The Bank Job: A True Story With A Fictional Twist
The Bank Job is based on a real event in 1971, but what's real, what's fictional?
What is the Real Story of The Bank Job?
The Bank Job movie is inspired by the actual Baker Street bank heist that occurred in London. There's mystery surrounding the details: While it is believed that between £1.25 to £3 million was stolen, most of it was never recovered. This leaves a lot open to interpretation. The motives behind the robbery are unclear, making it one of the more notable crimes in the UK.
Who Actually Robbed the Baker Street Bank?
In the movie, a group of people, under a woman named Martine Love, pull off the heist. But the real plan is believed to have been put together by Anthony Gavin, a real-life individual! Gavin got inspired by a short story about Sherlock Holmes, a master detective! Unlike the film, Gavin actually tunneled into the bank from a nearby building and used gelignite (or "blasting jelly").
What Made The Bank Job So Mysterious?
The reason this story has stayed relevant and gained so much attention lies in a safety deposit box in the bank. It was rumored to hold pictures that compromised Princess Margaret and Michael X (a prominent Black rights activist), sparking debate. The details about this and its contents still remain secret! One theory suggests that this was to try to stop press releases about the heist.
What Could the Real Motives Behind The Bank Job Be?
Some theories suggest that the safety deposit box had some very sensitive content. One rumour suggests it might contain evidence of a government official who was harming children, that was then intentionally left behind by robbers. There are many different theories, making it one of the most fascinating mysteries.
How Does The Bank Job Film Compare To The Real Events?
The movie makes a big change! The lead character (Martine Love), is a fictional character. It seems like there is some effort made to highlight the elements of the heist, the method to break in was more accurately depicted in the film, even if some of the finer details of how they managed to break in were changed. This brings us to the important questions. Should it even try to stick closely to the events, or is there more to be gained from telling a fictionalised tale based on truth?
What Can I Watch Next if I Liked The Bank Job?
There is no shortage of Movies to explore when it comes to the world of heist films! To delve deeper into some of the details that surround The Bank Job and to learn more about the true story, a great source would be Greatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan (episode "The Baker Street Bank Burglary").
