Netflix Presents: The Italian Job
Nov. 25th, 2011 03:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sdelmonteSo one of the great things about Netflix is all the things there that you didn't know you wanted to watch. (As opposed to all the things you DID know you want to watch, most of which are NOT on Netflix.) One of these things is a 1969 caper film called The Italian Job. Oh, I knew the title, since it was remade, and I knew Michael Caine starred in it. But I didn't know I wanted to watch it.
Till two hours ago.
What a wild, weird little film that at once reeks of 60s styles (a soundtrack with harpsichord, all the clothes that inspired Austin Powers, and the aforementioned Michael Caine in his Alfie years) and is charming, witty, fun and really well made. There is a Cold War era political subtext lurking under the caper. There are amazing scenes of the Italian Alps. There are great car chases. And there is the caper, something utterly insane and utterly worthy of Westlake's John Dortmunder. Oh, and don't forget Michael Caine, one of those actors who is never bad in anything.
Looking a fun movie that is a good time capsule of 1969 England? Look no further. Looking for a caper film that can tide you over till Ocean's 14 or the like? This is it. Just be warned that the ending leaves just a bit to be desired.
Till two hours ago.
What a wild, weird little film that at once reeks of 60s styles (a soundtrack with harpsichord, all the clothes that inspired Austin Powers, and the aforementioned Michael Caine in his Alfie years) and is charming, witty, fun and really well made. There is a Cold War era political subtext lurking under the caper. There are amazing scenes of the Italian Alps. There are great car chases. And there is the caper, something utterly insane and utterly worthy of Westlake's John Dortmunder. Oh, and don't forget Michael Caine, one of those actors who is never bad in anything.
Looking a fun movie that is a good time capsule of 1969 England? Look no further. Looking for a caper film that can tide you over till Ocean's 14 or the like? This is it. Just be warned that the ending leaves just a bit to be desired.
