‘The Italian Job’: Stealing gold 34 years later

Red, blue and white flash across the TV screen. Three miniature cars weave in and out of traffic lanes as they speed through the crowded streets of Italy. Tires screech against pavement as the drivers spin their steering wheels wildly, trying to avoid their enemies’ cars.

From sewer car chases to stolen bricks of gold, the 1969 original and 2003 remake of the film “The Italian Job” share key scenes through the same general storyline. However, due to the additions of new roles and non-stop action, the 2003 version is the better movie.

In both movies, a group of trained robbers work together to steal an unbelievably large amount of gold bricks that reside in a house and under the watch of the police in Italy.

In the 1969 version, directed by Peter Collinson, Charlie Croker (Michael Caine) joins forces with Mr. Bridger (Noël Coward) to pull off the heist.

Thirty-four years later, F. Gary Gray directed the movie’s remake. Charlie Croker is now played by Mark Wahlberg and John Bridger by Donald Sutherland. Stella Bridger (Charlize Theron), John Bridger’s daughter, becomes a key team member.

The two versions differ greatly in Croker’s motivation for stealing the gold. Whereas Croker used to simply want money, the 2003 Croker plans the robbery to help Stella avenge her father’s death by stealing from Steve Frazelli (Edward Norton).

Frazelli was previously a part of Croker’s team, but he turned on them, took their gold and shot John Bridger. Thus, Croker’s team begins targeting Frazelli.

This intriguing plot change made me move to the edge of my seat as I felt the intensity and tension build when Stella focuses on trying to crack open the safe minutes before Frazelli’s men come crashing into the tunnel.   

Despite differences, an iconic similarity between the two films is the sewer car chase. In the new film, the characters escape their enemy through the underground pass in three Mini Coopers. The cars drive so fast that when I blinked, they were already dispersed around on the screen.

In the 2003 film, Croker’s team is also much smaller. He only works with a well-rounded team of four individuals. In the original movie, he has about 15 men.

Theron does not disappoint in her portrayal of Stella, who contributes to a sassier, fierce environment. In the 1969 movie, the men smoke and talk business during relaxed, non-action scenes, while in the 2003 version, Theron makes hilarious comebacks when her team members attempt to flirt with her.

Another member in Croker’s team is John Bridger, who is killed near the beginning only in the 2003 version, a scene completely uncalled for. Even though he is present in only the first few minutes of the movie, I became attached to his character.

Furthermore, the 2003 version includes more comedic lines, which is always a plus. I can’t enjoy a movie unless I laugh at least twice. Also, because the core team includes fewer people, I was able to connect with each character. In contrast, I felt inundated by the number of English men while watching the 1969 version.

The second version follows a creative plot line, brings in new characters and has twice as much action. The remake of “The Italian Job” is indisputably superior.