Ordinary Decent Criminal

A 2000 crime comedy directed by Thaddeus O'Sullivan and written by Gerard Stembridge, the film offers a loose interpretation of the life of Irish gangster Martin Cahill. The protagonist, Michael Lynch (Kevin Spacey), is a charismatic and audacious criminal in Dublin, renowned for his meticulously planned and flamboyant heists. Living with two sisters, Christine (Linda Fiorentino) and Lisa (Helen Baxendale), with whom he shares romantic relationships, Lynch also raises children with them. He seeks not only profit but also to craft his own legend, turning each crime into a spectacle. His actions captivate the public but frustrate law enforcement, particularly Detective Noel Quigley (Stephen Dillane), whose obsession with capturing Lynch intensifies their conflict. Following a daring art gallery robbery, where Lynch steals paintings including Caravaggio's "The Taking of Christ," he faces challenges in selling the stolen art. Simultaneously, his brother Billy (Paul Ronan) betrays him by informing the IRA, who demand a share of the loot. Lynch refuses, leading to strained relations with the IRA. In an effort to divert attention and evade arrest, Lynch fakes his own death by orchestrating a scenario where IRA leader Jerome Higgins (Tim Loane) is killed by police gunfire. Consequently, Higgins dies, and Lynch disappears, sending postcards to his loved ones and former adversaries, relishing his freedom. The film blends elements of comedy and drama, exploring themes of charisma, morality, and society's ambivalence toward criminals.