Finding Steve McQueen

Finding Steve McQueen is a captivating crime-romance film set primarily in the 1970s, boasting a charismatic ensemble cast led by Travis Fimmel, Rachael Taylor, and Forest Whitaker. Released in 2019, the movie is directed by Mark Steven Johnson, loosely based on the United California Bank burglary, one of the biggest bank heists in American history.

The movie’s narration is set against the backdrop of a diner in 1980 where the story unfolds in an engaging mix of flashbacks. Fimmel’s role as Harry Barber takes center stage in the film. Harry is a small-time crook with a big heart and a love for all things Steve McQueen, hence the film title. Harry also sports McQueen’s signature look from Bullitt, showcasing his adoration of the movie star so deeply he often drifts into fantasizing he is McQueen himself. It was his charismatic charm and well-timed humor, coupled with his quirky McQueen obsession that hooked Molly Murphy, played by the talented Rachael Taylor.

Molly is an independent woman with a sense of adventure, adding a romantic angle to the plot. The couple’s chemistry is evident from the start, providing a warm love story that offsets the cold, hard truth of the real-life crime Harry and his gang will soon commit.

Respected actor Forest Whitaker plays the steadfast FBI Agent Howard Lambert, who enters the plot after the major heist. Whitaker delivers a strong performance as an agent caught in a cat-and-mouse chase, trying to pin down the elusive robbers.

Finding Steve McQueen navigates through the story via a series of well-executed flashbacks, unfolding the build-up to the heist, planning stages, and the aftermath. The target is President Nixon's alleged secret fund of $30 million stashed away in a small bank in Laguna Niguel. The crime is orchestrated by the notorious mob-boss Enzo Rotella (played by William Fichtner) who initiates a crew led by Harry's older brother Tommy Barber.

Director Johnson employs the charm of Fimmel to anchor the screenplay, blending romance, comedy, and thrill effectively. What also works for the movie is how it captures the 70s era, straight down to the disco music, vintage cars, and the fashion of the time. Johnson doesn’t shy away from daring references, bringing into focus Nixon’s controversial reign and how certain public figures found themselves drawn into murky financial scandals.

A significant part of the story centers on the relationship between Harry and Molly, their romance, struggles, and dreams for a future together. Strong performances by Fimmel and Taylor ensure the audience’s emotional investment in their journey. A particularly poignant plot detail is Harry’s inability to reveal his true profession to Molly, leading to emotional dilemmas that add depth to the story.

Finding Steve McQueen stands out by delivering a crime story with a heart. While most heist films focus on meticulous mission planning, thrilling execution, and the inevitable fallout, this movie also explores the human element behind such criminal undertakings. The personal lives of the thieves, their motivations, and the impact of their choices on their relationships are woven seamlessly into the narrative.

The story culminates in a tense climax, keeping the viewers engrossed as the layers of conspiracy are peeled back and the FBI closes in on the robbers. Forest Whitaker’s character’s relentless pursuit throws light on the relentless efforts of the authorities to restore justice, thereby striking a fine balance between empathy for the criminals and respect for the law.

To sum it up, Finding Steve McQueen serves up a potent mix of entertainment across genres. Director Mark Steven Johnson succeeds in painting a picture of crime from a different perspective, blending lighthearted romance and tense drama while offering a refreshing take on the typical heist film. Performance-wise, the brilliant cast, headed by Fimmel, Taylor and Whitaker, truly bring life to their characters, making the film one to watch for anyone who enjoys a good crime story with an unexpectedly human side.