Heist is a 2001 American crime drama film written and directed by David Mamet, featuring a stellar cast that includes Gene Hackman, Danny DeVito, and Delroy Lindo.
The film follows Joe Moore (Hackman), a seasoned jewel thief who finds himself embroiled in a complex web of double-crosses as he attempts to pull off one last job before retiring. The story unfolds with Joe being pressured by his partner, Mickey Bergman (DeVito), to execute a heist involving Swiss gold bars, despite his reluctance to continue in the criminal life.
The film opens with a meticulously planned jewelry store robbery that goes awry when Joe is caught on security camera. This incident sets off a chain reaction of events leading to increased tension among the crew, which includes Joe's wife Fran (Rebecca Pidgeon), Bobby Blane (Lindo), and the hot-headed Jimmy Silk (Sam Rockwell). As the plot progresses, the film delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the moral complexities of crime.
Heist received generally positive reviews from critics, holding a 66% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised Mamet's sharp dialogue and the performances of the cast, particularly Hackman and DeVito. Roger Ebert highlighted the film's character-driven narrative and its clever dialogue, noting that it harkens back to caper films that rely on wit rather than special effects. Despite its mixed box office performance—grossing approximately $28.5 million against a $28 million budget—the film became popular in the home video market.
With a runtime of 109 minutes, Heist showcases Mamet's signature style of storytelling, characterized by intricate plotting and rapid-fire exchanges. The film's combination of humor and tension makes it a noteworthy entry in the heist genre, reflecting Mamet's ability to craft engaging narratives that explore the darker sides of human nature.