Kelly Reichardt’s “The Mastermind” Explores Art Heist in New England
Kelly Reichardt, a celebrated filmmaker known for her introspective narratives, has ventured beyond her usual Pacific Northwest setting with her latest project, “The Mastermind.” The film, which premiered recently, marks a significant shift for Reichardt, who is best known for her work in Oregon. This time, she explores an art heist in Framingham, Massachusetts, inspired by a real-life incident from 1970 involving a robbery at an art museum while two teenage girls studied nearby.
In “The Mastermind,” actor Josh O’Connor portrays J.B. Mooney, a working-class man whose impulsive decision to steal from his local museum spirals into a life-altering crisis. Rather than focusing on the typical thrills of an art heist, the film delves into Mooney’s psyche, showcasing his isolation and the consequences of his actions. Reichardt’s signature long, meditative takes enhance the emotional depth of the narrative, allowing viewers to connect with Mooney’s internal struggles.
Shifting Landscapes and Themes
Reichardt, who has predominantly set her films in Oregon, sought a change in scenery for this project. “I wanted to get out of Oregon for a bit and have a new landscape to look at,” she explained in a recent interview with IndieWire. Although her past films, including First Cow and Certain Women, have celebrated the diversity of Oregon’s landscapes, she felt it was time to explore the complexities of small-town life on the East Coast.
The film’s setting not only reflects a personal transition for Reichardt but also captures a broader narrative of economic change in America. The choice of Framingham serves as a backdrop to examine the fading significance of small-town art institutions, set against a backdrop of shifting economic realities. “That’s Massachusetts to me,” she remarked, emphasizing the cultural and historical context of the area where she attended art school.
A New Collaboration
While the role of Mooney was not originally written for O’Connor, Reichardt was drawn to him after recognizing his unique presence. “I was inspired to work with him after meeting him through a mutual friend,” she noted, highlighting the instant chemistry that developed on set. O’Connor’s co-star, Alana Haim, delivers a powerful performance as Mooney’s wife, who grapples with the fallout from her husband’s reckless decisions.
Reichardt described the production of “The Mastermind” as the best filmmaking experience of her career, a sentiment she attributes in part to the challenges faced during the filming of “Showing Up” amidst the pandemic. The joy of creating this film, she said, was a refreshing contrast to the stressful logistics of earlier projects.
As an independent filmmaker, Reichardt has navigated the evolving landscape of cinema with a keen awareness of its challenges. She expressed concerns about the current state of independent filmmaking, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on financing and audience engagement. “It always feels precarious,” she remarked, acknowledging the competitive environment that independent films face against larger productions.
Despite these challenges, Reichardt remains optimistic about her future in filmmaking. She has numerous ideas and a talented team of collaborators, including cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt and production designer Anthony Gasparro, eager to continue exploring new stories and visual narratives.
“The Mastermind” is currently available in theaters, distributed by MUBI, and represents a bold new chapter in Reichardt’s career, one that promises to resonate with audiences both familiar and new to her work. As she continues to create, she reflects on the inherent difficulties of filmmaking but maintains a passion for storytelling that drives her forward. “Filmmaking is super, super challenging,” she admitted, “but the idea of visual storytelling is forever interesting to me.”
