Cast
View All
Theo James
as Ivan
Emily Ratajkowski
as Elyse
Fred Melamed
as Dimitri
Aris Alvarado
as Pool Man
Fernanda Andrade
as Mary
Tim Bader
as Aaron
Joe Bucaro III
as Anatoli / Aristotle
Rod Chaouqi
as Soroush
Mia Cheung
as Cindy
Frank Clem
as John Wolfe
Taji Coleman
as Janice
Davie-Blue
as Melanie
Frank Gallegos
as FBI Agent
John Gatins
as Aton
Evan Handler
as Eric
Crew
Director
- Matt Aselton
Writer
- Adam Nagata
- Matt Aselton
Producer
- Mohamed AlRafi
- Michael Costigan
- Naomi Despres
- Matt Aselton
Reviews
The Movie Mob
**Lying and Stealing is a mediocre B-movie that just wants to show off its good-looking leads, Emily Ratajkowski and Theo James.**
Lying and Stealing is an altogether forgettable film that basically serves as a vehicle to parade its attractive stars across the screen without doing much else. I watched the entire thing on an airplane and immediately had difficulty remembering what I had just seen. The predictable run-of-the-mill plot didn't do anything to set itself apart from any other heist-focused B-movie. Everything seemed way too easy to steal. It really isn't the worst thing I have ever seen, but it is absolutely not worth your time.
Nov 19, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Lying and Stealing examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Matt Aselton brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Lying and Stealing took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 153 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 31 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Lying and Stealing shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Face/Off, which focuses more on action than character development, Lying and Stealing offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like WarGames and Liar Liar explore similar territory, Lying and Stealing stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
