Rated R for violence and language.171 Minutes
Written and Directed By: Michael Mann
We want to hurt no one. We’re here for the bank’s money, not your money. Your money is insured by the federal government, you’re not gonna lose a dime. Think of your families, don’t risk your life. Don’t try and be a hero. -Neil McCauley
Synopsis
This film focuses on two similar men on each side of the law, one a detective and one a criminal. Who will come out victorious?
Review
With Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro and a knockout supporting cast, Heat is without a doubt one of the best crime dramas available today. With two of our strongest actors available, both still in their prime it seems De Niro could have just as easily played Pacino’s role as Pacino could have played De Niro’s role. Michael Mann defines the relationships criminals and cops have with their women and their lives in what is probably his greatest cinematic success.
At nearly three hours there is an intricate plot development and a depth created in each of the main character’s. The visual structure in which the film is shot is plain and simply invigorating. There is something about the way the film is presented that gives a texture and feeling that our character’s are in the world but not necessarily a part of it. It emotes the feeling that Neil and Vincent are prisoners of their own worlds and it tells the story just as strongly as the script and the actors.
The gray line between the good guys and bad guys is distinctily blurred in this film that makes no excuses for the bad guys but shows how alike their lives and behavior might be to the good guys. No one in Heat is a hero or a villain, they are all humanized.
There are some pretty intense action sequences but they come after long character and plot building scenes and are obviously the reluctant result of their jobs. There is no question both sides can be ruthless and viscious if necessary, but both sides also use that violence as an ultimate last resort. There is a unique and proficient balance of action and drama that connects emotionally and makes everything that much more powerful.
Cast
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Robert DeNiro as Neil McCauley
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Al Pacino as Lt. Vincent Hanna
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Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis
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Jon Voight as Nate
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Tom Sizemore as Michael Cheritto
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Dianne Venora as Justine Hanna
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Amy Brenneman as Eady
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Ashley Judd as Charlene Shiherlis
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Natalie Portman as Lauren Gustafson
Both Neil and Vincent play flawed men that’s professions affect their private life in a negative way. Other than the criminal nature of Neil’s job, Vincent and Neil’s lives have run a strange parallel. Somewhere along the way both of their professional lives have become their lives, while their real lives slip further and further away. While trying to escape those past mistakes they somehow finds themselves as deep as they’ve ever gotten in their professional lives, and the current is overwhelming. Both Pacino and De Niro playing these contrasting roles flawlessy.
Ratings and Suggestions
Visually remarkable with a compelling story to boot, Heat is one of Michael Mann’s greatest achievements realized. This character driven cops and robbers story becomes of the best crime movies of the 90’s and one of the best of all time. It has all the elements of brilliant story telling on all levels that has great action but also an incredible substance behind it. Heat is brilliance in it’s greatest form. Four out of Four stars.
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