Extras: HEIST MOVIES: WHY DO WE LIKE TO ROOT FOR CRIMINALS?

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by Aveline MacQuoid on December 18, 2023

in Extras,Film

Heist films have enjoyed growing popularity for many years and have a special appeal to cinematography lovers.

These thrilling films present cunning criminals who plan and carry out seemingly impossible heists. The criminals are usually closely followed by the investigators.

Although we as a society reject crime of any kind, the majority of people still find pleasure in following the thieves and crooks on their daring adventures with their hearts racing and their enthusiasm. The fascination lies not only in the masterful staging of heists, but also in the identification with the anti-heroes and the thrill that comes from playing with the forbidden.

A particular strength of these films also lies in the unpredictability of the storylines. In a way, the robberies are like a game of chance in which small details can ultimately decide the fate of the criminals. Similar to a casino, the crooks bet everything on red and hope that luck will be on their side.

Some fans like to try out new casinos, like https://casino-stay-online.com/, in their free time and take the cards into their own hands. In a way, they slip into the role of their fiction heroes. Because the outcome of the game of chance is open. For others, it is enough to be there in front of the screen. What is certain, however, is that there is plenty of entertainment on offer in any case.

Reasons for the great fascination of Heist films

First and foremost, films about criminals, investigators and chases enjoy the appeal of the unexpected. One of the main reasons why they are so captivating is the unpredictability of the plot. The careful planning, the surprising appearance of unforeseen obstacles and the improvised actions of the protagonists all contribute to keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

The thrill of not knowing how things will turn out makes the audience’s heart beat faster and strengthens the emotional bond with the characters. In addition, the anti-heroes and their motivation make this type of film particularly fascinating. Charismatic anti-heroes are another aspect that contributes to the fascination of Heist films.

They are often people who are on the margins of society, who have been abandoned by society or who resort to illegal activities out of desperation. Despite their criminal nature, the criminals often possess admirable skills such as intelligence, courage and determination. The audience can identify with their motivations and perhaps even sympathise with their situation.

Last but not least, Heist films are often about the popular dream of freedom and independence. Such films also convey the dream of a life outside of convention, in which the protagonists escape the rules of society and seek their own freedom.

The idea of being a master planner and escaping the world of normality exerts a fascinating attraction. Although most people wouldn’t turn these dreams into reality, heist films allow them to briefly immerse themselves in a world of crime, risk and reward.

The most popular heist movies

These reasons have ensured that heist films have always been among the most popular films ever made. No wonder there are a number of films of this type that everyone knows or should have seen. The best films of this type are briefly presented below:

Bonnie and Clyde

Bonnie and Clyde is a groundbreaking 1967 heist film directed by Arthur Penn and based on real-life criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. The film tells the story of the notorious gangster couple who roamed the USA in the 1930s, leaving a trail of crime and violence in their wake.

The popularity of this Heist film is partly due to its revolutionary staging, which had a lasting influence on the crime film genre. Penn broke with conventional cinematic narrative structures and presented an unembellished portrayal of the violence that the characters perpetrated and suffered. The innovative mix of drama, action and romance made the film a cultural phenomenon and impressed the audience.

The stirring portrayals of Bonnie and Clyde made the characters human and appealing, even though they were both criminals. The audience felt a certain sympathy for the couple and was captivated by their tragic romance. The film sparked a discussion about the moral boundaries of compassion for criminal characters.

This unique approach to the characters and the challenge to traditional moral standpoints gave the film Bonnie and Clyde a lasting relevance and secured the film a permanent place in film history.

Ocean’s Eleven

Ocean’s Eleven from 2001 is a star-studded heist film directed by Steven Soderbergh. The film tells the story of Danny Ocean, who hatches an ambitious plan to rob several casinos in Las Vegas.

The film’s popularity is partly due to its impressive ensemble cast, which brings together some of Hollywood’s most famous and talented actors and actresses – including Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Matt Damon.

Ocean’s Eleven offers a perfect blend of style, suspense and entertainment. The special dynamic between the actors and their charismatic performances gave the film an irresistible appeal and made it an entertaining spectacle.

The polished dialogue, the creative methods used in executing the heist and the smooth way the team of crooks worked together to outwit the casinos captivates viewers from start to finish. The film rightly became a box office hit, spawning an entire film series and a remake that still captivates audiences today.

House of Money

Given the continuing success of heist films, it is not surprising that heist series are also becoming increasingly popular. In recent years, such series have found a growing fan base. Probably the most popular series of this type, which has also caused a worldwide furore, is House of Money. It is a Spanish heist series that first aired in 2017 and quickly became a global phenomenon.

The series revolves around a sophisticated heist at the Royal Mint of Spain, in which a group of criminals led by the mysterious Professor print money and take hostages. One of the main reasons for the success of House of Money lies in the masterful construction of the plot.

The series offers a gripping cat-and-mouse game between the criminals and the investigators that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while testing their own moral limits of compassion for criminals.

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