Heat

Michael Mann’s “Heat” is still viewed as one of the most meticulously crafted crime noir drama’s of the past 30 years or more. Using its lengthy runtime to establish detailed characters with complex backstories which are brought directly to life from powerhouse actors like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Many interwoven components establish a grounded, crime filled Los Angeles that is showcased with impressive ambient cityscape cinematography and score which elevates. “Heat” in my opinion remains in the top class of crime dramas which proves that riveting action and multi layered characters can coexist. The film takes places in Los Angeles where professional thief Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) acts as the leader of a small tight knit crew. Despite causing massive amounts of damage and sometimes death, Neil demands professionalism from all he works with. After a few unwanted missteps, he begins to be investigated by Lt. Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) and the LAPD. We are showcased the two men doing what they do best while working and ultimately struggle with normal lives on the home front. The two men operate in similar meticulous ways just on opposite sides of the law creating a complicated situation upon realizing their mutual respect.  Los Angeles is one of the most depicted cities within all of film often showcased in warm light with beaches so the decision to fully embrace a noir is where nighttime is 80 percent of what’s depicted was an outstanding one. The shots of the LA cityscape fits the tone of the film. The color blue specifically stands out as the main filter throughout the runtime. This could be to showcase what our characters are seeing or feeling around them. Both Neil and Vincent are slowly consumed by their obsessive tendencies until their lives becomes more blurred than thought possible. The performances across the board are outstanding. Of course Pacino and De Niro still to this day are recognized for their committed characters. Before this film they had seldom shared much screen time but even their supporting roles like Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore and John Voight are equally captivating in their own right. The weave between action, investigation and dialogue driven conflicts is a beautiful mesh creating a full scale ensemble. Iconic scenes stand out to everyone such as the diner scene where Neil and Vincent become face to face and of course the bank heist followed by the shootout scene is still some incredibly technical filmmaking. “Heat” is able to elevate the cat and mouse cop made popular in the 80s and early 90s to something more dedicated to the craft. Of course I’m an absolute sucker for Crime/Noir/Drama so Michael Mann typically makes films easy for me to enjoy. 1995’s “Heat” is his career defining work in my opinion with its lofty ambitions which it mostly meets despite it sometimes taking it’s sweet time showing a brooding, entertaining epic.