James Caan

Michael Mann's theatrical debut, "Thief," is a slow and methodical neo-noir film. The movie tells the story of a safecracker and jewel thief named Frank ...

["Heat"](https://www.slashfilm.com/1059818/michael-mann-made-heat-with-two-ambitious-goals-in-mind/) and ["Collateral,"](https://www.slashfilm.com/1043392/collateral-ending-explained-a-cab-and-subway-ride-through-21st-century-existence/) which examine the emotional foundations of hardened thieves and killers. [Michael Mann's "Thief"](https://www.slashfilm.com/578872/the-quarantine-stream-thief-michael-manns-stylish-feature-directorial-debut/) is undoubtedly a compelling story when reading it on the page, but translating it onto the screen is another conversation entirely. The scene played into Mann's unconventional and grounded heist story as well as the blunt and straightforward way Caan decided to speak. [The Ringer](https://www.theringer.com/movies/2021/3/26/22350995/thief-michael-mann-james-caan-heist-movie) on "Thief," the actor went into detail about the work that went into his character's dialect and Chicago accent. The story is also authentic and grounded in the real world, which gives purpose to the movie's leisurely pace. [James Caan](https://www.slashfilm.com/988300/the-character-that-was-almost-too-much-for-james-caan/)), and goes into intricate detail surrounding the dangerous profession Frank has decided to pursue and, later on in the film, leave.