Movie Review: "Deadfall"

In "Deadfall," Michael Caine and Eric Portman dive into the world of jewel heists, adding to a trend of robbery movies like "The Thomas Crown Affair" and "The Jokers." Eric Portman's character asks a thought-provoking question: why do people have a soft spot for jewel thieves? As we look at this season of heist films, it's interesting to see what sets them apart.

The Heist Craze

Why are robbery movies so popular right now? In the 1930s, gangster films gave people a sense of empowerment during the Great Depression, making them feel like they could take control of their lives. But in the 1960s, it's not really about the money. For example, Thomas Crown is already a millionaire, and the guys in "The Jokers" steal the crown jewels just for the challenge.

Today's movie criminals are more fascinated by the thrill of the heist rather than the cash. And when it comes to stealing jewels, there's an added allure. Diamonds and jewels aren't just money—they're valuable because we all agree they are. If you owned a fortune in diamonds, wouldn't you feel validated if someone thought they were worth stealing?

About "Deadfall"

"Deadfall" had the potential to be a great heist movie, especially with talents like Michael Caine and director Bryan Forbes, known for his moody thrillers like "Séance on a Wet Afternoon." But unfortunately, it misses the mark.

One big problem is the film's indecision: it can't choose between focusing on the heist or the romantic drama, which muddles the story. This was also an issue with "The Thomas Crown Affair." Another distraction is the cinematography by Gerry Turpin. The constant shifts in focus from foreground to background become annoying rather than artistic.

Bryan Forbes makes things worse with a confusing sequence that cuts between a symphony concert and the burglary. It's artsy but irritating. If directors would stick to making straightforward heist movies, we'd all enjoy them a lot more.

Conclusion

"Deadfall" had the right ingredients but couldn't pull off a satisfying heist movie. If filmmakers focused more on the excitement of the robbery and less on complicated subplots and fancy camera work, we'd have more fun. For now, "Deadfall" is an interesting but flawed entry in the heist genre.