Character study packaged as a taut thriller

Rating: 9/10 (30 November 2006)

Collateral is such a great thriller because it makes you care for its characters. You see the shyness and lack of initiative in Max's expressions and you know that these traits have plagued him his entire life. You see the loneliness in Vincent's eyes and you begin to wonder how he became the cold, sophisticated killer that he is.
Mann develops his characters in subtle nuances. A brief three minute scene is all it takes to show how lethal Vincent is. An early conversation between Max and a passenger reveals everything about Max's character, while developing the passenger's personality as well.
I have watched Collateral many times and while the action remains realistic and exciting, it is the characters and their transformation under the cold neon lights of LA that makes this movie refreshingly satisfying.
9/10