The Anderson Tapes (1971)

This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

Apart from an unpleasant whiff of homophobia, exemplified largely by Martin Balsam's appallingly stereotypical gay character, "The Anderson Tapes" is a mostly excellent heist movie from Sidney Lumet, the heist here being that of a fancy New York apartment building and it's organized by Sean Connery's recently released jailbird. The twist, for want of a better word, is that Connery's every move is being filmed or recorded by someone. The robbery itself, which takes up most of the film, is very well handled and there is a good supporting cast that includes a young Christopher Walken in one of his early roles. Ultimately, though, this is minor Lumet, entertaining certainly but hardly memorable.

The extent to which unauthorized and illegal bugging is practiced by Government Agencies in the USA is the subject of this crime thriller. The crime itself is not so much ingenious as audacious. But this one has a twist! Although the pre-planning sequences are somewhat slow and over-talkative, once the robbery itself gets under way, our interest is fully captured, and it is resolved in a thrillingly staged climax. Like many of director Sidney Lumet's productions, the film was made entirely in New York City. Our interest is also enhanced by some ingratiating portrayals, particularly Martin Balsom's study of a phony antique dealer. Sean Connery fills the main role adequately but with little of the distinction he brought to James Bond. However, Dyan Cannon makes an attractive female lead. Nevertheless, the whole film would benefit considerably by at least twenty minutes of deft trimming. Even some of the climactic scenes need speeding up, but most of the slow passages occur in the first half of the movie.

Duke Anderson (Sean Connery) is an unrepentant thief just released from prison after 9 years. He reconnects with his old girlfriend Ingrid (Dyan Cannon) living in a rich apartment building. He plans to rob the entire building on Labor Day weekend. What he doesn't know is that there is surveillance everywhere, and his crew is surrounded.This director Sidney Lumet movie is trying to say that we're being monitored all the time. I don't think it was effectively inserted into this basic heist movie. I think the movie works a lot better without this over the top aspect. I also didn't like the clinky annoying sound effects, or the flash forward inserts. They keep breaking up any tension from the heist and the cops surrounding the building. It could have been a lot better.

This film is for those over 16 but would probably appeal most to the over 40. The movie does move slowly and is predictable. However, for those of us who love and remember Sean Connery as 007 will enjoy this film. Dyan Cannon's appearance in this film is also an added plus. I also say Kudos to the actors/actresses appearing in the film for their performance. The movie provides light entertaining. It also makes you wonder just how intrusive "Bib Brother" really could be in our own lives. It is difficult to imagine all this governmental surveillance without governmental action. In any case, grab your popcorn and enjoy Sean Connery as a professional burglar.Four thumbs up.