Collateral

Director Michael Mann is no stranger to noir or crime drama. His 2004 film “Collateral” starring Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx fits his filmography’s wheelhouse in all the right places. A stylish depiction of nightlife Los Angeles accompanied by strong performances across the board with satisfying character arcs make this a compelling worthwhile thriller. Although the film could have benefited if was a about 15 minutes shorter, this proves to be not only worthwhile but even underrated addition to Mann’s catalog. We meet an LA cab driver Max (Jamie Foxx) making a connection with a prosecution lawyer getting ready for an important case beginning tomorrow. Max is able to make a connection and get her card. As she leaves Max picks up Vincent (Tom Cruise) who quickly offers him a small amount of cash to serve as his driver for the evening before leaving early in the morning. Reluctantly agreeing proves to create a whirlwind of chaos for Max as Vincent is a contract killer of sorts with a strict deadline to eliminate a number of targets before they can testify before trial. Max is along for the ride now at the whim a trained violent man where he must decide if he’s going to change his nature to survive the situation. Characters are the main stars of the film rather the the dialogue. Although the dialogue is plenty captivating, Mann has better conversational control in films like Heat and Thief which both happen to be crime dramas also. Jamie Foxx plays an everyday man just trying to get by, having dreams of owning his own limousine company but lacking the desire to risk what little he has. We can sympathize and root for Max quite easily in the film. Vincent (Tom Cruise) is compelling in his own right as a calculated professional with minimal care about anything but the task at hand. Side characters including Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem bring an added dimension despite their limited screen time.  The film is a crime noir at its core taking place entirely during night or dusk and working continuously through the hours of the night. The shots of LA ranging from cityscape to overhead are captured well specifically because of the vibrant lights of the city breaking through the background of the scene. The film takes its time working towards its destination however the action scenes you do receive are memorable, well put together. The club scene stands out specifically for its use of sound and blue and white lights to carry its atmosphere. “Collateral” has been talked about in recent years as being an underrated Michael Mann film as well as underrated performances by Cruise and Foxx. I would agree that the film isn’t talked about as frequently as others from those involved but I think it’s rated accurate by those who’ve seen it. Unanimously concluded to be a savvy crime noir with performances to match.