Plot, Acting, Directing, Top Notch!!

Rating: Null/10 (15 September 2004)

Collateral is without a doubt one of the best films to come out in recent years. Not only does it feature a stellar cast and crew, but a prominent soundtrack, beautiful cinematography, and a knock out story that is not only unique, but believable and realistic.
Tom Cruise is in top form as Vincent, a contract killer sent to LA to kill four people involved in a drug bust. Cruise delivers one of the best performances of his career, bringing a certain coldness to his character: A man who has no compassion or mercy for human life, making him seemingly robotic and non human. Every move Vincent makes, whether it's holding a gun, or having conversations with Max, he is always in control, aware of his surroundings. Cruise becomes Vincent, the boyish charm hidden by a stony exterior.
Which brings us to Jamie Foxx, breaking from his well known comedic skills to try his hand at a drama, and how nicely he succeeds. Foxx is the standout in this film, bringing a vulnerability yet a strong willingness to survive to his character Max, a man who before meeting Vincent lets people walk all over him. Yet over the course of one night, through his interactions with Vincent, he gains the courage to stand up for himself, to do what he believes to be right. His conversations with Vincent awaken him to the kind of life he is currently living, and that he can be so much more than what he had become.
The story to this film is never slow, always picking up the pace and keeping the viewer involved in what is happening on screen. The score and music choices to the film do not take away from it, but rather enhance it, creating a mood that is calming and soothing at times, and tense and suspenseful at others times. Not to mention, the cinematography, seeing LA at night is a beauty all in itself, to see the city at night is a wonder and a privlage.
Collateral, directed by Micheal Mann, is one of the best films to come out in recent years. Both Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx give outstanding performances to characters who each give something to the other: Vincent is ever slightly humanized, and Max is given more confidence in himself. The story of a hit man is given a fresh spin with this film, one the boasts beautiful cinematography, and an outstanding story. Highly recommended.
MJR