Review: Thief (1981)

Thief is the kind of film that falls short of greatness, but has unique qualities that make it a standout in its genre. The first notable entry in Michael Mann’s filmography, it has three big things going for it: amazing photography, great direction, and a protagonist rendered brilliantly and memorably on screen by James Caan.

It might be Caan’s most committed performance, and it feels like one he put parts of himself into. In…