[Film Review] The Mastermind

Is there such a thing as a subtle heist thriller? Well, there is now. Kelly Reichardt’s latest film, The Mastermind, is a subversively quiet and radically minimal take on the genre. In a way, it's an anti-Oceans 11.

It’s set in America during the 1970s, with the Vietnam War permeating through television sets and radios and protests in the streets. The plot revolves around J.B. (played by Josh O’Connor), a family man “between jobs” -- or, probably more accurately in his case -- just unemployed. To make up for a lack of income, he concocts petty plans to steal artifacts and paintings from a local museum. The problem? He’s not one to think things all the way through. 

This might just be Kelly Reichardt's funniest film. It's full of irony, and there's even a sprinkle of well-wrought slapstick here. And in addition to the wry dialogue, a lot of the comedy comes from just how much of an objective loser and bumbling moron the main character is. He can’t really do anything right, and he’s really frustrating at times. It’s to the point where he isn’t even that sympathetic, but this doesn’t make the film any less amusing. J.B. isn’t quite evil, nor is he unlikable enough to completely write him off. Much of this is owed to Josh O’Connor’s terrific performance. He possesses a charming naivety here, and he’s great at going into contemplative mode. He makes it all look so easy.

As expected with Kelly Reichardt, the film moves at a slower pace and thrives on small but keen moments. It’s also steeped in vintage period detail - even down to the slightly grainy and sepia tone look of the picture. The proceedings are backed by a freestyle jazz score that serves as a nice touch to the hushed chaos. 

While The Mastermind drifts along, it becomes clear that the film’s title is tongue-in-cheek. It has a Raymond Carver spirit to it. This is a transient story about someone losing their way, little by little. Someone who seems to be detached from the outside world. And someone who seems like they couldn’t change even if they tried. There’s no backup plan for J.B., but we still want to see where he goes. 

* 8.5/10 *