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(This review contains spoilers. You have been warned.)

James Caan (The Godfather) proves why he is such a fine actor in 1981's stylish heist thriller Thief, which boasts the early talents of Michael Mann and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

Caan is a tough, wisecracking professional thief, named Frank, who poses as a car salesman within the public eye. The story is a simple one: Frank, normally self-employed, receives an offer from local big shot Leo (Robert Prosky), which he decides to accept in order to make enough money to keep his wife Jesse (Tuesday Weld) happy when he retires -- even though it is against his better judgment. With his loyal assistant Barry (James Belushi, in his first starring role), Frank fully commits to the next big score, with the intention to opt out when it's finished.

Thief is a dark exploration of the criminal mentality (something Mann would later elaborate upon in his masterpiece Heat). There is a particularly engrossing monologue scene where Frank is sat opposite his woman, attempting to persuade her to take a chance on him and start a family. He explains:

"And the only thing that catches me up is doin' my magic act. But it ends, you know? lt will end. When l got this, right there, it ends, it's over. So I'm just asking you... to be with me."

Caan's character is complex and troubled, which makes for fascinating viewing. Utilizing light and shadow, director Mann's attention to detail defines and blurs the boundaries between the criminal and the family world (i.e. The intimacy and separation of Frank and his wife).

The only disappointing element of the film, I found, would have to be Willie Nelson's underdeveloped character Okla. After an intriguing conversation in prison, where Frank decides that he will break out his long serving friend, I began anticipating Nelson's influential involvement in the finale of the film. However, his character dies long before this scene takes place, which I found a little disappointing, considering the chemistry between the two.

With this minor setback considered, Thief is still a very intelligent crime thriller as it seems to know its subject very well. The performances of its actors are solid and memorable; and with an effective score by Tangerine Dream, this is hugely enjoyable affair. Looking back now, it's obvious where films like The Score (Robert De Niro) got their influence from.

(C) Andy Carrington, 2009.