Josh O'Connor Stars in Cannes Heist Film

Kelly Reichardt’s film 'The Mastermind' stars Josh O’Connor as James Mooney, a suburban dad and unemployed carpenter who orchestrates a bungled art heist targeting paintings by American modernist Arthur Dove. The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving a 5.5-minute standing ovation. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War era, the story focuses on Mooney’s ordinary life and unraveling criminal ambitions, emphasizing characters on society’s fringes. The film deconstructs the New Hollywood antihero trope, blending sober storytelling with dark humor. Alana Haim co-stars, and 'The Mastermind' is one of two Cannes competition entries this year featuring O’Connor. Reichardt uses the intimate crime narrative to reflect on American culture and the understated value of art.