Kelly Reichardt is recognized as a notable American filmmaker, and her latest film, The Mastermind, involves an art heist that deviates from typical genre conventions. This is reported to be her most ambitious project yet, featuring her largest budget. In creating this movie, Reichardt aimed to diverge from her usual style, as seen in previous works like First Cow and Wendy and Lucy. However, she found herself revisiting familiar themes during the editing process, describing it as another one of her films that explores personal narratives against a backdrop of failure.
The Mastermind stars Josh O’Connor, known for his role in the film Challengers, among other upcoming projects. He portrays J.B. Mooney, a thief characterized by a blend of charm and privilege, which complicates his attempt to navigate the consequences of his crime. The film begins with a heist involving real events from a 1972 art theft, leading to the central conflict: while stealing the paintings presents a challenge, the real difficulty lies in keeping them.
Reichardt has expressed the importance of working within budget constraints. Challenges arose during production, especially with scenes requiring detailed setups, such as car work and nighttime filming. Additionally, she built the interior of a museum in a warehouse, marking a new experience for her.
Exploring the film’s thematic focus, Reichardt posits that it ultimately functions as an “anti-heist” narrative, emphasizing personal unraveling. This departure from traditional heist structure raises questions about audience expectations. The film also reflects on societal structures and interpersonal connections, showcasing the protagonist’s journey through both personal and systemic failures.
Reichardt notes a distinction in storytelling challenges when depicting past events compared to contemporary issues, suggesting it’s more straightforward to address previous political climates than the current one. She aims to avoid romanticizing the era depicted, focusing instead on the intricacies of character and context. The film’s setting prompts reflection on the present moment and societal engagement, which Reichardt finds concerning in light of historical contrasts.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/801651/the-mastermind-kelly-reichardt-director-interview