Thief (1981)

Coming closer to his dream of leading a normal life, a professional safecracker agrees to do a job for the Mafia, who has other plans for him.

From memory: Michael Mann's debut already shows his unnerving preference for style over substance, but it's nevertheless an above-average drama, and James Caan makes it worthwhile to watch.

Halliwell (no star): "And at far too great a length, with the additional problem that few people are really interested. A slick but empty melodrama."

Maltin***: "Arresting drama...inventively realized by writer-director Mann (in his feature debut). Caan is excellent as the man with one drive: survival."

Wild in the Country (1961)

A troubled young man discovers that he has a knack for writing when a counselor encourages him to pursue a literary career.

Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977)

 

 

A dedicated schoolteacher spends her nights cruising bars, looking for abusive men with whom she can engage in progressively violent sexual encounters.

 

Well-made movie with a male chauvinist message about promiscuous women, but worth the watch for Diane Keaton's outstanding performance.

Halliwell (no star): "Exploitative and very boring sex melodrama which doesn't even make one believe in its central character."

Maltin*1/2: "Sordid rewrite (by director Brooks) of Judith Rossner's novel begins as intelligent study of repressed young girl, then wallows endlessly in her new "liberated" lifestyle. Keaton's performance outclasses this pointless movie."