Josh O’Connor stars in Kelly Reichardt’s film The Mastermind, currently showing in cinemas, which presents a distinct take on the heist genre. Set in a quiet Massachusetts suburb, the story follows JB Mooney, an unemployed family man and amateur art thief, who embarks on a seemingly straightforward art robbery that quickly spirals out of control.
The film explores Mooney’s attempts to evade the police after the heist goes wrong, forcing him to leave behind his wife, played by Alana Haim, and their children. Unlike conventional heist movies, the film emphasizes a slower, character-driven pace that reflects both the folly of Mooney’s plan and the social tensions of the 1970s amid the backdrop of the Vietnam War.
Kelly Reichardt’s Distinctive Filmmaking Style
The Mastermind challenges typical genre expectations with a style that requires viewers to engage with a deliberate and measured storytelling rhythm. O’Connor emphasized that Reichardt is widely regarded as
one of the best celebrated filmmakers in the States
, noting her unique ability to craft
extraordinary films that are often meditative and have a sensitivity to them
, which is apparent in this latest work.
He explained the director’s preference for minimal editing and real-time unfolding of events:
You’ve got to prepare to sit with a character and let them carry out their business in real time. She’s not massively interested in cuts.
This approach lends the film a quiet and contemplative tone, distinguishing it from more fast-paced, flashy heist movies like Ocean‘s or Now You See Me. Instead, the focus remains on Mooney’s slow unraveling and his complex personality, combining arrogance with vulnerability.
Josh O’Connor’s Connection to the Character and Director
O’Connor revealed his admiration for Reichardt’s filmmaking and described the reason he was eager to collaborate with her:
Personally that’s why I wanted to work with her [Reichardt],
adding,
I’m a big fan of her movies and this is, I think, no different. There’s sequences in this movie where if you weren’t a fan of Kelly’s work, you might be like, ‘Come on’, but it’s one of those movies that I think people will really enjoy.
The actor believes that audiences will appreciate the opportunity to experience the story as an intimate observation of Mooney’s decline, stating they will enjoy
being the fly on the wall and watching this man unravel in a sort of mundane, quiet way, which we are not used to, but perhaps it’s closer to reality
.
Reichardt selected O’Connor for the role after noting his performances in critically acclaimed works such as God’s Own Country and The Crown. On receiving the script, he connected with JB Mooney as
a man smart enough to get into trouble, but not smart enough to get out of it
.
Immersing in the Role and Believing in the Story
To inhabit the role fully, O’Connor adopted a personal mantra before each scene, reinforcing Mooney’s unwavering belief in his plan despite its flaws. He shared with RadioTimes.com,
He [Mooney] continually thinks it’s going to work out. Before every scene I’d say to anyone who’d listen, like crew members or the director or the other actor, I’d be like, ‘Guys, this is a great idea. You’ll see, you’ll see.
He added,
So I think, for me, I had to believe that the whole way through, that the next thing is gonna work out.
This mindset helped O’Connor capture the nuance of a character whose confidence masks an underlying desperation, aligning with the film’s tone of measured realism rather than sensationalism.
The Mastermind’s Place in Cinematic Storytelling
The Mastermind stands out as a film that demands patience and attention, offering a different kind of thrill through its deliberate pacing and rich character study. Its subtle yet intense portrayal presents viewers with the consequences of ambition and human error, set against historical and social contexts of 1970s America.
For audiences seeking a contemplative cinematic experience that contrasts with conventional heist thrillers, this film showcases Kelly Reichardt’s distinct voice and Josh O’Connor’s compelling performance as JB Mooney, making it a noteworthy addition to contemporary cinema.
