Collateral
Film August 9th, 2004
My moviegoing experiences have, lately, always come with some sort of catch: this time it was a couple who would speak the obvious during the film. It really shuts me down when I’ve focused my energy into a film. People talking during the movie, sly remarks and cel phone displays glaring at random times. I’ll be frank – these people need to stop.
Despite all this, Collateral delivered.
I’m a little different. Tangentially, I know American Pie star John Cho (Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle) for his performance in Better Luck Tomorrow. So, in that same general fog, I’m not all that familiar with Jamie Foxx’s comedy. It was easy for the movie audience to let out some laughs when Foxx was supposed to be serious. I found this a little bothersome and was actually filtering the movie through the laughs from one of the first intense scene.
As the film picked up, though, most everyone seemed to acclimate themselves to his more serious side.
Cruise performs well as an articulate hitman of sorts. Foxx, the cabbie who doesn’t push himself enough. I didn’t need convincing – both Fox and Cruise’s interplay delivered.
In several instances, we see the Los Angeles cityscape from directly overhead. Shots like these are concepts that I dream of executing someday. To see them in this film manifested some envy and jealousy in me. But, damn, the shots were beautiful. Lines and symmetry. Veins of the city, cars as cells…
Amber… shades of mint… these colors have never looked so good. It’s exactly what I was hoping to see, especially for a Michael Mann film.
I bought the soundtrack on Sunday. I am wondering if Mann was forced to choose a song for a key sequence in the film (Dreamworks + marketing) or if he decided to put Audioslave in because the lyrics matched well with the visuals. I wasn’t expecting it. Honestly, I would have preferred that a non-vocal song be used for that scene. Keep it even more enigmatic.
This is the second Mann film I’ve seen: my first was Heat. I’ve seen that well over five times and it remains one of my all time favorite films.
Collateral romanticizes the city… studies character… breaks from the action and a snaps back into it. Recommended.
August 9th, 2004 at 4:21 am
Sounds great, I really want to see it. I also adored the film that is Heat. Excellent example of a perfect blend of character and action. I’d have to recommend you see another Michael Mann movie, The Insider. Not an action film, but great nonetheless.
August 9th, 2004 at 9:04 am
I’m not a big fan of either Tom Cruise or Jamie Foxx, but I’m a huge fan of Micheal Mann. Manhunt (far better than “Red Dragon”, despite William Petersen’s overacting) was an amazing movie, as were The Insider and Heat. I’ll have to check it out. It wouldn’t hurt to give back some of my movie karma. Besides, I’ll get it back via AvP anyway. :D
August 9th, 2004 at 1:16 pm
I hadn’t made a trip to the theater in awhile, but I caught Collateral on Saturday. It’s…engrossing. The pace is slow, and the action sequences aren’t particularly flashy (the night club scene felt more REAL than make-believe). There’s no shortage of quiet, introspective dialogue. The low profile pulls you in, though. It doesn’t feel like your typical thriller.
But that’s Micheal Mann for you.
I’ve been contemplating picking up the soundtrack myself. I’m especially interested in one of the tracks that plays early on, in the montage of helicopter shots as Max is driving through the city. I seem to remember it being in the trailer as well.
August 10th, 2004 at 6:37 pm
john cho was in ‘better luck tomorrow’? dude i need to see that movie. haven’t seen harold and kumar yet either. john cho and i are getting married, you know. it’s a fact.
(i haven’t seen collateral either. in fact, this entire comment is basically a big non sequitur digression from your point. oopsy.)
September 20th, 2004 at 10:29 am
I also loved Heat – I have it on DVD and have lost track of the number of viewings I’ve given it. I hope someday WB delivers a special edition with a M. Mann director commentary…
September 20th, 2004 at 6:32 pm
Hi, I wanted to say that the movie collateral was a really great movie, it had action, drama,suspense and passion at the perfect moments. I wasnt sure myself if jamie foxx could pull of a dramatic role. But he did very well. I now understand that if a actress or an actor has really only done lets say comedy roles doesn’t mean that this person is not capable of doing a dramatic role as well. Micheal mann you are a wonderful director and someday i hope to be filming movies just like you.
September 21st, 2004 at 2:46 pm
You just seem way cool! ^-^
October 23rd, 2004 at 5:49 am
i’ll be sure to check it out.