and interviews came together to make the screenplay as close to the truth as possible. The tough guy dialogue and emotional inner core make for rich and nuanced characters.
Jimmy Caan (El Dorado, The Godfather, Killer Elite, Rollerball, Freebie and Bean, Bottle Rocket, City Of Ghosts) delivers the sledgehammer performance of his career in the role he is proudest of.
Shot at the height of Jimmy Caan’s cocaine habit, the legend goes that the Director was so impressed with his skills while under the influence that he gave Caan free reign to snort in his trailer between takes.
My dad’s screen goddess was Tuesday Weld (The Cincinatti Kid, Once Upon A Time In America, I Walk The Line, Pretty Poison) and this later appearance lets you see why. She has aged gracefully and maintains a glow that shines bright as Jessie beside the grey cloud surrounding the character of Frank.
Willie Nelson (Appaloosa, Half Baked) holds his own playing Franks loveable guru friend behind bars.
Dennis Farina (Snatch, Crime Story, Get Shorty, ManHunter) and James Belushi (Salvador, Red Heat) make their first big screen film.
The DVD:
The Australian release is presented in a 1:85:1 aspect ratio with a 2.0 dolby soundtrack and Runs 117minutes with no extras.
It is worth the effort to get the US Director cut which has additional deleted scenes. A 5.1 Dolby Digital transfer, and an insightful commentary by Director Michael Mann.
Cinematography:Donald E Thorin
Music By:Tangerine Dream
“Look. I said fuckin' look at 'im! Look at what happened to ya friend 'cause you gotta go against the way the things go down. You treat what I try to do for you like shit? You don't wanna work for me, what's wrong with you? And then, you carry a piece, in my house! You one of those burned-out demolished wackos in the joint? You're scary, because you don't give a fuck. But don't come onto me now with your jailhouse bullshit 'cause you are not that guy, dont'chu get it, you prick? You got a home, car, businesses, family, n' I own the paper on ya whole fuckin' life. I'll put ya cunt wife on the street to be fucked in the ass by niggers and Puerto Ricans. Ya kids mine because I bought 'it. You got 'im on loan, he is leased, you are renting him. I'll whack out ya whole family. People'll be eatin' 'em in their lunch tomorrow in their Wimpyburgers and not know it. You get paid what I say. You do what I say, I run you, there is no discussion. I want, you work, until you are burned-out, you are busted, or you're dead . . . you get it? You got responsibilities - tighten up n' do it. Clean this mess up, get 'im outta here. Back to work, Frank”.-Leo
Thief is a scorching exercise in cinematic cool by uber slick Director Michael Mann (Heat, The Keep, Man Hunter, Miami Vice, Last Of The Mohicans). Cutting his teeth producing, writing and occasionally helming the TV show’s Miami Vice and Crime Story, this was the Directors Feature film debut.
Known in Australia as Violent Streets upon cinematic release, this is an atmospheric and violent, slow burning action thriller filled with intensity and an air of inevitable confrontation.
Tough, professional and beaten down, Frank (James Caan) is a career criminal, street smart and unbreakable. An industrial safe cracker, employing state of the art, tools of the trade with precision and expertise.
“I wear $150 slacks, I wear silk shirts, I wear $800 suits, I wear a gold watch, I wear a perfect, D-flawless three carat ring. I change cars like other guys change their fucking shoes. I'm a thief. I've been in prison, all right?”-Frank
A romantic at heart, Looking to get out of the business, Frank pines for a real life, to settle down with his girl Jessie (Tuesday Weld) and live the American Dream.
“See I am a straight. I am a true blue kinda guy. I been coll. Now I’m unmarried so we can cut the mini-moves and bullshit and have a big romance”-Frank
He sees his chance and takes it, wedging between the mob and the Chicago P.D. Frank lives by a code and with one last score insight it will take him down a bloody road of ferocious rage from which he can never come back.
“My money in 24 hours, or you will wear your ass for a hat.”-Frank
John Doe says:
Dazzling cinematography, surreal blue and red lighting, swiftly cut to the loud strums of an epic electric guitar and synthesisers. The Michael Mann stamp is all over his cinematic debut.
Thief is like an urban Sergio Leone western, larger than life, aggresive and engulfing the viewer with its mood of celluloid authenticity.
It’s a character study of a life in crime and the sacrifices that are made to maintain it, the Director would later re-examine the same themes with the cops and robbers epic Heat.
Beautifully colourful imagery, driven by a pumping soundtrack from Tangerine Dream, the plot is not a new one, but the execution is sublime
Meticulous attention to detail and a gritty sense of realism make for riveting viewing. The scenes where Frank is at work are spellbinding to watch, filled with nail biting tension and excitement.
Years of research and interviews came together to make the screenplay as close to the truth as possible. The tough guy dialogue and emotional inner core make for rich and nuanced characters.
Jimmy Caan (El Dorado, The Godfather, Killer Elite, Rollerball, Freebie and Bean, Bottle Rocket, City Of Ghosts) delivers the sledgehammer performance of his career in the role he is proudest of.
Shot at the height of Jimmy Caan’s cocaine habit, the legend goes that the Director was so impressed with his skills while under the influence that he gave Caan free reign to snort in his trailer between takes.
My dad’s screen goddess was Tuesday Weld (The Cincinatti Kid, Once Upon A Time In America, I Walk The Line, Pretty Poison) and this later appearance lets you see why. She has aged gracefully and maintains a glow that shines bright as Jessie beside the grey cloud surrounding the character of Frank.
Willie Nelson (Appaloosa, Half Baked) holds his own playing Franks loveable guru friend behind bars.
Dennis Farina (Snatch, Crime Story, Get Shorty, ManHunter) and James Belushi (Salvador, Red Heat) make their first big screen film.
The DVD:
The Australian release is presented in a 1:85:1 aspect ratio with a 2.0 dolby soundtrack and Runs 117minutes with no extras.
It is worth the effort to get the US Director cut which has additional deleted scenes. A 5.1 Dolby Digital transfer, and an insightful commentary by Director Michael Mann.
"Im your love, Im your daddy Im that nigger in the alley..."
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