Although Michael Mann’s more recent films like “Blackhat” and “Ferrari” have sparked mixed reactions from both critics and audiences, his body of work remains rich with classics. Known for his daring visual techniques, this director has churned out numerous acclaimed masterpieces such as “Heat,” “Manhunter,” “Thief,” and “The Insider.” Even “Miami Vice” from 2006, initially met with criticism, has since gained a following as a subversive cult classic. While many of his creative peaks occurred during the ’80s and ’90s, this doesn’t imply that Mann has been coasting in the 21st century; he hasn’t exactly been on autopilot.
Instead, it was in 2004 that Mann produced one of his finest pieces: “Collateral“. By teaming up with Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise in this film, Mann demonstrated his knack for creating polished thrillers without compromising on substance. It’s as if you can have your fill and savor it too when it comes to the director’s gripping crime thrillers. “Collateral” beautifully encapsulates this captivating quality.
What is Collateral?
Similar to numerous captivating crime dramas, the film Collateral follows an ordinary individual, Max (Foxx), who finds himself immersed in a realm of depravity far beyond his comprehension. In this instance, our ordinary protagonist is a cab driver in Los Angeles, striving to fulfill his loftiest aspirations while confined to this job. One never knows who might climb into the backseat next. This unpredictability extends to Vincent (Cruise), a man offering Max a substantial amount of money to transport him to five different locations on a single night. Cash-strapped and in need of extra income, Max accepts the offer. However, when a corpse lands on his taxi, he swiftly understands that Vincent is not to be trusted.
In a film where much of the action takes place in a taxi cab between only two characters, it’s essential that the dialogue sparkles as if it were the last day on Earth. Thankfully, screenwriter Stuart Beattie provides Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, and director Michael Mann with captivating dialogues throughout Collateral. Instead of causing boredom, the film’s focused perspective, much like timeless films such as Rope, intensifies the suspense and makes the intriguing characters even more enthralling. The ingenious scriptwriting also allows viewers to fully appreciate the exceptional performances of Collateral’s two main actors.
In simple terms, Jamie Foxx plays an outstanding, relatable character at the heart of the film. His charismatic presence alone draws audience empathy as he navigates a criminal world foreign to him. Notably, Foxx’s ability to evoke laughter and compassion while portraying Max’s reactions to Vincent’s lawless actions is truly remarkable. Moreover, Foxx convincingly portrays Max’s gradual growth in courage to confront Vincent, making this transformation entirely believable. This performance puts him on par with the legendary performances of Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, and William Petersen in Michael Mann movies, cementing his place among all-time great lead performances.
Collateral’s Subversive Cruise Performance and Visuals
In the movie “Collateral,” Tom Cruise takes on the role of the villain, Vincent, opposite Jamie Foxx. Given that Cruise is usually cast as heroes fighting to save humanity in recent films, this shift to playing a bad guy creates an intriguing twist. Cruise’s natural intensity makes him an ideal choice for the character of Vincent, particularly when juxtaposed with the warm, naturalistic presence emanated by Foxx. Cruise is mesmerizing in “Collateral,” and his electric chemistry with his co-star makes it a must-see film just to watch these talented actors interact.
Over two decades since its premiere, it’s still fascinating to observe that Mann and cinematographer Dion Beebe filmed substantial parts of the movie “Collateral” using digital cameras, which was quite unusual when the film came out. The use of high-definition cameras from the early 2000s gives “Collateral” a unique visual style unlike other high-budget crime thrillers from that period. There are numerous distinctive elements in “Collateral” that you won’t find elsewhere, and its one-of-a-kind visual aesthetic, reflecting Max’s extraordinary night, is a prime example of this.
In addition to its impressive acting and groundbreaking cinematography, Collateral also delivers exceptionally well in areas essential to crime thrillers: it keeps viewers captivated with an edge-of-the-seat suspense throughout. There’s no dearth of gripping, nerve-wracking scenes that keep you guessing what might transpire next. The most exhilarating moments will have you on the edge of your seat, while its most intense sequences may cause you to hide your eyes in fear. Throughout, Mann brings a calm assurance to the storytelling that only a few filmmakers can offer. If you’re seeking two hours of 21st-century evidence demonstrating Michael Mann’s greatness as a crime thriller director, then Collateral is precisely the ride you’ve been searching for.
Collateral is now streaming on Paramount+.
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2025-01-19 17:09