Josh O’Connor reveals the reason why fans should stick with slow burn of new film The Mastermind

by

Josh O’Connor is a man on the run in Kelly Reichardt’s highly-anticipated The Mastermind.

JB Mooney, an out-of-work father in a peaceful Massachusetts town, attempts to steal art for the first time, thinking it will be a simple job. However, things quickly go wrong, and he finds himself on the run from the law, leaving his wife and kids behind.

This nearly two-hour film takes a fresh approach to the typical heist story, challenging viewers to consider human error against the world of art and crime.

After premiering at several film festivals, reactions to the movie have been mixed. Some viewers found the deliberately slow pace and focus on Mooney’s escape from the police captivating, while others were frustrated by it.

If you’re not already a fan of Kelly Reichardt’s films, O’Connor gets why ‘The Mastermind’ might not grab you right away. But the movie offers a lot more than just a simple story about a failed robbery.

He explained that you need to fully immerse yourself in a character and allow their story to unfold naturally. He added that this particular character isn’t concerned with quick or flashy scenes.

Though often called a heist movie, The Mastermind differs from films like the Ocean’s series or Now You See Me. It’s less about flashy spectacle and more focused on the calm, self-assured personality of the central criminal, all set against the anxious atmosphere of the 1970s and the ongoing Vietnam War.

I was really excited to work with Kelly Reichardt for that reason,” O’Connor explained. “I love her films, and I think this one is just as good. There are moments in the movie that might seem strange if you’re not familiar with her style, but overall, I think audiences will really connect with it and enjoy it.

O’Connor thinks audiences will find it compelling to observe the character’s subtle breakdown, like silent observers of everyday life. This approach is unusual for storytelling, but O’Connor believes it feels more realistic.

O’Connor was excited about collaborating with Reichardt, but she was particularly drawn to him for the role of Mooney, having been impressed by his work in films like God’s Own Country and the series The Crown.

O’Connor immediately liked the script, especially the story and the character of JB, whom he described as clever enough to find trouble, but not clever enough to escape it.

To fully embody his character, O’Connor would repeat a phrase before each scene: that Mooney’s plan, even with all its problems, was actually a sound one.

You know, what really resonated with me was the constant need to believe things would turn out okay. It wasn’t just about hoping for the best, but needing to believe that whatever happened next would somehow work itself out. That feeling of relying on a positive outcome, that’s what really stuck with me.

Read More

2025-10-24 09:50