When filming his latest cinematic feat, Darren Aronofsky discovered he was encapsulating the authentic tones of New York’s eclectic nightlife when he endured a bizarre incident involving a splash of urine. This occurred last autumn during the production of Caught Stealing, whilst on location next to an apartment block in a notorious New York district; known for its flamboyant, bohemian locals and night owls.
The film’s relatable anecdotes are recounted by actor Austin Butler. He portrays an unfortunate ex-athlete entangled in the nefarious underworld, resulting in him being the mark for an array of unsavory types. The setting, the vivacious East Village, escapes mere backdrop status, ingraining into the storyline itself.
When shooting scenes during the witching hours in the East Village, chaos was the norm. It felt like everyone claimed ownership over the East Village. It was renowned as the hippest spot on the globe, as it was the sole location of establishments that catered to underage patrons during that period. It seemed irresistible, and invariably led to mischief.
Caught Stealing is due to premiere in cinemas on August 29th. Butler’s character, Hank Thompson, is battling to steer clear of trouble, albeit unsuccessfully. A once-aspiring high-school athletics star, his aspirations for a sporting career didn’t take off. Now, he’s pulling pints at a local watering hole, scraping together a living.
However, Hank’s life isn’t completely void of positive outlooks. He finds a glimmer of hope in his budding relationship with a woman named Yvonne. Determined to validate himself as reliable and dependable, Hank is eager to prove his mettle in moments of crisis.
This may explain his ready compliance when his punk rock living neighbor, Russ, requests a favor – to take care of his feline companion while he’s out of town. Unbeknownst to him, this generous act puts him in a precarious predicament.
Things start to unravel when a pair of hoodlums spot Hank exiting Russ’s apartment. They mistakenly link him with the punk aficionado, whom they suspect to be in possession of information concerning $4 million in illicit mob money. This point marks a drastic downturn in Hank’s fortune.
The plot gets more twisty with the introduction of mafia figures Lipa and Shmully, played by Liev Schreiber and Vincent D’Onofrio, respectively. Whilst outwardly religious and seemingly respectful, their devout adherence to their faith does not hinder their descent into criminality.
Although they primarily inhabit the sprawling metropolis of New York, their actions are not confined by the legal boundaries therein. They operate under their own moral compass, justifying their deeds according to their personal code of right and wrong.
While the brothers apply intense pressure on Hank, they also lead him towards the warm embrace of a quintessential Jewish mother figure, portrayed by Carol Kane. Believing Hank to be underweight, she serves him generous helpings of comforting matzo ball soup.
The star-studded cast of Caught Stealing boasts more diverse characters, with Benito Antonio MartÃnez Ocasio, known as music maestro Bad Bunny, playing the role of Colorado. This gun-slinging member of a Puerto-Rican gang adds another layer to the mix of criminals circling Hank.
The irony does not escape the audience – despite an ensemble of high profile names, Ocasio’s appearance has a particular buzz. However, the plot thickens, and Hank’s journey moves in directions even he never could have predicted.