When Darren Aronofsky was soaked by a spatter of urine during the filming of his latest film, he realized he was authentically capturing the raw, obnoxious energy of the famed New York nightlife. He had been filming his new movie, Caught Stealing, adjacent to an apartment complex in a vibrant pocket of New York, renowned for its high-spirited and unconventional inhabitants and night-goers.
Austin Butler starred as a luck-challenged former baseball player whose life spirals into chaos as he attracts unwanted attention from an array of dangerous criminals and deranged individuals. Butler recalls the peculiarities of the filming adventure. Notably, the East Village, a location in the movie, didn’t just serve as a backdrop – it essentially played its own role
The late-night filming within the hubbub of the East Village was nothing short of chaos. It’s a unique place where every visitor seems to conclude that they are the rightful owner. It achieved legendary status because it was the hot spot of the time, the only site that catered to underage patrons.
The East Village was an infamous breeding ground for thrill-seekers, the perfect place to land in hot water. Caught Stealing is scheduled for release on August 29, and it showcases Butler’s character, Hank Thompson, maneuvering through this madhouse, trying — albeit not successfully — to sidestep a heap of trouble.
Hank used to shine brightly as a hopeful baseball player during his school days. However, his budding sports career did not take off as expected. Currently, he’s just hustling as a bartender at a local watering hole, just getting by. But he has a glimmer of hope, particularly his burgeoning romantic relationship with a woman named Yvonne.
Hank’s only goal is to prove to Yvonne that he’s reliable and can be trusted in times of crisis. His well-meaning nature is the reason he agrees readily when his punk rocker neighbor, Russ, requests him to look after his pet cat while he’s out of town. However, Hank’s welfare takes a turn for the worse when he is mistaken for Russ by two brutes.
These thugs assume Hank, exiting Russ’s flat, is the punk rock fellow they suspect possesses information about $4 million of illegally cleaned mob funds. Caught in this unusual mix-up, Hank’s fortunes start to slide further downhill. The antagonists of this story, representatives of the Jewish mob, are portrayed by Liev Schreiber’s Lipa and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Shmully.
These Orthodox siblings, on the surface, carry an air of respectful and gentlemanly demeanor. Their adherence to religious principles does not necessarily align with their respect for the law at the city, county, and state levels. In their understanding, they believe every action they partake in is just.
While these brothers are cornering Hank, they also introduce him to the soothing experience of Carol Kane’s matzo ball soup, portraying a quintessential nurturing Jewish mother who feels Hank is much too thin. Therefore, despite the threats posed by Lipa and Shmully, not allthey bring into Hank’s life is gloom and fear.
The character roster of Caught Stealing also boasts music sensation Bad Bunny, known as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, portraying Colorado — an erratic member of a Puerto Rican gang. Colorado adds to the assemblage of criminal elements that are breathing down Hank’s neck.
The remarkable thing about the film, though, is that even among a cast filled with popular and talented individuals, Ocasio’s presence sparked an exceptionally large stir. The actor brings his unique charisma, amplifying the dynamism of this action-infused thriller.
Caught Stealing is indeed a testament of the raw and unpredictable facet of the New York night. Its spellbinding intrigue is only heightened by its diverse and varied cast. Each character contributes to the riveting plot in their distinctive ways.
With Thompson’s comedic struggle to navigate through the crimes of the New York mob, to Colorado’s adding unpredictability to Hank’s misadventures, every character plays their part in contributing to the fast-paced narrative.
Aronofsky has managed to construct a narrative that captures the vibrancy and chaos of the East Village nightlife while maintaining its essence. The film mirrors the unpredictability of New York — a city that never sleeps — and, at the same time, characters who continuously find themselves under the city’s spotlight.
While it might sound glamorous, Caught Stealing goes deeper to expose the underbelly of a city teeming with passions and dreams shattered by harsh reality. Aronofsky’s urine-soaked incident signals the impudence and audacity of city inhabitants, an element he has encapsulated successfully within his latest piece.
Through Hank’s journey, the audience is introduced to a brilliant but chaotic world, one written with a blend of intrigue, humor, and unexpected turns. Caught Stealing elevates the vibes of East Village to a whole new level, and its impending release promises an unforgettable cinematic experience.