Plot: What’s it about?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a baseball player. I was fairly decent, but at a certain time in my life I was faced with the reality that it wasn’t going to happen. But I tip my hat to those that go the distance. Likely it isn’t easy and it takes a lot of time and dedication. I mention this as the protagonist in Caught Stealing is a has been/wanna be baseball player, and it’s a force that drives him throughout. More on that later. But what we do have is another film by Darren Aronofsky, the man who gave us Pi, Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream. The latter one is messed up. Then again, each has their own flare. After bringing out the best in Brendan Frasier in The Whale, Aronofsky is up to something different. It’s an adaptation of Charlie Huston’s novel of the same name. To boot, Huston also wrote the screenplay. How nice.
Hank Thompson (Austin Butler) is a former, coulda/should been baseball player. He’s an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants, works in a bar and has a pretty harsh drinking problem. He’s also got a few skeletons in the closet. His girlfriend, Yvonne (Zoë Kravitz) is at that point in their relationship where she sees a future, but isn’t so she he does. But when his next-door neighbor, Russ (Matt Smith) leaves town (and his cat) in Hank’s care, the trouble starts. It seems that Russ has a stash of money that belong to some pretty bad folks and they all believe that Hank knows the whereabouts of it. He doesn’t. We then take to the streets when he’s chased by a couple of goons, a Latino criminal (“Bad Bunny”), two gangsters: Lipa (Liev Schreiber) and Shmully (Vincent D’Onofrio) and his only solace is that of a witty NYPD detective, Roman (Regina King).
This might be the most tame of Aronofsky’s films, but that’s not to say it doesn’t deliver. The film wastes no time cutting to the chase, we see and meet the motley crew right off the bat. My only complaint is that there are so many good actors in the cast, that we lose sight of some of them. Matt Smith’s character is vastly underused. Still, if there was ever any doubt, this is the Austin Butler show. The man who played Elvis, has what it takes to command a movie. But his role here is the opposite of what he’s done in the past. With such over the top performances in Elvis and Dune: Part Two, this is a more grounded guy with relatable problems. It’s a great film that had me hooked. Oh and if you like films about guys who have to travel with cats, might I also suggest Inside Llewyn Davis. You’re welcome.
Video: How’s it look?
I look back at a movie that takes place in 1998 and think “That’s not old. Is it?” I suppose it’s relative. But Matthew Libatique’s incredible cinematography takes us back in time, making the worst sections of the city come alive. Because the setting looks and feels so vivid, the dangers Hank faces seem to be oozing from every corner certainly gives the film a more authentic look. Sony’s HEVC 4K image is nothing short of breathtaking, though some elements of grain are present, perhaps to give the film a more dated/vintage look. Regardless, the film has a claustrophobic feel to it which heightens the mood considerably. I liked it.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The Dolby Atmos mix has a certain amount of flare associated with it. Some choice songs are played, people yell (and scream), doors are kicked in, people are beaten and bar scenes are loud. Is this what living in New York City is like? I’ll assume it is. Still, the vocals churn out some top notch audio waves, surrounds chime in for some added pizazz and what we’re left with is a great-sounding track that’s sure to please.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Aronofsky: The Real Deal – Director Darren Aronofsky and Screenwriter/Author Charlie Huston explore the genesis of the film, the process of adaptation, and how to keep audiences guessing.
- Casting Criminals, Chaos, and a Cat – Austin Butler leads an incredible ensemble of actors – hear from the cast & crew on their characters, filming on set, and more!
- New York Story – From nosy neighbors to Black & White cookies, Caught Stealing is a love letter to New York.
- I Don’t Drive – Whether he’s running through traffic or hanging from a sixth-story balcony, Austin Butler brought an intense physicality to his performance as washed-up baseball player Hank Thompson.
The Bottom Line
This is a great movie. It’s not perfect. There are some gaps, but by and large I was instantly hooked. If there was any doubt that Austin Butler was a flash in the pan, let those allegations be a thing of the past. Sony’s disc is, as always, a visual treat complete with a kick ass soundtrack.
