MPAA Rating: R/Genre: Crime Thriller/Stars: Gene Hackman, Danny DeVito, Delroy Lindo, Rebecca Pidgeon, Sam Rockwell, Ricky Jay, Patti LuPone, Alan Bilzerian, Richard L. Friedman, Robert Lussier, Mark Camacho, Michelle Sweeney, Elyzabeth Walling, Jim Frangione/Runtime: 109 minutes
Among the many genres of movie magic that have not only existed virtually since seemingly the beginning of cinema, but also proved to be quite delightful time and time again to generations of movie goers the world over, there is one that I think deserves a bit of attention at the beginning of this review. That being the realm of cinema known as the crime thriller and honestly is it any wonder why dear reader? I mean not only do they (for the most part and dependent on quality) constantly keep you on the edge of your seat, but they also can leave you constantly guessing as to what exactly is going to happen to the characters and if whether or not they are going to be successful in pulling off whatever criminal actions they are undertaking throughout the course of the film. That and let’s just be honest with each other dear reader: as much as we may hate to admit it to ourselves let alone to others there is most assuredly a part of each and every one of us who love this genre the way that we do because they also permit us (whilst also hopefully not inspiring us as individuals in the process) to perhaps sort of vicariously live out some of the more less than legal fantasies that we may or may not possess in the deepest sections of our respective imaginations. Of course, when dealing with a genre of movie magic that has been around as long as this one has to say nothing of produced as many winning and genuinely enjoyable cinematic outings as this one has, there is a constant that must be taken into account as well. That being that, as sad as it might be, there are going to be quite a few that either sadly don’t hit the mark or do hit the mark yet find themselves being unfairly overlooked by either the critics, general movie going public, or worst of all both. It is in that latter category incidentally that one would definitely be able to find a film from 2001, and slice of cinema I happen to be reviewing for you today incidentally, known simply as Heist. Indeed here is a film that combined the writing/directing talents of American playwright extraordinaire David Mamet and the more than capable efforts of a solid crew behind the camera with a collection of performances given by a terrific cast of players in front of the camera with none other than screen icon Gene Hackman leading the way. I mean, as far as the eye can see, this is a film that, while perhaps not a bonafide box office smash to the tune of a billion dollars or so, should have been at least a significant hit with critics and audiences….right? Sadly that was not the case which, if I’m being honest, really is a bit of a shame. I say this because, it might not be perfect, but with the aid of solid work on both sides of the camera Heist “01” is a delightfully twisty and engaging slice of cinema that will definitely keep you hooked and guessing right up until the very end.
The plot is as follows: Heist “01” gets its twisty narrative underway as we watch as a group of individuals seemingly go about their typical morning routines of either working at a diner, crossing the street, or just engaging in small talk at a coffee stand albeit with the distinct feeling that there is something perhaps a bit off about each of them. Of course, we soon learn that feeling is by no means simple people paranoia as we witness this group soon proceed to set little things in motion with the end game in mind of being able to break into a jewelry store in their immediate vicinity with little to no interference and/or witnesses whatsoever. Indeed, in case you hadn’t put two and five together dear reader, these people are by no means strangers, but rather a tight-knit and highly accomplished veteran group of professional thieves. Yet even though their latest scheme goes according to plan, there is one distinct wrinkle. That being that group leader Joe had to distract an employee in the store and, when coupled with an active security camera, this means that he can be identified and hunted down. As a result, we see that Joe has made arrangements for him and his wife Fran to take their leave of the criminal underworld and take off on their sailboat (and live happily ever after and all that jazz). Of course, it should come as no surprise to learn that while this idea is certainly a very wonderfully optimistic one, Lady Fate might have other ideas in mind that might not be. A belief that is soon solidified into ice-cold reality when, while meeting with long-time fence Mickey, we learn that Mickey has put up a significant amount of funds for another robbery and, due to being in a fair amount of debt, he is choosing to withhold Joe and his crew’s pay. Naturally, it should not be that much of a surprise to learn that this doesn’t exactly sit well with Joe and the gang since they feel that they did more than enough to earn it and as such feel like they are being gipped. It also shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that, as if stiffing them on their pay isn’t bad enough, we soon see that Mickey would still like the crew (despite Joe’s insistence that he is done with the game) to not only proceed with the other plan that has been arranged in the form of stealing a significant amount of gold coming in via plane from Switzerland, but that his arrogant nephew, a young man named Jimmy Silk, be permitted to work alongside the crew on the job. Despite Joe’s reluctant acceptance however, it isn’t long before we see that this seemingly simple job is about to hit more than its fair share of twists and turns. As for what this means for our crew, their fence, and everyone else involved I think it’s best for you to just see for yourself….
Now right off, it should be said that the work done by the various departments behind the camera on this cinematic outing is impeccably solid through and through. This starts, big surprise coming up, with the work done by David Mamet at the helm and honestly he does a really good job here. To be sure, he might not bring as many bells and/or whistles let alone style and flair to this particular story that a lot of other directors, Steven Soderbergh definitely comes to mind, would have. Yet whereas quite a few critics have been quick to point this out and/or view this as a detriment to the overall quality of the film, I must politely disagree with that assessment. This is because by not letting such elements emerge and potentially overwhelm the rest of the film, we see that Mamet instead makes the creative choice to go as minimal as possible whilst also placing his trust in the creative minds he has assembled to tell the story in a manner that will keep audiences on the edge of their seat and/or guessing continuously to the best of their respective abilities. A feat that the film, by and large, is more than successful in accomplishing. Perhaps the key element behind the camera that really aids the work done at the helm would have to be the work done on this slice of cinema’s script (though given that Mamet also penned the screenplay can you honestly say you’re that surprised?). Indeed not only does the script contain an absolute bounty of what has come to be lovingly referred to as “Mamet-Speak” which, when deciphered, really helps to construct interactions between the characters at the heart of the story in a way that is both iconic and yet also seemingly genuine, but there is also more than enough in the way of suave wordplay, cynically wry remarks, and delightful moments of people backstabbing each other seemingly all over the film’s 109-minute runtime that I have no doubt that both long-time fans of Mamet to say nothing of the genre itself are sure to leave this with a big smile on their face. I also wanted to take some time in this section to talk about the beautiful work done by Robert Elswit (There Will Be Blood, 8MM, and the Mission: Impossible films from 2011 and 2015 respectively) in the cinematography department. Indeed not only does Elswit’s work here add immensely to the overall atmosphere present in the film to say nothing of proving to be genuinely beautiful work, but it definitely aids in elevating the tension present in a way that is palpable yet thankfully not overbearing in any way. Lastly, I would definitely be in the wrong if I didn’t take some time to focus on the remarkable efforts of noted composer Theodore Shapiro (Not Another Teen Movie, Old School, Tropic Thunder, and Idiocracy among others) on this film’s musical accompaniment. Indeed here is a score that manages to really liven up the twisty proceedings in a manner that is kinetic, lively, and pulse-pounding in the best way possible. Suffice it to say that, yes the narrative at play does suffer from being perhaps a wee bit on the predictable side, but overall the work done behind the camera on this film does a wonderful job at bringing this slice of cinema in such a way that I have no doubt that both long-time fans of the genre to say nothing of relative newcomers are sure to embrace this in equal measure.
Alongside the impeccable work done by the group of creative minds behind the camera, this slice of cinema also benefits immensely from the top-tier efforts contributed by an undeniably talented cast of performers in front of the camera as well. Without a doubt in my mind, this starts with screen icon Gene Hackman in the lead role and honestly this is one of the man’s more underrated late-career performances. Indeed as Joe, we see that Hackman does a terrific job at giving us a tough as nails guy who, despite a few violent outbursts here and there which prove to be fairly darkly humorous, is very much a fairly cool and calculating professional who has been doing what he does for a long time only to find that, if he wants to make as clean a break from this lifestyle as possible, he must be willing to contend with not only the majority of people who know him thinking he has lost a step, but also an ever-changing landscape of loyalty and trust as well. Suffice it to say that it’s a terrific turn from a man who most assuredly will always be seen as one of the finer actors of his generation. We are also treated to an absolutely delightful turn from the always enjoyable (though you could say sunny too I suppose) Danny DeVito. Indeed DeVito has long been an actor I have admired and, in his role of the crew’s fence Mickey Bergman, we see that DeVito does a wonderful job at being such an effective blend of funny (especially with some of the dialogue he’s working with here), unscrupulous to the hilt, and even genuinely ruthless here to such an extent that don’t be surprised if one minute you find yourself laughing at something he says only to just as quickly be flinching at how sleazy and despicable he’s willing to become here. Matching up to DeVito fairly well in the antagonistical department is none other than Sam “Dancing Man” Rockwell as Bergman’s nephew Jimmy Silk. Indeed Rockwell has always been a talent who, quality of the overall film aside, you can count on to give a quality performance and here he does such a great job at playing this unapologetically arrogant hothead who is such a smarmy jerk and a half that you find yourself really hoping that somehow, someway he gets what’s coming to him even as his impulsiveness and antics really add a significant degree of tension into the group dynamic. This slice of cinema also features a high-caliber performance from the always enjoyable Delroy Lindo as Bobby Blane. Indeed not only does Lindo do a wonderful job at giving us a character that is aware of when to motivate Joe and the others, but also when to stand down, and when to really push people’s buttons in a way that is both effective and enjoyable. Perhaps the most important thing that Lindo brings however is a fair number of quiet moments between him and Hackman where, with very limited dialogue, we are able to see just how much their characters comprehend, regard, and stay true to their bond of brotherhood to one another in a way that is oddly heartwarming. Suffice it to say it’s a terrific turn and one that Lindo plays terrifically. Thus, when you also factor in solid efforts from Mamet regular (and real-life significant other) Rebecca Pidgeon who does a wonderfully complex and multifaceted job as Joe’s wife Fran and other Mamet regular (and incredible stage magician) Ricky Jay who is an absolute delight as “Pinky” among others it’s clear that this slice of cinema might have a few miniscule issues here and there, but the work done by this cast definitely helps to make up for them.
All in all and at the end of the day is Heist “01” the best of the best when it comes to either cinema in general and/or its respective genre of movie magic? Sadly no, but in all honesty that is ok because that can be quite the unfair benchmark to place on a lot of movies. With that being said is this the worst cinematic effort on the part of this film’s powerhouse cast since Delroy Lindo was in the 2015 “remake” of Point Break, Rebecca Pidgeon was in the last Divergent movie, Sam Rockwell lent his vocal talents to Trolls World Tour, Gene Hackman decided to run for mayor against Ray Romano in Welcome to Mooseport, or Danny DeVito thought a Christmas movie with Matthew Broderick was a great idea (it wasn’t. Not by a long shot)? Thankfully for each and every one of those talented individuals, to say nothing of my own sanity and inner peace of mind, I can definitely confirm that is especially not the case either. To be sure, this film is definitely not going to be one that everyone will be able to enjoy since not only are key aspects of the story definitely predictable, but the dialogue being spoken by the characters can be quite confusing if you’re not one who is willing to think on it and/or the characters saying it all that much. With that in mind, there is also no denying that the work done behind the camera is dependably solid and the work done by the undeniably talented cast of individuals in front of the camera is absolutely brilliant with each and every one of them managing to shine in their respective roles in this twist and turn’a plenty story. Suffice it to say then that if you are in the mood for a well-cast crime thriller that also has plenty of style and flair to match then might I recommend one of the Ocean’s films or even Michael Mann’s 1995 masterpiece Heat? I think those would be more in line with the type of cinematic brew that you are looking for. On the other hand if you want one that is simply made yet brilliantly executed and performed to say nothing of undeniably entertaining then definitely give this slice of cinema a try. Now if you’ll excuse me dear reader I need to go ask this crew if they just so happen to know where my wallet is….On a scale of 1-5 I give Heist “01” a solid 3.5 out of 5.
