Thief

James Caan, Tuesday Weld   d/ Michael Mann

Top notch character piece/thriller. Caan is a professional thief beleagured on all sides...by the crooked cops who want a piece of his action and the mob who want to control his life. He is solid technically but something of an stonehead otherwise. We follow his adventures wondering who or what will trip him up.

Caan was perfect for this role...continuing the character he played in The Godfather...tough, headstrong, fearless. Perhaps fatally so. TW was largely wasted. She was one of the most talented actors of her generation but was poorly used by hollywood which relegated her to pretty-girl roles like this one.

Film was beautifully constructed with a genuine mastery of suspense. This should be a classic.

8