The heist genre is a certified Hollywood classic for a reason. From the crafty and clandestine planning sequences to the thrill-seeking execution of these daring thefts, heist movies have been a fan-favorite of audiences for decades. There’s a certain rhythm associated with the genre that audiences have come to know and love; a rhythm that combines smooth talking, cool tech, and an impossibly long checklist of plans and back-up plans. Even with these recurring traits, the genre has certainly evolved with passing time, with heist films introducing audiences to unexpected problems and unconventional solutions, with each installment trying to find its own distinct style and flair. While Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven trilogy rightfully receives its fair share of praise as the best heist movies of the early aughts, there’s another underrated film released in the early 2000s that deserves plenty of recognition as one of the most exciting the genre has ever seen. In fact, it’s not the only heist that remakes an old classic either.
Inspired by a British caper comedy from the 1960s, The Italian Job is an exciting heist action film that features a star-studded cast, a complicated yet intriguing premise, and some of the best car action sequences in any film. While not nearly as ubiquitous as some of its contemporaries, the movie, nonetheless, pays a beautiful homage to its earlier inspiration while still pushing the boundaries for exciting heist action. Though Soderbergh’s Rat Pack remake brought 2000s Hollywood to the Las Vegas Strip, F. Gary Gray’s The Italian Job brings charming thieves and daring driving to the streets of… Los Angeles?
‘The Italian Job’ Was Inspired by the 1969 Classic British Heist Film
2003’s The Italian Job is considered a fresh remake of the 1969 classic British comedy caper, The Italian Job (1969), a film lauded for its iconic imagery and pioneering inclusion of hacking in a movie — and yes, that means computer hacking, it was new in the 60s. Despite generally positive acclaim, the original has received its fair share of criticism for its controversial ending, though the imaginitive successor hopes to remedy that. While the two films share the same name, the updated version for the new millennium proves to be a more dynamic remake, as it follows a unique storyline, distinct from its predecessor, while still paying tribute through visual and narrative cues. The film follows Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg), a talented fixer whose last job goes wrong when he and his crew are betrayed by one of their own members. Steve Frazelli (Edward Norton), the aforementioned turncoat, dastardly double-cross leads to the death of Charlie’s mentor and master thief, John Bridger (Donald Sutherland), Charlie manages to survive the betrayal and, after a few years, the old legend’s protégé takes up the mantle and assembles a team to reclaim their stolen spoils — and get revenge for his fallen friend.
As with any classic heist, Charlie recruits a ragtag crew of talented individuals: Handsome Rob (Jason Statham) — a skilled and charming getaway driver whose dashing good looks earned him his descriptive nickname. “Nappster” (Seth Green) — a talented hacker who claims to have invented the eponymous website, desperate to earn recognition for his incomparable talents.”Left-Ear” (Mos Def) — a demolitions expert with a history of risky endeavors, one of which resulted in him losing his hearing in, well, his left ear. The final spot on the roster, and the necessary spark for the drama, is reserved for Stella Bridger (Charlize Theron), the daughter of Charlie’s old mentor. Despite her complicated relationship with Charlie and her father’s legacy, Stella displays the irrefutable potential of becoming as masterful a safe cracker as her father. Additionally, Stella’s motivation to avenge her father adds to the psychological and emotional depth to the remake; one that is particularly inspiring as she asserts herself as an irreplaceable part of a story that typically resists women in such critical roles. With this assorted crew, Charlie plans to steal back the millions of dollars of gold bars from his previous crew member, but they must find a way to break into his lavish Los Angeles mansion and escape with the heavy bullions. Sneaking out thousands of pounds of gold bars — should be easy.
‘The Italian Job’ Takes Creative Liberties From the Original Film
While both films follow a thief named Charlie Croker (the original version was played by Michael Caine), the characters’ heist and situations differ substantially. The 1969 version, directed by Peter Collinson, is remembered for its humor, iconic chase sequences, and its frustrating ending. In this version, Charlie is released from prison to discover his intended job partner, a fellow thief named Roger Beckerman (Rossano Brazzi), was killed by the Mafia. Upon his widow’s urging, Charlie takes on the dead thief’s plan to steal $4 million dollars from a security convoy sending gold bullions to the Fiat car company in Italy. The film’s witty dialogue and stylish visuals complement the thrill of the heist with comedic flair, ensuring a fun and light tone throughout the heart-pounding action.
F. Gary Gray’s 2003 take, in contrast, has a modern appeal and serious approach, changing not just the look of the film, but also its overarching feel. The robbers are motivated by more than just their desire for riches; they want revenge on a former team member who betrayed them. Even with his limited screentime, Sutherland’s John Bridger casts a shadow over the story, giving the movie a solemn undertone to pair with its exciting action. While the 1960s version was set in mid-century Turin with its narrow streets, a locale where the Mini Coopers reigned supreme, the early aughts brought the heist to second millennium Los Angeles. While hacking was once a novel experiment, this generation of thievery demands a higher investment in technology to take control of more advanced systems; from hacking safes to manipulating traffic, the remake brings updated solutions to a more technologically complex world.
Despite these key differences, the remake still pays homage to its predecessor in significant ways. By maintaining the iconic use of the Mini Coopers in its thrilling chase scenes, the 2003 remake ensured that the film remained true to its source material. The remake keeps the spirit of the original, albeit with some remarkable differences that make the homage feel more like an evolution of the original story rather than a complete detour. All in all, the 2003 film introduces a fresh storyline with modern elements but keeps the spirit of the 1969 classic. It’s a 20th-century story told to the taste of the 21st Century.
‘The Italian Job’ Featured Exciting Car Chases and Heist Action
The Italian Job is truly one of the premier heist movies of its generation, adhering to the classic standards of the genre while asserting its own identity with its attention to detail and immersive setting. Despite its name, the majority of the film actually takes place in sunny Los Angeles, successfully illustrating the unique and vibrant atmosphere of sunny Southern California. Some of the factors that come into consideration feel distinctly, uniquely L.A., such as Frazelli’s lavish mansion in a glitzy Hollywood neighborhood. However, as any good Angeleno knows, Los Angeles isn’t just a city of stars; it’s a city of streets. One of the most important steps towards the team’s successful heist is the navigation of Los Angeles’ infamous traffic jams. However, it’s that understanding of the city’s infrastructure (and its challenges) that helps make the movie feel alive. The movie doesn’t just show iconic locations in the city, such as Union Station, the Los Angeles River, and downtown Hollywood, but it addresses the real-life challenges of driving through some of the most congested routes in the country. But it’s also that tremendous challenge that makes the movie so riveting.
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While the movie does take place in California, it’s connections to the previous film are most apparent with its heavy incorporation of the iconic Mini Cooper cars as a central factor in the film. Like its predecessor, the inclusion of Mini Coopers is an integral aspect of Charlie’s plan, turning these humble cars into bonafide street racing icons. The Italian Job featured the new models of the Mini Cooper released around that time, which is immediately identifiable as some on-the-nose strategic product placement; but when the racing action is just that good, it can be forgiven. The Mini Coopers aren’t just included as a visual Easter egg connecting the two movies, but they serve as a unique solution to their getaway plan. Charlie and the crew specifically chose the smaller car because of the streets they’d have to drive; with compact cars, they are able to carry more weight without sacrificing speed. Every step of preparation proved essential as their plans take them on a breakneck chase weaving through LA traffic. The action is dynamic and engaging, expertly filmed in order to showcase the talented drivers while keeping the action easy to follow. It is also fearless as, at one point, one of the Mini Cooper drivers has to outmaneuver a low-flying helicopter in a tense stand-off between peculiar vehicles.
The Italian Job deserves significantly more credit than it currently receives — although it did rake in a successful $176 million during its theatrical run, a gross profit that surpassed even the heist crew’s target of roughly $30 million. Whether you’re a fan of the gaudy Ocean’s franchise or the classic Michael Caine version, this 2003 film remains an underrated but thoroughly entertaining gem. Engaging action and innovative action? Check. Unique and dynamic set pieces? Check. And, perhaps most importantly, a star-studded ensemble with impeccable chemistry? Also, check. The Italian Job doesn’t just prove itself to be a worthy successor to the original, but played an integral role in continuing to advance the heist genre with new ideas and daring stunts, keeping things exciting for eager viewers, new and old.
The Italian Job (2003) is currently available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
After a successful heist in Venice, a team of skilled thieves is betrayed by one of their own. Determined to get their gold back, they plot a daring revenge in Los Angeles, using fast cars, clever tactics, and impeccable planning to pull off the ultimate heist against their former ally.
- Release Date
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May 30, 2003
- Runtime
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111 minutes
- Writers
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Donna Powers
, Wayne Powers - Studio(s)
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De Line Pictures
