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THE ITALIAN JOB
D: F. Gary Gray
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The surprise hit of the summer season, The Italian Job is a very loose remake – it has Austin Minis and a whole bunch of gold – of the classic 70s caper film, with Mark Wahlberg as the planner, Charlize Theron as the safecracker and Edward Norton, apparently channelling the spirit of David Arquette, as the bad guy. The highlight is a spectacular chase scene through the streets and subways of L.A. Director F. Gary Gray is an intriguing genre craftsman. He made the explosive actioner Set It Off but also helmed one of the duller Samuel L. Jackson vehicles, The Negotiator. Given his lightness of touch here and his ability to orchestrate large-scale action scenes, you have to wonder if anyone’s considered him as a possible Bond director. He’d certainly be a better choice than Michael Apted. ( August 28, Music Hall August 30-31, Royal)
