Movie Review: Flawless (2007)

Genre: Heist Drama  

Director: Michael Radford  

Starring: Demi Moore, Michael Caine  

Running Time: 108 minutes  

Synopsis: In present-day London, Laura Quinn (Demi Moore) is being interviewed for a magazine article. In a flashback to 1960, she recalls her time as the only woman manager at the world's largest diamond trading company. Despite her abilities and intellect, Laura is repeatedly passed over for any further promotions. Elderly janitor Mr. Hobbs (Michael Caine) exploits her disgruntlement to lure her into a daring heist. The installation of a video security system threatens their plans, but Hobbs' intentions will surprise everyone.

What Works Well: The 1960s London setting, outfits, and hairstyles are attractive, the interior of the London Diamond Corporation building is impressive, and Michael Caine delivers a steely yet subdued veteran performance.

What Does Not Work As Well: Cerebral thrillers require close-to-watertight plotting, and Flawless falls well short. The heist mechanics vary from muddled to incredulous, essential details are skipped altogether (including, just as one example, the number of janitorial cart trips required to move two tons of diamonds), and too many indistinct stuffed bankers' shirts clutter the second half. The primary focus is ultimately misdirected: Mr. Hobbs is the more interesting instigator with a seemingly deep backstory, but he is sidelined by Laura as the bamboozled accomplice.

Key Quote:

Hobbs: Sometimes, to make something right, you have to do something just as wrong.

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