The Mastermind
Against a Nixon-era backdrop of alienation and disillusionment, a taciturn family man (Josh O’Connor) makes the rash, largely inscrutable decision to orchestrate a heist at the local art museum in this restrained and often funny anti-thriller from Kelly Reichardt (Showing Up, NYFF60).
In early-1970s Framingham, Massachusetts, taciturn family man James (Josh O’Connor) makes the rash, largely inscrutable decision to orchestrate a heist at the local art museum, absconding with a selection of modern paintings—without much of a plan. This autumnal, restrained, and often quite funny anti-thriller from Kelly Reichardt (Showing Up, NYFF60) sets this low-key criminal enterprise against a Nixon-era backdrop of alienation and political disillusionment. As always, Reichardt’s impeccable craft is front and center: the film’s naturalism and remarkable period detail creating a portrait of unerring authenticity and psychological mystery. Whether driven by social apathy or artistic passion, James—effortlessly played by O’Connor with hangdog elegance—registers as a compelling update of the ’70s American male loner archetype for another dispiriting, directionless time. An NYFF63 Main Slate selection. A MUBI release.
Josh O’Connor is one of the most exciting younger actors to have emerged in recent years, with an expressive breadth and depth that reveal new layers with each performance.”
—Manohla Dargis, The New York Times Critic's Pick
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