Method
(originally posted on IMDb 9 March 2004)

"The Good Thief" is an English-language remake of the French auteur cinema "Bob le flambeur". Director Neil Jordan improves on all the problems I cited in the original. The plot and character development are not wanting here; Bob is no laconic bungler, nor is Anne merely a nonchalant siren. Unlike in the original, the paternal relationship between Bob and Anne becomes the polestar, with dynamic performance from Nick Nolte and Nutsa Kukhianidze.

Nolte plays Bob, a pathological gambler, liar and heroin addict (quite a mess compared to the original gentleman high-roller). After bottoming out, he is enticed to heist a Monte Carlo casino. Bob is neither a charming bad guy, nor a morally upstanding person; he lies within that grey area. He is likable and intelligent, but he has his vices (human complexity unrealized in the French version). Apparently, Nolte shot heroin while making this film--leading to his arrest. Not commendable method acting, but perhaps it helped and doubtless, this is one of Nolte's finest performances (near or beside "The Prince of Tides" and "Affliction").

Newcomer Kukhianidze is also exceptional. Although Bob doesn't help much with Anne's seamy associations, her adoration for Bob might become something of her salvation. Jordan amply turns the film on her and reaches a satisfying end.