Review: The Mastermind

Official Synopsis: In 1970, failed architect James Blaine Mooney (Josh O'Connor) and cohorts wander into a museum in broad daylight and steal four paintings. When holding onto the art proves more difficult than stealing them, Mooney is relegated to a life on the run.

I say this every time I review a Kelly Reichardt, but I want to like her movies SO badly. It's like being a dorky kid in school trying to fit in with the cool crowd. You try, but something about it just doesn't quite feel right. I watch everything she puts out, and rarely love any of it.

Unfortunately, I didn't care for this one either. There are two things that really stand out. One, is the score. It's fun and jazzy and gives the film a much needed pep in its step. The other is Josh O'Connor, who has played so many different characters this year alone. James kind of sucks. He's not a great dad, or husband, or person, but O'Connor at least breathes some life into him.

My biggest gripe with this film was how hard it was to see at times. Reichardt shot the film on 16MM film, which does fit well with the 70's setting until it's time to film something in the dark. Then I couldn't see anything. There were stretches of this film that felt so wasted because I couldn't tell what was going on. 

Like most of Reichardt's work, this is quiet. You won't get a big climax and that works for the tone she sets. I think fans of hers will really enjoy this. The atmosphere feels a lot more alive than in her other works, but I'm still over here with Night Moves as my favorite of hers. The Mastermind is now available to stream on Mubi.

Grade: C