"The Jewel Thief" is a Hulu original documentary that delves into the life of Gerald Blanchard, a seasoned robber whose criminal escapades spanned several decades. The film's runtime of 100 minutes begins with an extended focus on Blanchard's criminal evolution, painting his rise to infamy in a somewhat innocent and even comedic light. Born in Canada and later relocating to Omaha, Nebraska, Blanchard's criminal journey started with robbing electronic stores as a teenager, despite multiple arrests.
As the documentary progresses, Blanchard's criminal pursuits escalate, with him infiltrating bank construction sites to meticulously plan ATM heists before the banks even open. His audacity knows no bounds, even managing to escape police custody by navigating through air ducts in an interrogation room.
The film's interviews with Blanchard offer a complex portrait of his character. He comes across as entertaining but far from a likable figure. While his upbringing in a single-parent household might suggest a potential link to crime, it's evident that his motivations extended beyond mere poverty. Blanchard, portrayed as somewhat of a "nerd," demonstrated an uncanny talent for robbery.
Blanchard's criminal exploits allowed him to lead a life of luxury, including international travel and high-end theft, all of which he flaunted by sending pictures to the detectives pursuing him. The culmination of his criminal career centers on his audacious theft of the Star Empress Sisi, a diamond and pearl jewel from Vienna's Schonbrun Palace. However, the details surrounding this heist remain shrouded in mystery, as the film hints at a parachuting plan that is later debunked.
The documentary takes a darker turn as it explores Blanchard's downfall. While his crimes initially appeared non-violent and mostly victimless, his overextension, combined with pressure from organized crime figures, led to lapses in judgment. Blanchard, known by over twenty aliases, inadvertently left a trail when he rented a car under his real name, enabling authorities to wiretap his phone and eventually apprehend him.
Director Landon Van Soest employs a mix of humor and suspense to engage viewers in Blanchard's story. However, the film refrains from glorifying its subject, even as Blanchard revels in recounting his escapades while conveniently omitting crucial details. "The Jewel Thief" is a well-crafted crime documentary that portrays its protagonist as cunning but falls short of elevating him to the status of an anti-hero.
In summary, "The Jewel Thief" offers an intriguing exploration of a criminal mastermind, Gerald Blanchard, with an array of ingenious schemes. The film's blend of comedy and suspense keeps the audience engaged, but the lack of glorification and Blanchard's questionable moral character leave it with a score of 6 out of 10.
As the documentary progresses, Blanchard's criminal pursuits escalate, with him infiltrating bank construction sites to meticulously plan ATM heists before the banks even open. His audacity knows no bounds, even managing to escape police custody by navigating through air ducts in an interrogation room.
The film's interviews with Blanchard offer a complex portrait of his character. He comes across as entertaining but far from a likable figure. While his upbringing in a single-parent household might suggest a potential link to crime, it's evident that his motivations extended beyond mere poverty. Blanchard, portrayed as somewhat of a "nerd," demonstrated an uncanny talent for robbery.
Blanchard's criminal exploits allowed him to lead a life of luxury, including international travel and high-end theft, all of which he flaunted by sending pictures to the detectives pursuing him. The culmination of his criminal career centers on his audacious theft of the Star Empress Sisi, a diamond and pearl jewel from Vienna's Schonbrun Palace. However, the details surrounding this heist remain shrouded in mystery, as the film hints at a parachuting plan that is later debunked.
The documentary takes a darker turn as it explores Blanchard's downfall. While his crimes initially appeared non-violent and mostly victimless, his overextension, combined with pressure from organized crime figures, led to lapses in judgment. Blanchard, known by over twenty aliases, inadvertently left a trail when he rented a car under his real name, enabling authorities to wiretap his phone and eventually apprehend him.
Director Landon Van Soest employs a mix of humor and suspense to engage viewers in Blanchard's story. However, the film refrains from glorifying its subject, even as Blanchard revels in recounting his escapades while conveniently omitting crucial details. "The Jewel Thief" is a well-crafted crime documentary that portrays its protagonist as cunning but falls short of elevating him to the status of an anti-hero.
In summary, "The Jewel Thief" offers an intriguing exploration of a criminal mastermind, Gerald Blanchard, with an array of ingenious schemes. The film's blend of comedy and suspense keeps the audience engaged, but the lack of glorification and Blanchard's questionable moral character leave it with a score of 6 out of 10.
