Finally watched it, michael mann's 2006 film miami vice. Its reputation as one of the most popular vulgar auteurist films, with the array of 5 star reviews on letterboxd, had me quite interested and excited for what this would be.
To begin, to say that this is unconventional and unique is an understatement, for better and for worse. From the digital, hand-held, dirty and raw cinematography that feels like you're looking into an actual captured footage of cops on miami crime operations, to its dry, cold atmosphere and approach, it isn't hard to notice miami vice's obvious exterior and the way it moves. But despite those initial impressions, i'm really hesitant to describe the film itself as necessarily cold or dry. Because it really isn't in the end. The gorgeous shots of nature -skylines, grass, forest, palm trees- coupled with pretty great soundtrack which might be my favorite part of the movie, there is something special and beautiful about the film, even something human. Also in regards to how human characters move and interact between them. Visuals - tone - vibes - all those elements combined, it really makes this film a relic/time capsule from the early 2000s. It really could not have been made during this era without sacrificing some of its features.
But despite all this - i sadly did not really enjoy the film that much and was let down by it. Simply put the film did not make me engage with it that much. No matter how many positive observations you make with the film, no matter how much you like moments from it or the ending sequence (thanks to this i did leave with positive aftertaste) - the truth is, what ultimately dictates my impression/opinion is my overall enjoyment. I didn't feel that much / the film didn't click with me / was bored / etc etc. You know the drills. At some points i was surprised with how much i could not enjoy or vibe with this film. I really wanted to like this badly and who knows my opinion will change - but it is important to be honest on how you feel. I didn't love miami vice.
To begin, to say that this is unconventional and unique is an understatement, for better and for worse. From the digital, hand-held, dirty and raw cinematography that feels like you're looking into an actual captured footage of cops on miami crime operations, to its dry, cold atmosphere and approach, it isn't hard to notice miami vice's obvious exterior and the way it moves. But despite those initial impressions, i'm really hesitant to describe the film itself as necessarily cold or dry. Because it really isn't in the end. The gorgeous shots of nature -skylines, grass, forest, palm trees- coupled with pretty great soundtrack which might be my favorite part of the movie, there is something special and beautiful about the film, even something human. Also in regards to how human characters move and interact between them. Visuals - tone - vibes - all those elements combined, it really makes this film a relic/time capsule from the early 2000s. It really could not have been made during this era without sacrificing some of its features.
But despite all this - i sadly did not really enjoy the film that much and was let down by it. Simply put the film did not make me engage with it that much. No matter how many positive observations you make with the film, no matter how much you like moments from it or the ending sequence (thanks to this i did leave with positive aftertaste) - the truth is, what ultimately dictates my impression/opinion is my overall enjoyment. I didn't feel that much / the film didn't click with me / was bored / etc etc. You know the drills. At some points i was surprised with how much i could not enjoy or vibe with this film. I really wanted to like this badly and who knows my opinion will change - but it is important to be honest on how you feel. I didn't love miami vice.
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