Kelly Reichardt’s new film The Mastermind isn’t your common heist movie. Overlook the quick cuts, the cool masks, and the getaway vehicles screeching round corners. This one is ready in 1970 and follows James Mooney (performed by Josh O’Connor), a washed-up architect who walks right into a small museum on a random afternoon with two buddies and easily lifts 4 work. No weapons, no drama—simply three common guys stuffing artwork below their coats prefer it’s no massive deal. What seems like the beginning of an thrilling crime story rapidly turns into one thing a lot slower and stranger.
The precise theft occurs so calmly it nearly feels humorous. There are lengthy pictures of ft strolling throughout flooring, a guard sipping espresso, and the delicate crinkle of canvas being rolled up. Reichardt doesn’t blast music to make your coronary heart race; she lets the silence do the work. It’s like she’s daring you to note how peculiar stealing can look when no one’s attempting to be a film hero.
Josh O’Connor is ideal as Mooney—a nervous, drained man who thought this one massive rating would repair his life. His two sidekicks are lovable losers: one retains quoting half-remembered philosophy, the opposite simply desires a cigarette and a bus ticket out of there. They’re not deep characters with massive backstories; they’re simply individuals you may meet at a dive bar, and that feels sincere. Quite a lot of viewers complain that nothing occurs for lengthy stretches. There are scenes of driving within the rain, sitting in low-cost motel rooms, or staring on the work hidden in an attic. Others say it’s made this fashion on function—as a result of that’s precisely how life feels when your nice plan begins falling aside. I get either side. The gradual components made me fidget generally, however in addition they made the humorous, awkward moments hit tougher.
The film seems like an previous picture album any individual left within the solar—pale colours, dusty vehicles, unhappy little cities. The music is jazzy however sparse; now and again a saxophone wanders in prefer it acquired misplaced. Some individuals hate how the music and footage don’t all the time match, however I form of appreciated the bizarre vibe it created. Beneath all the things, the movie asks a easy query: what do you do when the factor you stole seems to be heavier than you anticipated—not in weight, however in fear? Mooney spends the entire film operating, hiding, and ready for a purchaser who by no means feels actual. It’s much less concerning the work and extra about how laborious it’s to carry onto something when your life is already slipping away.
Sure, the ending doesn’t tie all the things up neatly. Some threads simply drop, and also you exit the movie with questions as an alternative of solutions. That annoyed me a little bit at first, however later I noticed that’s the purpose. Actual errors don’t include good closure. When you love fast-paced blockbusters, this one is probably not for you. However in case you’re within the temper for one thing quiet, humorous, and oddly transferring, give it an opportunity.
The Mastermind received’t be for everybody, and that’s okay. It’s a small film that trusts you to concentrate, really feel the burden of little moments, and snigger at how ridiculous individuals might be after they suppose they’re being intelligent.
The Mastermind releases on MUBI December 12.
- Electronic mail: neill@outloudculture.com
