Observing a neighbor's cat proves fatal in the crime drama titled 'Caught Stealing'
In the heart of 1998 New York, the director Darren Aronofsky, known for his affection for the city's grungy late-'90s atmosphere, brings us the action comedy "Caught Stealing". Filmed by Matthew Libatique, Aronofsky's longtime cinematographer, the movie paints a vivid picture of the era.
The story revolves around Hank Thompson, played by Austin Butler, a hard-drinking screw-up with an air of sweetness and innocence. Hank gets caught up in a messy plot involving a missing key, a lot of guns, and a few million dollars in cash.
Zoë Kravitz plays Hank's girlfriend, Yvonne, a paramedic. Detective Elise Roman, sharply played by Regina King, enters the scene to warn Hank that the characters he's dealing with are extremely dangerous killers.
Detective Roman shows Hank a photo of two other men snooping around the area. These men are revealed to be Ultra-Orthodox Jews, Liev Schreiber and Vincent D'Onofrio. Matt Smith plays Hank's next-door neighbour, Russ, with a fiery orange Mohawk.
"Caught Stealing" is adapted from a 2014 novel by Charlie Huston. The movie features a star-studded cast and a unique feline co-star, Tonic the cat.
The movie contains references to Mayor Rudy Giuliani's draconian crackdowns on local nightlife. Many desperate chases ensue, including through a crowded fish market and around Flushing Meadows in Queens, with a detour through Shea Stadium.
The movie also offers glimpses of iconic neighborhood fixtures like Kim's Video and a poignant shot of the Twin Towers. Aronofsky often flashes back to Hank's tragic past as a promising baseball player to underscore how little control Hank has had over his destiny.
"Caught Stealing" is a thrilling ride that combines action, comedy, and a touch of drama, making it a must-watch for fans of Aronofsky's work and action comedy enthusiasts alike.
