The Mastermind (Paperback)

An elegant, slipcased publication traces the production of Kelly Reichardt's latest film, which stars Josh O'Connor as an amateur art thief attempting his first heist

Kelly Reichardt, one of America's most celebrated independent filmmakers, is renowned for her intimate portraits of ordinary lives. At the heart of her work are the close collaborations with cast and crew that shape her films. In a bold new book dedicated to her 2025 film The Mastermind, Reichardt and the project's key collaborators capture the craft and camaraderie behind its production. Featuring exclusive photographs, an essay by acclaimed writer Lucy Sante and vivid reflections from the crew, this four-booklet slipcased volume gathers memories, images and ephemera from the making of the film, creating a richly evocative capsule of time and place. The Mastermind is the inaugural title in the MUBI Editions Lights! series, dedicated to MUBI's own productions and releases. In a sedate Massachusetts suburb circa 1970, unemployed family man and amateur art thief J.B. Mooney sets out on his first heist. With the museum cased and accomplices recruited, he has an airtight plan. Or so he thinks. A brilliant look at the folly of man, The Mastermind features Josh O'Connor, Alana Haim, Gaby Hoffmann, John Magaro, Hope Davis and Bill Camp. Rich in textured detail, this sly depiction of an era subverts long-held illusions and confronts disillusionment.
Kelly Reichardt (born 1964) is a writer and director whose feature films include River of Grass (1994), Old Joy (2006), Wendy and Lucy (2008), Meek's Cutoff (2010), Night Moves (2013), Certain Women (2016), First Cow (2019) and Showing Up (2022).