Kdo krade diamanty: Recenze akčního filmu s hollywoodskými hvězdami

A new crime thriller, Cesta zločinu (translated as The Road of Crime), hit theatres last Thursday, offering audiences a complex story set against the backdrop of Los Angeles. The film centers on Mike, a uniquely skilled thief who consistently obtains valuable gems—worth millions—without resorting to violence.

A Stylish Heist with Familiar Echoes

Director Bart Layton adapts a novel by contemporary American author Don Winslow. Winslow’s work is known for its fast pace, numerous characters, and often brutal violence, alongside a penchant for melodrama. Some critics suggest Winslow could be a successor to Mario Puzo, author of The Godfather series. However, the source novel, Crime 101, focuses on a gentleman thief inspired by actor Steve McQueen.

This inspiration is visually apparent in the film, particularly when Chris Hemsworth, as Mike, drives a dark green car along Los Angeles’s Highway 101, a clear homage to McQueen’s iconic film Bullitt. The film also draws parallels to the atmospheric drama Drive, featuring Ryan Gosling as a quiet, capable driver.

A Complex Web of Characters

Hemsworth’s character operates within the criminal underworld but isn’t portrayed as a typical thug. He’s a man seemingly on the verge of completing enough “jobs” to retire. His carefully laid plans are disrupted when a less skilled driver accidentally bumps the back of his car.

As a potential relationship develops, a detective named Lou, played by Mark Ruffalo, enters the scene. Lou drives an older car but possesses a stronger moral compass than many of his colleagues, who are eager to quickly categorize and close cases. He suspects a single perpetrator is responsible for the string of diamond and jewellery thefts around Highway 101, a theory his coworkers dismiss.

Halle Berry portrays Sharon, a seasoned insurance broker facing age and gender-based discrimination within her firm. The situation is further complicated by the presence of another thief, played by Barry Keoghan, who operates with far more brutality, tearing through the streets of Los Angeles on a motorcycle.

Ambition and Influence

Cesta zločinu aims to be a stylish and ambitious film, featuring notable atmospheric scenes, including several car chases and heists that contrast the different approaches of the central characters. The film seeks to be a layered drama and a meditation on the nature of crime and what drives people to it.

This is Bart Layton’s second full-length film. While the movie references numerous predecessors, it struggles to fully establish its own unique vision. The classic theme of individuals on opposite sides of the law, who share surprising similarities, is somewhat diluted by the sheer number of characters, and subplots.

The connection between Mike and his boss, played by Nick Nolte, remains underdeveloped, and the romantic subplot between Mike and Monica Barbaro’s character also feels incomplete.

A Balancing Act of Tone

The film balances themes of morality and criminality, portraying institutions and their representatives in a less-than-flattering light. Mike is presented as a somewhat romanticized thief who avoids using weapons. However, these motifs have been explored more thoroughly in other films. Cesta zločinu is notable for how it ties the mood of each scene to the personalities of the characters. Keoghan’s character embodies aggression, while Hemsworth’s Mike seeks to escape his past, and Ruffalo’s Lou navigates personal and professional turmoil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of film is Cesta zločinu?

Cesta zločinu is a crime thriller set in Los Angeles.

Who are the main actors in the film?

The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, and Barry Keoghan.

What is the source material for the film?

The film is based on the novel Crime 101 by Don Winslow.

Given the film’s exploration of complex characters and moral ambiguities, what aspects of the story resonated with you the most?