Leading the charge is Steve McQueen’s iconic portrayal in “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968). McQueen’s Thomas Crown isn’t a criminal driven by desperation; he orchestrates a heist not for riches but for the thrill of control. The film’s elegance, crafted by director Norman Jewison, unfolds through split screens and atmospheric tension, showcasing a battle of wits between Crown and the composed insurance investigator, played by Faye Dunaway. This isn’t just a heist film; it’s a masterclass in restraint.