Thief

1981 | Neo-Noir | 123 minutes | English

Info

After spending 12 years in prison, Frank continues a life of crime with a major haul from a diamond store. Frank learns Leo is the high-level fencer for the diamonds. Leo is impressed with Frank and asks him to work for him full-time. Frank is reluctant; he prefers to work alone. Also, Frank wants to settle down to a more normal life with his girlfriend, Jessie. Frank reluctantly agrees to do one last job for Leo. When the heist is a success, Leo chisels Frank’s share giving him a much smaller cut. Leo informs Frank he, Jessie, and everything he owns are Leo’s property. A furious Frank tells Leo either he gets the money owed or he’ll destroy Leo and his henchmen. Frank wants his money and he resents Leo’s threats. Frank is heading for trouble and the odds are against him.

Cast

James Caan (Frank) / Tuesday Weld (Jessie) / Robert Prosky (Leo) / Why Stream This Film?

Why Stream This Film?

Writer Michael Mann wanted to depict the adjustments made by a man after spending 12 years in prison. Mann elaborates: “Frank has been removed from the evolution of everything from technology, the music people listen to, how to talk to a girl, what do you want with your life and how you go about getting it.” An extraordinary film.

Rotten Tomatoes Score (Critics Consensus): 94%
Metacritic Score: 78