American Animals tells the tale of unique heist
True stories in cinema are often presented in one of two ways: Dramatized reality or steady documentary, with the two styles staying independent of each other.
However, with the help of impressive cinematography, compelling characters, and Bart Layton’s quality directing, “American Animals” marries the two styles of film making into an entertaining and unique heist film that feels as if David Fincher had directed “Ocean’s 11.”
Plagued by feelings of complacency, two childhood friends Spencer and Warren, played by Barry Keoghan and Evan Peters respectively, attempt to reinvigorate their lives by stealing rare art and books from their university library with their friends. “American Animals” is the story of the 2004 Transy Book Heist and the events that led up to its execution. Two college students at Transylvania University in Kentucky, Spencer Reinhard and Warren Lipkas, bored with their suburban lives, plan to steal Charles Darwin’s Origin of the Species and John James Audubon’s Birds of America, in order to give themselves a significant event in their lives. The two
friends grow closer during the beginning stages of the heist, and bring in old friends Erik Borsuk and Chas Allen to help plan and execute their scheme for fortune, excitement, and adventure.
As a film that is based on a real life robbery, “American Animals” presents itself not as a documentary or a biopic, but a combination of the two. Director Layton intercuts the fictionalized portrayal of the story with head-on shots of real life citizens of Lexington, Ky., who were impacted by the robbery. The actual robbers involved with the heist act as the film’s narrators, giving their personal account of the event as they remember it. This leads to the events on screen changing with each person’s recollections of the events, whether it is the location of a particular scene, who started a conversation, or the appearance of certain characters. Layton’s inclusion of the natural unreliability of the memory into the structure of the film is a unique and entertaining addition to a film that would be perfectly capable on its own.
Even disregarding the subjectivedocumentary aspect of the film, “American Animals” still holds up as a strong entry into the crime drama genre. Close up and personal camera work combines with a sound design filled with unease to create tense moments that stretch into hours. The soundtrack beautifully sets each scene, but in key moments will stay dead silent, forcing the audience to soak in the tension.
The four main characters all showcase a youthful enthusiasm that enjoyably contrasts with the nature of their plan, a youthful enthusiasm that can quickly turn to a heated fear at the first complication. Evan Peters in particular delivers an incredible portrayal of Warren Lipkas, the reported ringleader of the heist. Peters’ performance of the Tyler Durden-esque Lipkas shows the cockiness and antagonism of a suburban college boy, while transforming into an anxious amateur who has no idea how to conduct himself in the art-dealing underground.
“American Animals” is an exceptional and unique heist film, certainly a quality film with an interesting story structure, compelling characters, and strong direction.