I watched the much-hyped Michael Mann film 'Collateral' on the weekend. I've been meaning to see it for a while and was looking forward to doing so because it's in a genre that I have a soft spot for - the Thriller. I love these kind of films.
I was a bit disappointed with 'Collateral' though. I still enjoyed it, and there's a lot about it that's impressive - Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxxxxx are both excellent, and Michael Mannnn's treatment of Los Angeles as a setting is really cool. There are a lot of shots from unusual angles to bring out the city's skyline... LA was basically as good as a supporting actor in this film - much like New York is in Lumet's and some of Scorsese's work (gee, how much of a wanker do I sound like?!)
However, I was unmoved by the attempt at profound dialogue between Cruise and Foxxxxxxxxx. Also, the story was quite empty; I really wanted to know more about the characters and why Tom Cruise was killing them all - apart from just (POSSIBLE SPOILER) "they're all involved in some court case". Maybe I missed some key explanation due to the terrible sound quality on the TV I was watching.
In my opinion, a more intricate back story would've elevated this film from OK to excellent. The ending was an anticlimax too. But there was a cool, slightly surreal, vaguely symbolic scene with a wolf (or maybe a coyote?). I really liked that scene.
10 comments:
I love Michael Mann's visual style. And Tom Cruise as the baddy is great casting. Jamie Foxxxxx pre-Oscar is working hard to get better, and he does a good job in Collateral.
But seriously, the visual style. The trailer for Miami Vice was one of the BEST trailers I have ever seen.
Combine:
1 part over-exposed Michael Mann-footage
1 part Colin Farrell's terrible facial hair
1 part Jamie Foxxxxx in sexy suits
1 part freakin' awesome Jay-Z/Linkin Park track
And you get a fantastic trailer. And a terrible movie.
I've lived with the guilt of not seeing what all the fuss was about with this film for so long. Thanks Dr Leather.
Sincerely,
Underwhelmed.
I didn't see Miami Vice and I don't think I ever will - even the awesome trailer can't coax me.
'Heat' is Mann's best film, I reckon - with plenty of visual style on show (over 3 hours of it!).
Underwhelmed - you are not alone. Hang in there.
Heat! Yes! Hip hip hooray!
Sincerely,
Nostalgic
Yeh it was quite a dry 2 hours in the end hey leather.
Heat - Best movie EVAR!!!
As for this one, I have no idea what you're all talking about. Can someone please fill me in with a crib-sheet on 'Australia: 2008Popular Culture' when I get back?
This film came out in 2004!
I did not know that.
I really enjoyed Collateral but yest to the conclusion, Mann cheated a little but he's from hollywood what more could I expect.
I read them first.
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