CHEAT HIM… AND HE’LL BLOW YOU AWAY.
While pondering a new life with a woman and a kid, a professional jewel thief (James Caan) agrees to do a potentially lucrative score for a Chicago Outfit boss (Robert Prosky).
Inspired by ”The Home Invaders”, former cat burglar Frank Hohimer’s memoir, this was Michael Mann’s directing debut, one that immediately saw him find his style in a way that felt fresh.
Predictability in the story is softened by a fine cast (especially Caan), effective use of an electronic music score, engaging criminals with hopes and dreams, and a thoroughly researched climactic break-in sequence.
1981-U.S. 123 min. Color. Written and directed by Michael Mann. Cinematography: Donald E. Thorin. Music: Tangerine Dream. Cast: James Caan (Frank), Tuesday Weld (Jessie), Willie Nelson (David ”Okla” Bertinneau), James Belushi, Robert Prosky, Tom Signorelli, Dennis Farina… William L. Petersen.
Trivia: Alternative title: Violent Streets. Executive produced by Mann. Film debut for Belushi, Prosky, Farina and Petersen.
Last word: “I started the film at 175 pounds and dropped to 150. We worked eighteen-hour days. This director, Michael Mann, it was his first picture, and this guy is bright, crazy but bright. He made me go to this shooting school. We had fights. I said, ‘Michael, what the hell am I going to this stupid school for, hanging out with this Nazi?’ But I was wrong. I got so into the character, I could see people backing away from me. I was like a maniac. And I had to work very hard to make Frank human, because the guy is really a prick, a killer.” (Caan in 1981, Rolling Stone)