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Thief
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Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 0027616130501
Format: Color, Dolby, NTSC
Label: MGM/Ua Studios
Languages: English (Original Language), Analog
Manufacturer: MGM/Ua Studios
Publisher: MGM/Ua Studios
Release Date: October 08, 1996
Studio: MGM/Ua Studios
Theatrical Release Date: March 27, 1981
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Editorial Review:
Thief's dark noir spaces are tinged with the neon palette that has become the trademark of director Michael Mann (Miami Vice, Heat). This was his first theatrical film, and all the elements that characterize his later style (and this is a very stylistic film) are dominant. Equal parts grit and glamour, the story is simple. Frank (James Caan) is a lone-wolf jewel thief who was, in his words, brought up "by the state." In prison he was apprenticed to a master thief, played by Willie Nelson. When Frank's successful career comes to the attention of an avuncular syndicate boss (Robert Prosky), Frank is offered (and accepts against his better judgment) a deal that should allow him to retire and enjoy the family life he covets. But the deal sours, and Frank is left to decide what his nature truly is, lone wolf or family man. Thief melds its jazzy visual style with heightened realism: the jewel thief's tools of the trade are authentic, up to the 8,000 degree thermal lance used to cut through a nearly impregnable safe. Some of the bit parts are played by real-life, highly successful jewel thieves, who acted as consultants. And their presence informs the superb dialogue, as every word rings true. In one long, engrossing scene, James Caan gradually persuades the woman he wants to start a family with (Tuesday Weld in one of her most affecting performances) that they should be together. The film was photographed beautifully by Donald Thorin and further emboldened by the driving rhythms of Tangerine Dream. The DVD contains a very funny commentary track by the director and James Caan. --Jim Gay
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - utcmom
We enjoyed this movie when it first came out about 20 years ago. We werepleased to find it available on DVD. If you like anything by Michael Mann such as Heat or Miami Vice (the tv show), you will enjoy this movie. Intense and well acted.
Rating:  - Theif is my role model
This movie took a impeccable dive into the mind of a thief and the work of a thief. If you like psychology, or maybe action intelligence, than this movie is for you. The movie features stealing, a full length display of how it is done, as the camera pans all angles.
America meet scarface, Cuba meet Thief. This man stole diamonds, Scarface sold coke. Thief killed his boss, Scarface killed his boss. Thief was a low life and scarface was a low life. They both took their low selves and ... Read More
Rating: - MANN'S FIRST AND HIS BEST
For a first-time film effort, Thief is an instant classic and a benchmark work in the storied career of Michael Mann. Long before his Miami Vice fame, Mann made this compelling film noir about a thief trying to go straight and live the life of his dreams. James Caan turns in a performance that raises his level of brilliance that much further. Indeed, the entire cast is excellent. Of note, Tuesday Weld's performance as the woman Caan's character covents as part of his goal for a better life is equally ... Read More
Rating: - Great Movie.
This is some of Micheal Mann's earlier work. Great character development and a Miami Vice type theme on the bad guys. A cult classic. Plus Willie's in it, can't go wrong there!
Rating: - Thief
With its snazzy visual style and moody urban atmosphere, Mann's first film was a thrilling example of the director's unique approach to portraying tough-guy anxiety. In perhaps the finest lead performance of his career, Caan inhabits the role of the middle-aged gem snatcher with ease and even poignancy, as we watch his white-picket dreams go down the drain. Terrific performances by Weld, Jim Belushi (as Frank's accomplice), and Prosky, perfectly understated as the brutal Leo, help the movie achieve greatness. ... Read More
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