The Italian Job
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Movie Reviews of The Italian Job
Movie Review: Snappy Action; Great Car Chases
Summary: 4 Stars
This heist movie starts out feeling a little dated, with Michael Caine playing another so-many-birds-so-little-time Alfie-type character - in this case just released from prison and transplanted to Italy. But I was soon swept up in the spirit of the armored car robbery caper he orchestrates. And even though I'm usually bored by car chases, I found this movie's get-away sequence to be ingenious and almost thrilling. It's off and running through impossibly narrow archways, down steep staircases, over bridges, with one literal cliffhanger along the way. A great music score adds to the bounce and jounce of every hurdle that's overcome.
As an additional bonus for foreign car buffs, the DVD includes an out-take sequence with the robbers' cars and the police cars doing an extended, elaborately choreographed minuet in a marbled ballroom. The director rightly decided that this surreal episode didn't fit in with his generally realistic picture. But it's good that the dance was saved.
The DVD bonus materials are overall as interesting as the picture itself. The director's commentary is especially worthwhile, because he recorded it relatively recently, so he was able to reflect backwards and forwards over each actor's career. You get to hear "whatever became of..." Everyone knows what Michael Caine has been doing. But Peter Collinson recaps the careers of Noel Coward, Raf Vallone, Benny Hill, and others who also star in the movie.
This director commentary is like falling into convivial conversation with a master filmmaker. I only disagreed with one opinion he had about his finished picture. He said he didn't like the way Benny Hill's infatuation with LARGE women had been scripted. I think Collinson felt the character's on-screen enthusiasm, with Hill frequently managing to bury himself in some woman's abundance, was in bad taste.
But I personally found Hill's irrepressible enthusiasm rather appealing. It's as irresistible as this movie itself. I didn't see the recent re-make of "The Italian Job," but I have a hunch this original is the version to get.
Movie Review: Come on...did they REALLY need to re-make this?
Summary: 4 Stars
It is true that original ideas in Hollywood are even rarer than lasting show-biz marriages, but the remake of the '60's British classic "The Italian Job" stands out as the glaring example of the industry trying to pass off flash and flair in the guise of eye-candy actors and high-tech special effects in place of the human elements of acting chemistry and film craftsmanship.
The 1969 version of "The Italian Job" succeeded on so many levels; it was a fantastic film that was well-indicative of its time (the afterglow of the sexual revolution as well as the London fashion boom seen recently only on a second-hand basis from the Austin Powers movies in addition to Ing-er-lund's winning of the 1966 World Cup, British hipsters could actually display the Union Jack and sing "Rule, Britannia", unthinkable for the UK apologists of today) as well as a crime caper with a decidely different twist to the wit of say, the Rat Pack version of "Ocean's 11". And the distinctly European take on the car chase already iconocized in Steve McQueen's "Bullitt" demonstrated by the use of the ORIGINAL bumper-to-bumper crumple zoned Mini Coopers as opposed to the full-throated Detoit muscle flexed by "Bullitt"'s Dodge Charger and Ford Mustang is ably accentuated by some of the best stunt driving seen in a generation among some of the most beautifully picturesque backdrops in the world.
This is an admittedly dated, though terrifically quirky and extremely fun movie to watch. It's a fine example of why Michael Caine was one of the most charming actors of his generation and another example of what a movie can be when given over to human inspiration and creativity as opposed to a cookie-cutter script handed over to an overzealous special effects department. Rent the Wahlberg/Theron/Norton remake if you must; it's a good enough example of the quick fix mentality that prevents anything new and original from succeeding in Hollywood today. But for an example of a wonderfully produced and well-filmed classic MOVIE, this one's worth adding to the serious film afficinado's collection.
Movie Review: Terrific late 60's caper film with a couple of twists
Summary: 4 Stars
It seems that good movies inspire remakes. As to whether they are "inspired" remakes is always open to question. Both versions of The Italian Job have unique features that make them interesting but for sheer acting chops and fun (with the exception of Ed Norton in the remake who seems like he's trapped in a film he doesn't like), 1969's The Italian Job is my personal pick of the two. Mark Wahlberg can't hold a candle (and isn't much of an actor frankly)to Michael Caine in the original film. There's almost as many things that make this classic film tick as there are seconds on a clock. The plot focuses more on the getaway than the caper. This unique twist turned the formular on its head. The terrific cast (including the late Noel Coward in his last screen appearence and, of all people, Benny Hill!)features the marvelous Michael Caine in the lead. He gives a great performance and helps the ensemble rise to the occasion.
The late Peter Collinson directs with energy and wit bringing to life what could have been, despite its plot twists, a routine film. Collinson is something of a cult director who died relatively young before he could fulfill his full promise as a director. I'd also recommend his cult classic psychological thriller Straight On Till Morning which became available last year on DVD. While it's hampered by some mid-70's editing and visual conventions, Morning more than holds its own with the explotiation films of the time.
Complimenting the film is a commentary track which features the film's original producer as well as a number of nice extras. It's great to also have this minor classic finally restored to its proper aspect ratio. The DVD transfer is pretty good and while the quality of the print varies a bit, it's really good on the whole.
Movie Review: REMEMBER STYLE ?
Summary: 4 Stars
The original ITALIAN JOB is one of those "little" movies that won't go away as it continues to reap the dividends of having been done with panache and style.Michael Cane's Charlie character is an artist working effortlessly in aloof charm. He's the kind confident character you'll admire like Murphy in CUCKOO'S NEST in spite of the obvious reasons not to. There is seductive music and beautiful scenery and plenty of restrained continental humor.
I have no interest in cars, but even I admitt the classic models of the time featured here are beautiful and add to the ambiance of elegance infusing the scenes .
The chase is more clever than thrilling although the site of four cars performing on the top of a tall rounded building still makes me shake my head when I see it thinking they must have been mad. Remember, no remote control models or studio set ups were used here. That car jumping from roof to roof is real.
Don't come here looking for an action adventure though - it's more adult than that albeit geared for adults of another generation.
Director Collinson's influence makes the movie as good as it could possibly have been. The art direction also contributes strongly throughout. Because this version is so good, I am not tempted to see the remake. Why?
Basically; it must have been pretty impressive then and it's definately fun now. Sometimes all you want is a little fun with a dash of style.
Movie Review: Stick with the original....no amateur remakes for me
Summary: 4 Stars
Much like remaking "Ocean's 11", today's Hollywood not only can't come up with original titles, but their ability to better the original movies they are remaking is lacking as well.
The original "Italian Job" is a classic. Paramount has also done an admirable job in releasing this DVD....COMPLETE with some GREAT deleted scenes (the mini ballet has to be seen to be believed).
Looking for a good heist movie. Ignore the tripe coming out of Hollywood today, and go for the originals...."The Italian Job" and "Ocean's 11". Now THAT'S entertainment.