MovieChat Forums > Thief (1981) Discussion > Monthly money for Joseph?

Monthly money for Joseph?


He said $20K for month 1, $25K for month 2, $30K for month 3. Why those amounts? And what about after that? $410K isn't going to last long at that rate.

--------
See a list of my favourite films here: http://www.flickchart.com/slackerinc

reply

I wondered that myself. I assumed it was some sort of protection money so Joseph would stick around and keep her safe until she got settled in a new life.

reply

Me too, but why those amounts? Why not the same amount each month? And how is she going to have any left at that rate?

--------
See a list of my favourite films here: http://www.flickchart.com/slackerinc

reply

Maybe it costs more the longer he stays away from his family. I really have no idea though, it wasn't explained well at all.

reply

Frank backloaded the payments to keep Joseph around. If the payments were frontloaded, Joseph would have less of incentive to stick around to protect Frank's wife and kid. Frank figured 3 months of protection would be enough. If he fails to kill Leo and his crew, Leo might then try to chase down Frank's wife and kid, but if Leo can't find them in 3 months, they may be in the clear and Joseph wouldn't be needed anymore.

reply

Okay, I buy it. Thanks!

--------
See a list of my favourite films here: http://www.flickchart.com/slackerinc

reply