Film Review: The Good Thief (2002)

If remakes have to be produced, it is better not to base them on truly great films. Even when made competently, they are destined to suffer because of inevitable comparisons with the originals. This is the issue that plagued The Good Thief, a 2002 crime film loosely based on the 1956 French gangster classic Bob le flambeur.

The protagonist, played by Nick Nolte, is Bob Montagnet, American ex-criminal who has retired in order to start new life in France. There he has gained large circle of friends, that even involves Roger (played by Tcheky Karyo), police inspector more interested in preventing him from re-starting life of crime than catching him in the act. Bob is generally perceived as a kind man, and he proves it by trying to rescue young Russian prostitute Anne (played by Nutsa Kukhianidze). Bob, however, has its own problems related to gambling and heroin addiction. After learning about precious paintings that could set him for life, he decides to clean up his act and begin to plan and prepare elaborate heist.

Writer and director Neil Jordan faced the challenge of making his film faithful to the original while providing something new to the audience. The solution was found in the nearly half-century gap between the two films. The most obvious change was the use of colour, delivered by cinematographer Chris Menges, which replaced the moody 1950s black-and-white of the original. The setting was also changed from the seedy Parisian underworld to the seemingly more classy and likeable French Riviera, a playground for the rich and famous. The soundtrack was updated with a combination of electropop, Leonard Cohen's ballad, and jazz.

However, the biggest change appears to be the protagonist. Bob Montagnet is an American, not a Frenchman, and he is not only a gambler but also a heroin addict. As such, he is not as likeable and charismatic as the cool, popular middle-aged gentleman played by Roger Duchesne in the original. Nick Nolte's performance as the visibly aged Bob was apparently enhanced by his real-life drug abuse and coincided with his well-publicized problems with the law. Despite this, Nolte does a solid job. His work is further helped by the diverse international cast. Tcheky Karyo shines as the policeman, while Saïd Taghmaoui and Nutsa Kukhianidze provide strong support as Bob's protege and the young prostitute, respectively. The inclusion of famous ex-Yugoslav director Emir Kusturica in the role of the techno geek who helps Bob with the heist adds an interesting element to the film.

Although Jordan slightly complicates the basic plot in comparison with the original, the result is mostly satisfactory. The film is best recommended to viewers who haven't seen the 1956 classic. Those who have seen the original might reconcile with inevitable disappointment, as The Good Thief, despite its merits, struggles to match the charm and impact of its predecessor.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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