Heist/Caper Films

Definition/The basics: A heist film’s plot revolves around a group of people trying to steal something. This “thing” can be money, jewels, secret files, priceless art, or other valuable objects. The crime involves intricate planning and challenges so a simple hold-up or mugging is not part of the heist genre. If presented as a comedy, these are identified as “caper” films. The heist film is a sub-genre of the crime genre.

History: The earliest heist film is “The Great Train Robbery” (1903) but the genre was defined by “Rififi” (1955), a French film directed by American Jules Dassin. This is the film that set the “rules” (see “elements”, below) that became typical of heist movies. In spite of its French origins, these films are dominated by American releases. Heist films continue to be popular, for example, 2017’s “Baby Driver” and “Logan Lucky”.

Related Genres: Crime; gangster; car chase; western; comedy.

Elements of a Typical Heist Film

Usually, there is a three-act plot: 1. Planning the heist. 2. Executing the heist. (Often called “pulling” a heist.) 3. The aftermath.

Within those three acts are common plot markers.

Act One: Ø The deal/objective is made clear. What is the group trying to steal? Ø Recruitment. A number of people are brought together, each with different skills. (See “Heist Archetypes”, below) Ø Planning. The group takes care to consider all dangers and obstacles and map their strategy/methods. Ø Sometimes, at this point, characters may have self-doubt as they reflect on the plan and ask, “Why am I putting myself at risk?” They’ll consider leaving the group but will be enticed to return.

Act Two: Ø The group performs the job. The planning in Act One serves as foreshadowing for this part. The audience knows how it is “supposed” to go but may have clues of flaws in the plan. Ø The crime is usually performed in costume or disguise. Ø There will be unforeseen obstacles or a member of the group may fail their part. Some may be caught or die. Ø Either the object is successfully stolen or there is failure (possible plot twist here) Ø The group escapes solo or in pairs. Some may be caught or die.

Act Three: Ø The group reunites at a preset meeting place. (The hideout.) Ø If successful, the spoils are divided. (More common in capers.) Ø In serious heist films, the crime is usually unsuccessful so fingers are pointed and blame is laid as group members turn against each other. Ø More members may die or are captured. Ø One lone member survives with the spoils or simply escapes to tell the tale.

Heist Character Archetypes

The Leader (often the protagonist) Confident, intelligent, coercive. Great at planning (or thinks they are). Sexist as it is, the Leader is almost exclusively male.

The Brain - This character is the most intelligent and knowledgeable of the group but lacks the other traits of the Leader. Other skills vary according to need. May be a computer whiz or terrific at building complicated gadgets.

The Keymaster - Able to open locks, doors, safes. Very nimble and quick with hands. Good at evading traps. Probably jailed as a youth for petty crimes like pickpocketing.

The Driver - Cool, calm, calculated. The character required for the getaway/escape. Able to make vehicles defy physics. Often has skills with engines.

The Inside Man - A person who works inside the target location who gives valuable information to entering or avoiding traps.

The Kid - A younger member who often joins the gang late in the planning stages. Brings humour and enthusiasm but is often a danger because of overconfidence.

The Girl - Flawless beauty who knows it. Uses appearance and sexuality to manipulate dumb-struck men. Often married to or dating another member. Sometimes is a “femme fatal” who causes friction between gang members. Alternatively, might be the one morally good person in the gang who escapes alive and free.

The Muscle - A powerful brute who uses fists before brains. Not too bright but is loyal. Used to put fear into adversaries. Rarely escapes alive.

The Wild Card - Has odd habits but is capable of thinking “outside the box”. Incredibly lucky. If not ridiculously charming, this character is often psychotic to the point of frightening other criminals. Prone to actions questioned by other gang members and the audience. Rarely survives Act Two.

------

Significant Heist/Caper Films

Rififi Bob Le Flambeur The Killing The Lavender Hill Mob Dead Presidents Bottle Rocket Mission Impossible Oceans 11, 12, 13 The Usual Suspects Inception How to Steal a Million Fast & Furious A Fish Called Wanda Dog Day Afternoon The Italian Job Thomas Crown Affair Logan Lucky Point Break Man on Wire Ronin The Great Muppet Caper