Michael Mann's stunning directorial film debut is a mesmerizing crime drama about a meticulous master jewel thief named Frank, brilliantly played by the late great James Caan in a bravura performance, who is caught between corrupt cops and a double crossing syndicate boss named Leo, excellently played by the talented character actor Robert Prosky. Frank just wants to make one big score so he can leave it all behind and retire to his dream of a wife, kids and a fine home. Flawless supporting performances by James Belushi in his screen debut, Tuesday Weld, and Willie Nelson, but it is Caan's ultra-cool performance that dominates this entire film. Highly stylishly cinematography by Donald Thorin, with an extraordinarily powerful score by Tangerine Dream that gives this brilliant film an exhilarating vibe. Masterful direction by Mann who has created a unique sense of heightened reality with his rain-soaked streets and neon-lit city that has since become his trademark style as a director. An atmospheric and exceptional cinematic achievement and one of the very best films of the early '80s.
Review of Thief
