Matt Smith and Austin Butler Embrace Mohawks in ‘Caught Stealing’

In a captivating exploration of crime and identity, Darren Aronofsky’s latest film, ‘Caught Stealing’, highlights the life of Henry “Hank” Thompson, a former baseball genius struggling to make a living as a bartender in New York City. His humble existence takes a dramatic turn when his neighbor, Russ, hires him to foster his cat, Bud. Unbeknownst to Hank, Russ has become deeply embroiled in criminal activities, and has faced the wrath of various factions of the city’s underworld. With Russ out of the equation, Hank finds himself caught up in a chaotic struggle for survival, navigating a world where danger lurks around every corner.

Set at the turn of the century, the film blends elements of black comedy and crime thriller, wrapped in a vibrant punk aesthetic that permeates its visual story. The film’s characters reflect this aesthetic, particularly highlighted by Juice’s colorful Mohawk hairstyle – a symbol of rebellion and individuality, which is reinvented as Hank, played by Austin Butler, eventually adopts a similar style.

Matt Smith and Austin Butler both made significant changes to their roles, choosing to sport the Mohawks. Smith, playing Russ, maintains his mohawk throughout the film, while Butler’s character, Hank, undergoes a hairstyle change later in the story. Despite advances in hairstyling technology that could make such drastic changes unnecessary, both artists remain committed to the authenticity of their portrayals. Smith debuted his Mohawk, which became iconic, shortly after this September 2024 look. He expressed fascination with the character’s new impact on how he is viewed in the world, and noting the deep impact the hairstyle had on his performances and public persona.

Creating the Mohawk was no small feat. Hair stylist John Carter and team spent three days developing Smith’s look, which included intricate tricks to ensure that his thick hair remained in the desired shape. The process took inspiration from 80s punk culture, reminiscent of how individuals styled their mohawks through glue and heat. Smith humorously reflected on the extensive amount of styling products she used while making fun of the flammability of her decorated hairstyle.

Meanwhile, Butler faced his own challenges in adopting the Mohawk. Having previously used a bald cap for a different role, he expressed initial hesitation about shaving his head. However, once he committed to the look, he embraced the liberation and physical feeling it provided. The evolution of the haircut served as an important storytelling element, especially when it emerged later in the film. Butler found a sense of closure in her hair transformation, celebrating the completion of the film by jumping into the ocean with Aronofsky in Tulum.

The parallel journeys of both the actors highlight their commitment to their craft and the film’s story. With their characters exploring similar physical changes, the contradictory experiences depicted on screen deeply impact the audience, giving a new perspective on identity and transformation amidst the chaos of their surroundings. The mohawk serves not only as a stylistic choice but also as a vehicle for personal development, effectively linking the characters’ fates with their visual representation.