The Mastermind January 28

A heist movie with an ironic title- it’s really a character study of JB Mooney (Josh O’Connor) an unemployed carpenter and aimless soul who develops a secret life as an art thief.

JB hatches a plan to steal four paintings from a local museum. But JB and his fellow small time crooks leave so many clues that soon he’s forced to live life on the run.

Set in the 1970s, news keeps appearing about the ongoing Vietnam War. The contrast between images of anti-war protestors and demonstrations for a more just world become a counterpoint to the narcissistic character of JB who shows no sympathy for any cause other than himself.

A film full of texture and layers, and with a great jazz score, it suggests the notion of poetic justice. You can’t run forever. Or can you?

Wednesday January 28 at 4:00 and at 7:00 pm

English

USA/UK

One hour and 50 minutes