The Big Steal

The Big Steal, released in 1990, is an engaging Australian caper film directed by Nadia Tass, spotlighting a young Ben Mendelsohn in his breakout performance and co-starring the remarkably talented Claudia Karvan and Marshall Napier.

At its heart, The Big Steal is a playful, lighthearted, and comically entertaining venture that brilliantly combines elements of the Australian culture, youthful romance, and an amusing car saga seasoned with vehicular obsession. Filled with a piquant humor and wittiness, the film beautifully encapsulates the Aussie's unique character quirks, dialogue, and settings.

The narrative follows the endeavours of the slightly awkward yet utterly loveable Danny Clark (Ben Mendelsohn), an 18-year-old Holden fanatic whose only dream is to own a Jaguar XJ6. Typically as any optimistic teen, Danny's world is spun around when he becomes infatuated with the attractive and quintessentially cool Claudia Karvan's character, Joanna Johnson. However, Danny's romantic fantasies soon hit a roadblock when he is swindled into trading his beloved 1972 XA Ford Falcon for a dud Jaguar by the scheming car dealer, Gordon Farkas, portrayed with a delightful fervour by Steve Bisley.

What ensues is an amusing and thrilling quest for justice, where Danny, along with his tech-savvy best friend Mark Jorgensen, played by Damon Herriman, embark on a mission to outsmart the oily, fly-by-night car salesman. Ironically, Joanna is Farkas' daughter, which adds a twist to the plot, further complicating the vengeful mission. Simultaneously, an innocent romance blooms between Danny and Joanna, adding a sprinkle of teenage love to the energetic concoction.

Marshall Napier, as Danny's disciplined army veteran father, brings a solid gravity and humour to the movie, countering the languid and cheeky vibe of Danny and Mark. He infuses The Big Steal with a dose of charm with his slightly exaggerated yet lovable portrayal of an Australian dad, showing concern for his son as he embarks on this vehicular adventure.

Set in the suburbs of Melbourne, the movie is rich with local colour and a distinctly Australian ambience from the turn of the decade. It not only continuously reminds us of its roots through its locations, cunning jokes, and a truly Australian temperament, but also affords the audience a broad spectrum of characters that are both relatable and unique.

The transition between pivotal dramatic scenes and comical instances within the plot lends a balanced pace to the movie, thereby making it an enjoyable watch and undoubtedly a treat for romance-comedy enthusiasts. Ben Mendelsohn exceptionally embodies his character's innocence and determination, while Claudia Karvan effortlessly brings life to Joanna with her genuine and endearing act.

Imperialed by a well-flourished script by David Parker, The Big Steal merges the excitement of a caper film with the sweetness of a teenage romance, deriving laughter and joy from the misadventures which ultimately champion the "little guy" against a conniving antagonist. While the movie has been held in high regard for its comedic finesse, it also challenges the viewer with themes of revenge, justice, deceit, and familial bonds, woven intricacy through the narrative.

The classic Australian soundtrack further enhances the overall appeal of the film, its memorable melodies accentuating several key scenes. The tunes function harmoniously with the plot, substantiating the movie’s emotional rhythm and augmenting its ambience.

In conclusion, The Big Steal, with its fine blend of comedy, romance, and revenge, is an enjoyably sparkling addition to the Australian filmic landscape of the 90s. Above all, it serves as an essential watch for admirers of Ben Mendelsohn and Claudia Karvan, offering insight into their early acting days and their natural onscreen chemistry. With a touch of adventure, quick-witted dialogues, and captivating performances, The Big Steal perfectly encapsulates the essence of Australian cinema.