Why Theory Heist Film
Sep 2, 2024
Unlock the secrets of heist films as the hosts dissect their unique structure of desire versus object. Delve into the evolution of the genre and its interplay with crime and law enforcement. Explore psychological dynamics, from the allure of wealth to moral complexities in classics like 'Rififi' and 'Heat.' Discover how non-linear narratives enrich storytelling and challenge audiences. Lastly, examine the shifting portrayals of masculinity and femininity in iconic films and the societal issues woven into their plots.
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Heist Film as Genre
- Heist films are a genre, not a cycle or movement, because of their defining antagonism.
- This antagonism structures the narrative around desire versus its object.
Heist vs. Action: Audience Alignment
- Viewers root for the heist's success in heist films, unlike action films where they root for law enforcement.
- The core antagonism in heist films is between desire and its object, often leading to disaster upon acquisition.
Asphalt Jungle's Innovation
- Asphalt Jungle introduces a collective of criminals as heroes, diverging from film noir's isolated protagonists.
- The heist film becomes a fork of the noir genre, further solidified by Sterling Hayden's casting in The Killing.