In a daring departure from his usual cerebral fare, renowned director Darren Aronofsky helms Caught Stealing, a frenetic crime comedy set against the backdrop of New York’s Lower East Side in the late 1990s. The film, adapted by Charlie Huston from their own novel, stars Austin Butler as Henry “Hank” Thompson, a former baseball prodigy turned bartender, whose life spirals into chaos after a seemingly innocuous favor for a friend.
Matt Smith, known for his versatility, takes on the role of Russ, a punky character that required him to sport a mohawk for the first time. “I liked it more than I thought I would,” Smith admits, describing the vibrant yellow and green hairstyle. “It was kind of cool.” Smith, born in 1982, missed the original punk wave but acknowledges its enduring influence. “It’s quite a healthy attitude in life,” he reflects.
Aronofsky’s New York: A Character of Its Own
Aronofsky, whose filmography includes Requiem For a Dream and Black Swan, draws from personal experience to recreate the electric atmosphere of the East Village. “I walked down Avenue A hundreds of times, if not thousands, in the ’90s,” he recalls. “To me, it’s the most electric, most creative, most fun place in the world.”
The film captures the chaotic and multicultural essence of the neighborhood, a task made easier by the director’s familiarity with the area. “The East Village is the kernel that makes New York City pop,” Aronofsky asserts, emphasizing the neighborhood’s role as a vibrant cultural hub.
A Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
Joining Butler and Smith is an ensemble cast that includes Zoe Kravitz as Yvonne, Hank’s paramedic girlfriend, and Regina King as a tough-love cop. The film also features Liev Schreiber and Vincent D’Onofrio as Orthodox Jewish gangster brothers, adding to the colorful tapestry of characters.
“Fully,” says King, acknowledging the film’s departure from Aronofsky’s usual style. “And that in itself was even more of a draw.” Smith adds, “You read the script, and … you go, ‘wow, Darren’s gonna direct this’.”
A Shift in Cinematic Approach
For Aronofsky, Caught Stealing represents a conscious shift towards more commercial filmmaking. “I’m always looking in today’s crazy, fast-paced world for something that will distract me and entertain me really well for a couple of hours,” he explains. “I was like, ‘why can’t I do something like that?’”
The film’s kinetic energy and comedic elements mark a significant departure from the director’s previous works, such as Mother!. “Maybe I used to think there was something wrong with that. Maybe I have changed a little bit,” Aronofsky muses. “But I think if Hollywood can do anything, it’s entertain.”
Comparisons and Inspirations
Caught Stealing draws comparisons to Martin Scorsese’s After Hours, a comedy of misadventure set in a similarly chaotic New York City. Aronofsky, however, insists any parallels are coincidental. “The fact [Griffin Dunne] is Paul in this movie as well is purely coincidence,” he says. “It’s all in the book.”
New York City itself emerges as a central character, with its messy, multicultural vibrancy. “One of the greatest things in the world about my hometown,” Aronofsky reflects, “is you go onto a subway during rush hour and there are people from every corner of the planet, and everyone is coexisting really well.”
The Future of Hank Thompson
With more novels featuring Hank Thompson, the potential for sequels looms large. “You know what – the market will decide,” Aronofsky states. The director remains open to revisiting the character, contingent on audience reception.
As Caught Stealing hits theaters, it promises to offer audiences a rollicking, entertaining escape, showcasing Aronofsky’s ability to pivot and adapt within the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood cinema.
