Unbelievable - Truly talented acting combines with stunning Direction

Rating: 10/10 (10 January 2007)

I have always felt that with things such as ratings, one should save 9 and 10's for truly timeless movies that may redefine your view on films in general. But as strange as it sounds to say, I can find nothing wrong with the masterpiece that is Collateral.
This film noir is unbelievably subtle yet completely compelling. It proves to all that a 'good' movie doesn't require a huge budget, because as proved here you can't put a price on talent.
Tom Cruise leads this on its otherwise limp feet. Never have I seen such a fascinating character build than Tom's Vincent. I say build because that is quite simply what it is. What Tom shows us is that no human is completely impenetrable, no matter how well trained. We see this in Vincent by the calculated coolness and mathematical killing that he has programmed himself to do which yet falters in a few situations during the film: the killing of the Jazz musician and the occasional fletching look after he has killed him. Vincents love of Jazz makes him realise what he is doing, but only for the fletching moment which is then quickly thrown out in his pursuit for the remainder of his targets. I know see Tom Cruise as one of the most talented actors I have ever seen.
Yet Jamie Foxx's role must never be underestimated, as he proves the equal to Cruise, both in character and in acting ability. His step away from comic acting has been a successful one, as he plays the lonely and collective cab driver Max.
The relationship between the two characters is the driving force of the entire movie. The wariness of each other which soon grows and develops as these two characters create a bond that the most important one of both of their life.
Whilst the ending has been criticised for its predictability, there is no other real conclusion possible as one of these two men must fall. But frankly, I believe that this can be happily over looked, as the rest of the plot and the pairs relationship has enough twists and turns to satisfy.
And to be honest, some moments of this movie are grippingly tense, such as the library cat-and-mouse, the dramatic and sudden car crash and the dependency during and after the night club scene.
And as much as Max and Vincent are characters in this movie, the third main character in this movie is the city of LA. Never has a place been so unnervingly portrayed through someones eyes, in this case Mann's. The pallet of colours and locations are vital to the greatness of this film, and can not be overlooked. Small touches like the coyotes (can't spell it, sorry!) add a touch to this movie that parallels some of Vincents views of mankind: the selfishness, the insignificance, the loneliness etc.
Frankly I could go on about this movie forever, so simply do yourself a favour, whether you are a fan of a brilliantly executed film showing someones view on mankind and life or simply love a great thriller, go and see the masterpiece that is Collateral.