Thieves Like Us (1974)

Director: Robert Altman
Actors: Shelly Duvall, Keith Carradine

Plot: Two convicts break out of Mississippi State Penitentiary in 1936 to join a third on a long spree of bank robbing, their only talent and claim to fame. The youngest one falls in love with a girl at their hideout.

Pros: Atmosphere, Photography

Cons: Bare bones plot, Dull Dialogue, Ordinary Characters

More of a character study then a crime/"Bonnie and Clyde" type action movie. Like many Altman movies there isn't much of a story or plot. Instead, Altman focuses on the characters (3 Bank robbers plus Duvall) . Shot in Mississippi, Altman went to great lengths to recreate the 1930s by using period clothes, vintage cars and old radio programs. Sadly, I found the characters dull and not much happens. The acting is excellent, although Keith Carradine lacks charisma and Duvall is oddly unattractive.

Conclusion: A talk heavy, somewhat drab film that never rises above its ordinary characters. Well photographed but forgettable. Rating **1/2