Collateral (2004)

Dir Michael Mann

Written by Stuart Beattie

Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Peter Berg, Bruce McGill, Irma P Hall.

On a random night, Vincent (Cruise), arrives in LA – getting into the cab of Max (Foxx), a 12 year veteran driver with dreams of running his own luxury limo company. When Vincent turns out to be a cold, calculated killer, things turn dark as Vincent holds Max hostage taking him from hit to hit.

With narcotics officer Fanning (Ruffalo) slowly on their tail, will Max escape from Vincent? Or has Vincent met his match?

Incredible use of HD camera work with the cinematography, makes this one of the most unique films I have reviewed so far (and the first Michael Mann film, so I will need to watch/rewatch some of his other work). This filming technique allowed for night vision shooting to feel more true. The super close shots that a prevelant throughout do not feel as intrusive either.

This is hands down one of Cruise’s best, if not best role to date. He has moments where he is truly terrifying, with moments of soft calm spliced in between. The jazz lounge scene is an example of this. Foxx is very good as Max, the ordinary guy put into an extraordinary situation – and Pinkett-Smith is charming as one of Max’s earlier clients and potential love interests. Despite the opinions held about her offscreen/real life, she delivers in her performances.

The screenplay is sound, but there is some reaching when it comes to how Fanning puts things together in the mid section of the film. His character is probably one of the weakest parts of the film.

I feel like I would have appreciated this film a little more if I was a native of LA . I am from Australia, so many of the conversations between the characters in terms of navigating around the city was a little lost on me. It almost felt like LA was itself a character of the film, and the way it was filmed, and the night time setting was a real positive for me.

The score is subtle at times, but builds up dynamically towards the third act when the scenes call for it. It also delivers well in the use of diegetic sound.

A great ride, filled with amazing performances, well worth watching.

4/5