“The Mastermind“: A Unique Take on the Art Heist Genre
In a cinematic landscape often dominated by high-octane heist films, Kelly Reichardt‘s “The Mastermind” offers a refreshing departure. Starring Josh O’Connor as J.B. Mooney, a hapless art thief, the film subverts traditional heist narratives by focusing not on the thrill of the crime but on the mundane and often tragic consequences of poor decision-making.
A Portrait of Mediocrity
From the outset, it becomes clear that J.B. is not your typical mastermind. Once an art student, he now finds himself in a rut as an unemployed carpenter and family man. O’Connor’s portrayal of J.B. is marked by a brooding, almost defeated energy, making it evident that he lacks the cunning and quick-thinking often associated with successful thieves. Instead, he embodies a character whose life is a slow-motion tumble into chaos, a theme that resonates throughout the film.
Reichardt’s storytelling is deliberate, eschewing the fast-paced thrills typical of the genre. Instead, she crafts a moody narrative set against the backdrop of early 1970s Massachusetts, a time when surveillance cameras were not yet ubiquitous. This historical context adds depth to the film, allowing viewers to appreciate the audacity of J.B.’s plan to steal four paintings by Arthur Dove, a lesser-known artist he once studied.
The Heist: A Study in the Ordinary
The film opens with J.B. taking his family to the fictional Framingham Museum, where he surreptitiously pilfers a figurine while a security guard dozes nearby. This initial act of theft sets the stage for a series of increasingly reckless decisions. At a family dinner, J.B. faces scrutiny from his father, a stern local judge, who questions his lack of ambition. J.B. reassures his family that he has a promising venture on the horizon, all while secretly plotting his heist in the basement.
The heist itself is remarkably unremarkable. J.B. and his ill-prepared accomplices don pantyhose as makeshift masks, a choice that underscores the absurdity of their plan. When the day arrives, complications arise, including a closed school that leaves J.B. scrambling to find a way to manage his children. The actual theft unfolds without the dramatic flair often associated with heist films; instead, it is depicted in a documentary-like style that emphasizes the banality of the crime.
Consequences and Chaos
As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the film is less about the heist and more about the fallout from J.B.’s ill-fated decisions. After the theft, he finds himself in a precarious situation, grappling with the consequences of his actions. The stolen paintings, which he stashes in a barn silo, may not even hold significant value, a fact that his father unknowingly points out during dinner.
J.B.’s life spirals further out of control as he faces mounting pressure from local mobsters and the realization that his family and friends are turning against him. His inability to adapt or change his appearance adds to the tragicomic nature of his predicament. O’Connor’s performance captures the essence of a man who is both pitiful and, at times, oddly sympathetic.
A Reflection of Social Upheaval
Reichardt skillfully weaves in the social context of the era, marked by protests against the Vietnam War. However, for J.B., these larger societal issues seem irrelevant. His focus remains solely on survival, and even that he approaches with a lack of commitment. The film serves as a poignant reminder of how personal crises can overshadow broader social concerns.
The supporting cast, including notable performances from actors like A24’s rising star, is well-chosen, though some characters, like J.B.’s wife, played by the talented Aimee Leigh Haim, could have been explored further. One of her most impactful moments occurs during a phone call, where she expresses her frustration while J.B. simultaneously seeks financial help, highlighting the emotional toll of his choices.
A Satisfying Conclusion
As the film nears its conclusion, J.B.’s reckless decisions culminate in a fittingly abrupt denouement. The narrative arc serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mediocrity and the consequences of living without self-awareness. The film’s ending, while sudden, feels satisfying in its resolution, leaving viewers to ponder the fate of a man who embarked on a misguided quest for significance.
“The Mastermind,” released by Mubi, runs for 110 minutes and has been rated R for language. It stands as a testament to Reichardt’s unique storytelling style, which prioritizes character development and social commentary over conventional thrills. With a rating of three stars out of four, the film invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the often-overlooked consequences of our choices.
Conclusion
In a world saturated with flashy heist films, “The Mastermind” carves out its own niche by focusing on the ordinary and the tragic. Through J.B. Mooney’s story, Kelly Reichardt challenges viewers to consider the deeper implications of crime and the often-unseen repercussions that follow. As we navigate the complexities of our own lives, J.B.’s journey serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most compelling stories are those that unfold in the quiet moments of everyday existence.
