slow to start, but overall well made

Rating: 8/10 (24 January 2005)

SPOILERS There's a well known fact about Tom Cruise that whenever he makes a film, his face is always dominant on all posters. Whilst not always deserved (out performed by Ken Watanabe in 2003's "The Last Samurai"), Cruise's box office power is well known and richly rewarded. Once again, this is shown in 2004's "Collateral". Slow to start, this film is a superb thriller which keeps you on the edge of your seat for vast periods at a time.
Max (Jamie Foxx) is a "part-time" taxi driver with plans for the future. One night after dropping off lawyer Annie (Jada Pinkett Smith) at her offices, Max picks up his next fare. This time however, the fare is the mysterious Vincent (Cruise), and this encounter will change Max's life forever.
"Collateral" is made by two key aspects. Firstly, an absolutely superb performance by Foxx keeps the film moving as his character struggles to cope with the lifestyle of the assassin Vincent. Outperforming Cruise in a film designed for the actor's face, Foxx dominates and is well deserving of awards.
Foxx alone does not make this film however. The crucial part about "Collateral" is the direction and production of Michael Mann.
Mann, who's most famous producing roles are probably "Heat" and "The Insider", gives this film an amazing sense of light as Foxx and Cruise drive around LA. Whilst it is definitely true that his style is difficult to get used to, after 30 minutes of the film, this style of camera angle and lighting grow on the audience until a stunning final half.
Ultimately there are definite flaws with "Collateral", not least in it's slow beginning. However, once the film begins to get going, some amazing lighting and superb acting by Foxx, keep the audience focused and tense. As a film, "Collateral" is brilliant and definitely worth viewing. Sadly however, it relies on the audience surviving the slow beginning. It's worth it though.