In HEAT, Michael Mann has created a genuine masterpiece of modern cinema.

Rating: Null/10 (4 July 2001)

In HEAT, Michael Mann has created a genuine masterpiece of modern cinema. HEAT is an intelligent and effortlessly stylish crime thriller set in glamour less L.A. cityscape. The basic premise is a wildly driven cop, Vincent Hanna (Pacino), hunting down organised criminal Neil McCauley (DeNiro), and his crew. What distinguishes HEAT from the standard cops and robbers fare, is Mann's thorough development of character, which makes us genuinely concerned for those involved; he also delivers a careful examination of the greater cost of living within the crime world. Pacino and DeNiro are on sensational form, and although great deal can be said of Mann's restraint in their historic on-screen pairing, HEAT also packs an outstanding supporting cast who also deserve credit. Michael Mann and his director of photography display incredible cinematic technique in shooting the film, and with captivating set pieces, including the most incredible shootout in cinematic history, HEAT will satisfy all. Given its modest commercial success I feel privileged to have caught this unexpectedly profound film in the cinema. If you didn't, just thank God for DVD.