Mann's Best Since "Heat"

Rating: Null/10 (11 August 2004)

First, I think "Heat" is one of the greatest movies of the last 20 years. If you disagree, then any arguement I make here is not going to change your mind. Technically and emotionally, "Collateral" and "Heat" were spot-on, but if you really think "XXX" is the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, then there's nothing to be done for you.
"Collateral" is beautifully shot, acted, and edited. Michael Mann goes beyond what's on the page, creating a vivid and dark Los Angeles-- and ditto on the performances from his actors, as he shows little subtleties of character, with a look here, a twitching jawline there. It was the subtlety that I loved, and will make me go back to watch it again as a character study, not just the action movie I walked in expecting (and still got, by the way).
I felt like I'd BEEN to L.A. after watching this movie, something which "Bourne Supremacy" couldn't make work for its numerous locations. During action sequences in "Collateral," Mann is very careful to make sure the camera lingers on the key events, letting you SEE the action-- shooting his actors full frame when necessary, rather than just waist-up or with a shaky steadicam.
At its heart, this is an action movie... but one based around character, not on blowing up the next set piece. The ending was a little abrupt, but it's about the journey, not the destination. Completely worth a second look, something so few of 2004 releases can say.