Life of Crime

Life of Crime is a thrilling crime-comedy movie from 2013 directed by Daniel Schechter. The story is based on the novel "The Switch" by Elmore Leonard, a renowned master of crime fiction and suspense. The film boasts an ensemble cast which includes Jennifer Aniston, Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), Isla Fisher, and Tim Robbins.

Jennifer Aniston plays Mickey Dawson, reflecting a departure from her usual roles in romantic comedies. She steps into the shoes of a housewife whose life is headed towards unpredictability. Her husband, Frank Dawson, portrayed by Tim Robbins, is a corrupt real estate developer with a less than desirable moral compass. The affluent couple who live in Detroit are seemingly living the high life but are not as happy as they appear.

The plot starts to thicken as two small-time criminals, Ordell Robbie and Louis Gara, played by Yasiin Bey and John Hawkes respectively, plot a kidnapping. They meticulously plan to kidnap Mickey with a view to extort a ransom from her wealthy husband. What they hadn’t bargained on, however, is that Frank is having an affair with younger, fiery mistress, Melanie, played by Isla Fisher, and may not be as eager to pay the ransom as they might have expected.

As events unfold, the movie shifts between different scenarios, creating a sequence of wry and witty episodes. The story presents a messy, often humorous look at crime, where allegiance and friendships are challenged, surprises are bountiful, and nothing goes quite as planned.

Daniel Schechter's direction recreates the vibrant era of the 1970s to set the stage of this quirky story and keeps the audience on its toes throughout. The cinematography, costume, and set designs transport viewers back in time while also maintaining an element of modern filmmaking. Schechter's direction masterfully establishes the intensity of suspense with right dashes of humor embedded within.

Jennifer Aniston offers a versatile performance, showcasing her ability to pivot towards various genres. Playing the role of Mickey, she brings a unique blend of vulnerability and grit to her character, encapsulating the struggle and unexpected strength that one might grow into when things take a dramatic turn. Yasiin Bey and John Hawkes also demonstrate superb chemistry on screen, convincing the audience of their long history as partners in crime.

Isla Fisher is another stand-out, depicting a character that exhibits an interplay of guile and allure. Tim Robbins impeccably portrays his part as the unfaithful husband whose personal and professional life is shrouded in corruption, offering glimpses of the darker shades of his personality that contribute to the story's intrigue.

In terms of its script, the movie preserves Elmore Leonard’s signature dialogue rhumba and ironic twists. It deals with complex human emotions along with the narrative's crime aspects, adding a certain depth to the characters and the story. Tying together an intriguing plot, complex characters, unexpected twists, and classic dialogue, the movie manages to successfully create an offbeat yet entertaining suspense comedy.

The film’s soundtrack, packed with soul-infused numbers of the 70s, adds vibrancy to the film, deeply resonating with the movie’s era and style. The music and the nuances of the era that the movie captures only serve to make the characters more real and the plot more engaging.

In conclusion, Life of Crime is a movie that appeals to viewers who appreciate suspense mixed with humor and unexpected twists. For fans of Jennifer Aniston, this film is a wonderful opportunity to witness her in a different light, while the performances of Yasiin Bey, John Hawkes, Isla Fisher, and Tim Robbins add to the multi-dimensional elements of this crime-comedy. It is a fine adaptation of Elmore Leonard's book that does justice both to the intriguing storyline and the inherent humor. If you are ready for an adventure that combines humor, suspense, and the unpredictability of human nature, Life of Crime is for you.