vito and michael meet at last

Rating: Null/10 (15 January 1999)

When I watch this movie I think that Michael Mann (again) pulls off what Cameron always tries to do and what De Palma does hit and miss: he walks a perfect line between script depth and cool but sentimental direction. The bank shoot-out alone is enough reason to see this movie, but it's not by any stretch of the imagination an action flick. Anyone who goes to see this movie expecting the playing out of a good ensemble cast will likewise be disappointed; the movie gives about as much attention to its female characters as its protagonists do--that is to say, a regretful nod every now and then. It's essentially a one-man character sketch, except that that one man happens to be split between a cop and a robber who recognize their own detached ambition in each other. Every other character in the movie pretty much orbits them; but that one portrayal is so emotional to witness that nothing else is needed. The plot essentially documents their warring desires, fears and insecurities and finally comes to a there-but-for-the-grace-of-god-go-I conclusion. The film itself is very blue and, shoot-outs aside, very quiet; but it's that quietness that, as in Raging Bull, accents the mad desperation of its two characters to define themselves as not only men, but powerful men. Highly recommended to anyone who can fully appreciate that violence and that sadness side-by-side.