Collateral (2004)

Collateral (2004)

Directed by: Michael Mann
Screenplay by: Stuart Beattie

Genre: Crime | Drama | Thriller
Running Time: 120 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Owned DVD

It started like any other night.

[IMDb]

Comments: Collateral has been one of my favorite films ever since I first saw it in theaters. Michael Mann's portrait of Los Angeles at night is breathtaking and gorgeous. Combined with the mostly-excellent score (some song choices I didn't think fit the film well, but Audioslave's "Shadow on the Sun" was an excellent pick), the films creates such wonderful imagery of the nighttime scene. Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise were excellent as well. Their characters are two completely opposite individuals, but there is a mutual respect that is shown at points throughout the film. Perhaps the best was when Vincent (Cruise) saves Max's (Foxx) life (granted his life wouldn't have needed to be saved if Vincent never put him in that position), and the two men share a look of understanding. There are other parts of the film, particularly the ending, when the two are at odds, and Mann beautifully captures the emotions that each are feeling. Collateral is a wonderful film, and one which deserves more of a following. I really don't hear much about it these days, and you never see it on TV. It's definitely worthy of two hours of your time.