Kelly Reichardt's latest film, The Mastermind, is a departure from her previous works, which include First Cow, Showing Up, and Wendy and Lucy. The movie centers around an art heist that goes awry, and it's her loudest and biggest-budget film to date. Despite the change in tone, Reichardt's signature style shines through, with a focus on character development and a unique atmosphere. The film stars Josh O'Connor as J.B. Mooney, a thief who has coasted through life on his good looks and privileged upbringing. The movie opens with a satisfying heist, but the real challenge for Mooney is holding onto the stolen artworks. Reichardt's approach to filmmaking is budget-conscious, and she discusses the challenges of writing and directing within those constraints. She also talks about the process of editing and how she wanted to create an 'anti-heist' film, unraveling the genre form and exploring the aftermath of failure. The film's third act was particularly challenging, as it could have gone in many different directions, but Reichardt found a way to make it work. The Mastermind is a thought-provoking film that reflects on the past and the present, and it's a testament to Reichardt's skill as a filmmaker. It's a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas and thought-provoking cinema.
