Thinking of a Masterplan!
A reimagining of the heist film.
About a month or so ago I was talking with a friend about the Prince Charles Cinema and gushing over how lucky he was that he lived in a place where cinemas have quality programming 24/7. After scouting their website for well over an hour, I added more salt in my wound by browsing the marquee over at the BFI Southbank theater. I swear if I ever move to London, I’d be at the cinema nonstop. It’s not just enough that they show an array of films I’ve been wanting to catch on the big screen, they also offer ample public programming surrounding it.
The BFI does a cool thing called “seasons” where they put together a programme (look at me using an e, so posh) based on a genre, theme, actor or director. My friend asked what kind of programme I’d want to curate if ever given the chance and while I rattled off a few, there’s one in particular that sat with me the most: reimagining the heist film.
Now, walk with me! Here’s how Wikipedia defines the heist sub genre:
The most basic is that films in the genre tend to follow the planning, execution and aftermath of one large robbery. While there can be smaller crimes leading up to the major crime, this major crime is the centerpiece of the film and is the event which informs much of the film's plot. As a result of this, heist films tend to focus on the process of the crime, often planned in great detail, followed by extended exposition of the heist itself.
The genre is also distinct for almost exclusively following those committing the crime rather than whoever is trying to stop them. This often leads to the viewer building some form of sympathy or respect for the criminals. Another common characteristic is the assembling of a team to complete the heist, with each member contributing a unique skill or trait needed to complete the job.
Someone comes up with a plan and attempts to execute it. There are plenty of films that fall under this particularly category so I decided to curate a list of films I think fit this bill. This won’t follow the structure of my usual programming series but not to worry, we’ll get back to that at a later date.
Let’s jump into it, shall we?
Parasite (2019) Dir. Bong Joon-ho
Gotta start this off strong with one of my top ten films of all time, Parasite. I worked at a movie theater when this came out and begged all of my coworkers to use their free movie ticket to see this with me. The rush I get when the tonal shift in the film occurs and you feel the dread creep into your bones…it’s a masterpiece. I could talk about this all day but as someone who has a tattoo from the film, you get the gist.
Parasite is the perfect “non-heist” heist film. You have the Kim family, struggling with making ends meet, looking for a break, contrasted with the Park family, picture perfect and loaded. The two families couldn’t be anymore different and yet, they are all controlled by one thing: money. It’s amazing the lengths people will take to get it. Staging a coup of sorts to work your way into the lives of those more fortunate than you isn’t for the weak, as it requires much skill, patience and audacity, making Parasite a top contender for a non-traditional heist film. Director Bong manages to take the ever so relevant topic of classism and spins it on its head with great wit. I can’t say I’m thrilled with the news of the film being adapted into a series but here’s hoping I’m pleasantly surprised!
Stream Parasite on HULU
Bad Genius (2017) Dir. Baz Poonpiriya
Now this is what I can an ass clencher! Detailing the daring plan of cheating ring gone wrong, Bad Genius takes the audience on a wild ride through the eyes of an unassuming student. I went into this film blind, only watching after seeing a friend had recently viewed and logged it on Letterboxd. I wish there was a way for me to watch this again with fresh eyes. How could something so simple as giving a friend the answers to a test turn into a national headline? The actors put their foot in their performances, especially Chutimon as Lynn. She captivates you from the moment you meet her and then sinks her claws into you as she becomes more invested in the cheating scam. And to think that this is her feature film debut! Talk about talent.
I remember hearing whispers about this happening in real life and being put into a fictionalized scenario was enough to scare me straight. This is my version of Uncut Gems (2019).
Stream Bad Genius on Netflix
The Handmaiden (2016) Dir. Park Chan-wook
I’d love to sit down with Park Chan-wook one day and simply ask: what the fuck?
From the man who gave us Oldboy (2003), comes an erotic thriller set in 1930’s Korea. Seemingly normal on the surface, the longer the film goes on, the more we see the workings of Chan-wook come to light. It’s got everything you could ever want in a film: family trauma, beautiful gowns, lesbians, betrayal and dark humor. I wish there was a way to accurately explain what the film is about but it’s something you must see for yourself. Think of it as the ugly (affectionately) stepsister to Parasite.
It’s vividly lush and a treat for all ears, so it’s a shame the first time I watched it was on my iPhone with shitty headphones. I am hoping that it’ll be released for the tenth anniversary next year in theaters, so that I may experience it in the way it was intended to be viewed and so that I can drag my friends along for a wild and twisted ride.
Stream The Handmaiden on Amazon Prime Video
Logan Lucky (2017) Dir. Steven Soderbergh
Daniel Craig, Adam Driver and Channing Tatum is not the leading trio I’d ever think I’d enjoy in a film but Logan Lucky manages to prove me wrong. A subtly tense but humorous flick, the so called “hillbilly heist” finally gave some recognition to Southerners everywhere! There’s so much potential in setting stories like these in the South and just Southern storytelling in general but that’s another post for another day. To be honest, I didn’t know that the race tracks were stacked like that. I think that’s what I like most about this film and how true it is to the setting. Sure, you could rob a bank anywhere but where else would you get the chance to rob a speedway? A true working man’s Oceans Eleven.
I also think this serves as a great reason to get Daniel to do more comedies. Yes, he’s got the Knives Out thing going for him and it’s great but I’d love to see him do more whacky and zany characters like Joe. He’s already peculiar but I need more!!!
Stream Logan Lucky on Netflix
National Treasure (2004) Dir. Jon Turteltaub
I can’t even explain why this film made such a splash with my generation but it gave seven year old me a run for my money. I mean, having a protagonist with the name Benjamin Franklin…COME ON. A proclaimed history buff and adventure enthusiasts, National Treasure became the film of my dreams. You mean someone could decide to steal a highly regarded historical document and be considered cool? Maybe it was the way Diane Kruger carried herself as a boss bitch or the highly historically inaccurate puzzles Nicolas has to solve that drew me in so deep but the events in the film felt achievable. For the first time, I saw an action film that made me believe I was smart and capable enough to commit a crime. It wouldn’t be the last film to do so.
This film also had me glamorizing a life as a museum worker in the nation’s capital but luckily that’s something I did grow out of.
Stream National Treasure on Disney+
The Lavender Hill Mob (1951) Dir. Charles Crichton
Why does it seem like no one wants to make silly goofy heist movies anymore?
Alec Guinness stars as the meek but sly Holland who concocts a plan to steal the gold bars he’s spent the last two decades transporting. I absolutely adored this film and its simple plot. A man who desires more out of life finally decides to go for what he wants and chaos ensues. It’s charming only in the way I find British films can be. It doesn’t overstay its welcome and we get a quick glimpse of a young Audrey Hepburn as Chiquita. Hepburn was set to have a much bigger role in the film but her schedule made it impossible and for that, I weep. We do get her in Charade (1963) so I’m not entirely bothered by it all.
I don’t know why but this makes me think of What’s Up, Doc ? (1972), a great film for a double feature. There’s something about a simple miscommunication that causes comical strife that reminds me that life is indeed worth living!
Stream The Lavender Hill Mob on Kanopy
It’s been such a pleasure putting this list together! The heist sub-genre has always been a favorite of mine and I hope writing this fuels my creative spirit to finally complete my own draft. I doubt it but at least I can continue to watch these films in my spare time and count it as “research”. I’ll also continue to dream that one day I’ll have the chance to program for the BFI and enjoy all of their cinematic offerings in person. Until then, I’ll continue to push all my ideas on y’all and hope that you’ll take the chance to watch something new.
See you at the movies!
Seeing the handmaiden and parasite in theaters close together might make me start a riot