Darren Aronofsky is the furthest thing from a filmmaker who likes to play it safe. His work has consistently pushed audiences into uncomfortable and exhilarating spaces, which he is seeking to do again with Caught Stealing when it releases theatrically on August 29. Aronofsky describes the crime thriller as his “love letter to New York,” adapting Charlie Huston’s graphic novel into a film that delivers a fresh and entertaining experience.
At the heart of the film is Austin Butler as Hank, a former baseball player turned bartender whose survival depends on how many times he can put Vince Lombardi's "It's not whether you got knocked down; it's whether you get back up" mantra to the test. Butler is joined by a supporting cast that includes Zoë Kravitz, Regina King, Matt Smith, Griffin Dunne, Shaun O’Hagan, and more.
Ahead of Caught Stealing's release, Collider's Steve Weintraub interviewed the director about the upcoming film and what he feels the message behind the narrative is — if there is one at all. Aronofsky also discusses working with the city of New York to film on location, how the film captures the '90s vibe of the city that never sleeps, and reflects on the unexpected cast member who was much easier to work with than one would think.
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