On this day March 27 1981 Thief premiered in theaters. Directed by Michael Mann in his feature film debut the gritty crime drama starred James Caan as a skilled professional safecracker trying to leave his criminal past behind and build a better life.
The cast also included Tuesday Weld Robert Prosky and Willie Nelson in a rare dramatic role. Known for its moody visuals and realistic tone Thief set the style for much of Mann’s later work blending crime drama with emotional intensity and atmospheric cinematography.
Made on a $5.5 million budget Thief earned $11.5 million at the box office and was praised for Caan’s powerful performance and the film’s groundbreaking use of electronic music by Tangerine Dream.
80s insight: Thief marked the first time Michael Mann collaborated with the electronic group Tangerine Dream whose score became a signature part of the film’s mood and energy.
The cast also included Tuesday Weld Robert Prosky and Willie Nelson in a rare dramatic role. Known for its moody visuals and realistic tone Thief set the style for much of Mann’s later work blending crime drama with emotional intensity and atmospheric cinematography.
Made on a $5.5 million budget Thief earned $11.5 million at the box office and was praised for Caan’s powerful performance and the film’s groundbreaking use of electronic music by Tangerine Dream.
80s insight: Thief marked the first time Michael Mann collaborated with the electronic group Tangerine Dream whose score became a signature part of the film’s mood and energy.
