Exploring “The Mastermind”: A Heist Movie with a Twist

As the chill of December settles in, MUBI is serving up a compelling slate of films that could ignite anyone’s winter nights. Among the showstoppers is "The Mastermind," Kelly Reichardt’s latest gem. If you’re a fan of cinematic storytelling that takes its time, you might just find this to be one of the year’s highlights.

MUBI’s December offerings don’t just stop at new films; they combine fresh takes, classic masterpieces, and indie sensations. While movies like “Die My Love” and “Afternoons of Solitude” stand out, it’s Reichardt’s film that truly lingers in the heart. It’s a strange mix of a heist tale and an exploration of human frailty that leaves you both breathless and reflective.

A Journey into the Past

When you first hit play on “The Mastermind,” the jazzy and jittery opening sets the tone instantly. The title cards, sleek and almost Bauhaus-inspired, draw you into a world that feels both nostalgic and vivid. It’s shot on film, lending a grainy warmth that envelops you like an old quilt. You’re transported to a sleepy 1970s New England town, where things initially seem quaint but quickly take a darker turn.

Josh O’Connor takes on the role of J.B. Mooney, an art thief with dreams bigger than his small-town reality. He’s got a plan to steal a series of Arthur Dove abstract paintings from a fictional Massachusetts museum. But this isn’t going to be your typical high-octane heist. Instead, Reichardt flips the script and shows us the aftermath—the unraveling of J.B.’s life—and in doing so, she breaks new ground in a genre often dominated by flash and thrills.

I remember watching heist films in my youth, captivated by the rush of planning and executing the impossible. Yet, in "The Mastermind," Reichardt slows everything down to examine the fallout of ambition. What happens after the adrenaline fades? What does failure look like?

The High-Stakes Aftermath

While many heist films thrive on the suspense of the job itself, “The Mastermind” taps into a different vein. Rather than focusing solely on the robbery’s execution, we see J.B. try to cope with the mess he’s made of his life. The film dives deep into how one poor decision can cascade into disaster. And man, doesn’t that hit close to home?

As the heist unfolds in its first act with thrilling tension, it’s the second half where we really see the emotional weight. This isn’t about the thrill of getting away with it; it’s about the consequences that threaten to engulf J.B. and his family. His relationship with his father, played by Bill Camp, adds intriguing layers. Bill’s character delivers a performance that mixes hilarious curmudgeon vibes with biting reflections on modern art—it’s a critique that resonates with anyone questioning the value of what we create and consume.

J.B.’s demise is almost poetic in how it’s depicted. The small-town vibe turns into a cage he can’t escape from, reminding us that choices are often shackled to our realities. One of the film’s striking visuals is the contrast between the beauty of art and the chaos J.B. creates in pursuit of it. It’s as if Reichardt is asking us: Is beauty worth the price of our sanity?

A Masterclass in Subtlety

Reichardt is renowned for her patient storytelling, and this film is no exception. She doesn’t bombard the audience with action; instead, she trusts us to absorb the silence, the weight of the moments between the lines. It’s about the nuances—the small conversations, the lingering looks—and yes, the hilarious attempts at modern art critique. You can almost hear the gears turning in the characters’ minds, slowly unraveling as J.B. navigates the wreckage he’s created.

In one of the film’s quieter moments, J.B. grapples with the impact of his actions. What would it mean to lose everything? Reichardt beautifully balances these moments of self-reflection with the narrative’s tension. This isn’t just a thief’s tale; it’s a study of humanity, failure, and, ultimately, redemption or perhaps lack thereof.

Emotional Resonance

What makes “The Mastermind” resonate is its raw portrayal of human emotions—shame, fear, and despair. It’s all encapsulated in J.B.’s journey as he spirals further into trouble. There’s no glorification of theft; instead, it’s a cautionary tale that reminds us of the slippery slope of poor choices.

You can almost feel the weight of J.B.’s hubris pressing down on him. It’s a setup we’ve seen before, but Reichardt infuses it with fresh perspectives that make us rethink our own lives. How often do we chase dreams without grappling with their potential impacts?

MUBI’s December Highlights

If you’re interested in more than just one film, MUBI has a stellar lineup this December.

• “Hundreds of Beavers” debuted on December 1st, presenting a quirky indie flick that defies traditional storytelling.
• “Afternoons of Solitude” dropped on December 5th, capturing the essence of longing and introspection.
• “Die My Love” will be available on December 23rd, diving into the emotional intricacies of family and love.

Each film offers something unique, yet "The Mastermind" stands out as the one that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.

Why This Story Matters

So, what’s the takeaway from "The Mastermind"? In a world often driven by quick wins and idealized success, this film reminds us that every action has rippling consequences. It calls attention to the value of contemplation in an age where fast-paced narratives dominate our screens.

In essence, Reichardt teaches us to pause, reflect, and perhaps even prepare for failure. After all, the real stories don’t always end with a heist. Sometimes, it’s the aftermath that shapes us—the quiet moments of reckoning that we all face in our own lives.

As December rolls on and you’re cuddled up with a good movie, give "The Mastermind" a watch. You might just find a part of yourself in J.B.’s struggle. And who knows? You might walk away with not just a story, but a lesson about the price of ambition that stays with you.