Cult 101: Thief (1980) 4K Restoration
Director: Michael Mann Run Time: 123 min. Rating: R Release Year: 1980
Starring: James Caan, Jim Belushi, Robert Prosky, Tuesday Weld, Willie Nelson
Country: United States
Language: English
Cult 101 at Gateway Film Center
A celebration of the best cult films of all time.
About the film:
Becoming closer to his dream of leading a normal life, a professional safecracker agrees to do a job for the mafia, who have other plans for him.
Released in the US as Violent Streets, Michael Mann’s super influential minimalist neo-noir looks as authentic and original today as the day it did in 1981. Mann used real thieves as technical advisors on the film and that Tangerine Dream soundtrack is a joy. Donald Thorin’s moody and brilliant cinematography seals the deal.
About the filmmaker:
Michael Kenneth Mann (b. February 5, 1943, Chicago) is an American director, screenwriter, and producer known for his stylish, meticulously detailed crime dramas. After studying English at the University of Wisconsin and earning a Master’s from the London Film School, Mann began his career in television before breaking into film with Thief (1981). Over decades, he’s created classics like Manhunter, Heat, The Insider, Ali, Collateral, Public Enemies, and most recently Ferrari (2023). His work is noted for its precise visual style, atmospheric lighting, intense character studies, and dedication to authenticity.
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