In a daring departure from his usual cerebral fare, director Darren Aronofsky plunges into the chaotic and vibrant world of New York City’s Lower East Side with his latest film, “Caught Stealing.” Adapted from Charlie Huston’s novel, the film stars Matt Smith as Russ, a punkish character whose distinctive mohawk and attitude bring a fresh edge to Aronofsky’s storytelling. The film, set in 1998, captures the gritty essence of a neighborhood that Aronofsky knows intimately, having walked its streets countless times during the ’90s.
Matt Smith, known for his versatile acting chops, embraced the punk aesthetic with enthusiasm. “I liked it more than I thought I would,” he said of his mohawk, a vibrant mix of yellow and green. Born in 1982, Smith missed the original punk explosion in Britain but felt its cultural reverberations growing up. “It’s quite a healthy attitude in life,” he remarked, reflecting on the punk ethos he adopted for the role.
The Essence of New York’s East Village
“Caught Stealing” is not just a film; it’s a tribute to the electric energy of New York’s East Village. Aronofsky, whose filmography includes “Requiem For a Dream” and “Black Swan,” brings his unique vision to this madcap narrative. “The East Village is the kernel that makes New York City pop,” he stated, emphasizing the area’s creativity and diversity.
The film’s protagonist, Henry “Hank” Thompson, played by Austin Butler, is a former baseball prodigy turned bartender. His life takes a chaotic turn when he agrees to cat-sit for Russ, leading to encounters with a colorful array of characters, including Ukrainian gangsters and a Puerto Rican drug dealer portrayed by Bad Bunny. This ensemble cast, featuring Zoe Kravitz, Liev Schreiber, and Regina King, adds depth and dynamism to the story.
A Shift in Aronofsky’s Cinematic Approach
For Aronofsky, “Caught Stealing” represents a significant shift in his directorial approach. Known for his intense, often dark films, this project allowed him to explore a more commercial and entertaining side of cinema. “I was like, ‘why can’t I do something like that?’” Aronofsky mused, reflecting on his desire to create a film that captivates and entertains audiences.
Regina King, who plays a tough-love cop in the film, found the project appealing precisely because it was a departure from Aronofsky’s norm. “You read the script, and … you go, ‘wow, Darren’s gonna direct this’,” she said, highlighting the unique blend of humor and action that defines the film.
Comparisons and Inspirations
While “Caught Stealing” stands on its own, it invites comparisons to Martin Scorsese’s “After Hours,” another film that captures the unpredictable energy of New York City. The casting of Griffin Dunne, who starred in “After Hours,” as the bar owner Paul in “Caught Stealing” is a nod to this cinematic lineage, albeit an unintentional one. “It’s all in the book,” Aronofsky explained, noting the serendipitous nature of Dunne’s involvement.
New York City itself is a character in the film, with its multicultural vibrancy and unpredictable energy shaping the narrative. “One of the greatest things in the world about my hometown,” Aronofsky said, “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 “Caught Stealing”
As the first in a trilogy of novels featuring Hank Thompson, “Caught Stealing” lays the groundwork for potential sequels. Aronofsky remains open to the possibility, stating, “The market will decide.” If audiences embrace this punk-infused adventure, there may be more tales from the Lower East Side to come.
In embracing a more commercial and entertaining approach, Aronofsky has crafted a film that not only entertains but also captures the spirit of a city and a subculture. “Caught Stealing” is a testament to the enduring allure of New York City and the punk ethos that continues to inspire.
