Arthouse Heist: Art Theft Goes Psychological

Director Kelly Reichardt's "The Mastermind" redefines the heist film by shifting focus from criminal mechanics to the psychological aftermath of theft. This arthouse take explores the mental toll on the individuals involved, particularly as greed complicates their carefully laid plans. The narrative centers on James Blaine Mooney, an unemployed carpenter, who orchestrates the theft of four Arthur Dove paintings from a museum.

Set against the backdrop of 1970s Massachusetts, the film draws inspiration from the 1972 Worcester Art Museum robbery. Reichardt employs her signature understated style, utilizing earthy tones and a deliberate pace, with Rob Mazurek's energetic jazz score providing a sense of urgency. The movie delves into the cynicism and social unrest of the era, using the heist as a metaphor for broader struggles.