On "The Next Reel Film Podcast," hosted by Andy Nelson, Department of Art & Art History's Chair Tim Palmer and fellow film scholar Luka Arsenjuk discussed the exciting subgenre of heist films and how how elements like technology, professionalism, and the relationship between individualism and collective action shape these stories of elaborate robberies.
In-depth review
From meticulous planning to dramatic execution, this subgenre has captivated audiences for decades with its clever schemes, charismatic criminals, and intricate plots.
The discussion covers ten landmark films: The Asphalt Jungle (1950), Rififi (1955), The Killing (1956), Bob le Flambeur (1956), Le Cercle Rouge (1970), The Taking of Pelham 123 (1974), Thief (1981), Ocean's Eleven (2001), Inside Man (2006), and Widows (2018). The public episode explores five of these classics – The Asphalt Jungle, Le Cercle Rouge, Thief, Ocean's Eleven, and Widows – while members can enjoy analysis of all ten films.
Though heist films emerged from crime film and film noir roots in the 1950s, they continue to evolve and reinvent themselves. The episode concludes by examining how modern filmmakers incorporate social commentary and diverse perspectives while maintaining the core thrills that make these criminal capers so compelling.