Day 83 - The Italian Job (1969)

The Italian Job (1969) directed by Peter Collinson

Remakes have been as old as film itself, as there simply aren't that many original stories to tell. As Nas raps, "No idea's original, there's nothing new under the sun/ It's never what you do, but how it's done."

Luckily for many of today's film makers, many older films have been lost in the wake and most people don't even realize what they're watching is a remake. For instance, I actually did not know that the 2003 The Italian Job starring Mark Wahlberg was a remake of this 1969 film starring Michael Caine until the other day when I saw it available to stream on Netflix. That being said, the newer Italian Job is a loose remake that borrows elements from the original rather than being a straight retelling. Fans of the original however will be glad to know that the famous Mini Coopers are here, as is the obligatory chase sequence, the stealing of gold, and of course Italy itself. (Though remember that in the 2003 version, the title is only a reference to the job in the very beginning of the movie in Italy. The rest of that film actually takes place in Los Angeles.)

Despite the obvious similarities, it was much to my surprise just how much better the newer version is. Part of it has to do with modern action sequences, but the other is the overall tone of the two films. The 2003 version is a straight heist action movie with comedic elements, this 1969 version can almost be classified as a straight comedy. It is rather whimsical and almost campy in nature, but unfortunately it's not really as funny as it intends to be. I did really like this line though that Michael Caine delivers to his British crew, "Just remember this - in this country they drive on the wrong side of the road."

I found much of the story rather bland and the plotting and preparation scenes, the staple of all heist movies, to be a tad on the light side. It wasn't all that compelling. Also there is no real assembling of the team, they sort of just show up with limited characterization, though to be fair this isn't necessarily an ensemble cast, it is definitely a Michael Caine vehicle. Speaking of which, I can't remember a movie where Michael Caine was the lead star. In recent years I remember him for his supporting roles, particularly in Christopher Nolan movies and as Austin Powers' father. I don't feel like he was given much to work with in this character, though his wacky British charm and humor does get the chance to occasionally shine through.

The chase scene in the end is nice, but unfortunately a case of too little too late. The ending, however, is a little unexpected and I love how it leaves off on a cliff hanger, literally and figuratively.

Grade: C+