168: Thief (1981)

About this episode

The episode explores the film 'Thief' directed by Michael Mann, focusing on its themes, characters, and the Chicago setting.

For this week's Watchcast Alex is returning to his previous profession as a Mannhunter, as he takes the crew through one of his favorite Michael Mann flicks, 1981's Thief. Join us as we pick apart the taxonomy of crooks and goofs populating Chicago's early '80s underworld, and marvel at all the exquisite detail that went into this movie's look and vibe. CHAPTERS: (00:00:00) - The Nextlander Watchcast Episode 168: Thief (1981) (00:00:27) - Intro. (00:04:09) - On Mann, his early days, and how this movie got made. (00:12:48) - Before we start talking about the movie, gotta talk about the soundtrack. (00:17:18) - The opening heist. (00:23:12) - What is this movie if not a showcase for profoundly Chicago-type guys? (00:31:46) - Break! (00:32:07) - We're back, and Frank wants his damn money (00:38:13) - Okla and Leo, from one father figure to an aspiring one. (00:51:36) - On the subject of these corrupt dirtbag cops. (00:55:20) - The original Michael Mann Diner Scene. (01:09:37) - The California job, and getting comfy in the suburbs. (01:13:29) - How many fingers am I holding up? (01:17:48) - Chaos in the adoption agency. (01:21:34) - Refusing to grease the wheels. (01:29:10) - Okla…

People in this episode

Host: Alex

Topics covered

• Michael Mann
• 1980s cinema
• heist films
• Chicago underworld
• film analysis

Keywords

• Thief
• Michael Mann
• heist
• Chicago
• 1981
• film analysis
• soundtrack

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Thief

Places: Chicago

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