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Dr_Nick
Reviews
Heat (1995)
A Los Angeles Crime Saga - Of epic proportions
Heat is an example of what can be done with a very worn genre, namely "cops and robbers", when at the hands of a master director, in this case Michael Mann.
Mann has taken what is ultimately a simple premise, a bank robbery, and made it into a saga.
Heat is the story of a tight crew of well trained crooks who execute highly organized scores, led by Neil McCauley (DeNiro). When one of these robberies does not go entirely to plan the LAPD Robbery-Homicide squad begins to investigate, headed by Vincent Hanna (Pacino). Neil's crew initially unaware of the LAPD surveillance plans two more scores, one of which is an incredibly daring daylight bank robbery.
The action scenes are comparatively few when compared to other movies of this genre however when there is action it is executed as realistically as possible. Definitely no "John Woo" style action here. The gun fight in the street is one of the most realistic depictions of a gun battle ever portrayed on the big screen.
The character development is fairly in-depth for the number of characters in the film. By far one of my favorite scenes is the coffee shop when our two main characters meet face to face for the first time and compare their lives, which are not all that dissimilar. I did not fully understand the "Waingro serial killer" sub plot, perhaps it was to give a little background as to the type of person Waingro was. We also get to see that the characters in the film are "real" by showing us their life "behind the scenes" so to speak - not just when they are working.
Mann must have done a great deal of research into this movie. Many aspects of the film are very realistic. The characters of both police and the criminals, the police procedures, the use of informants, the execution of the action scenes, the weapons used - all very accurate (or as accurate as it gets in Hollywood).
The soundtrack for Heat by itself is brilliant. The soundtrack is collaboration of several artists all of which contribute towards a very powerful score. When combined with the movie it enhances the mood incredibly. Tracks of note would be the opening titles "Heat performed by the Kronos Quartet, Moby's closing titles "God Moving Over the Face of the Waters" and his rendition of "New Dawn Fades."
The cinematography is also outstanding. Mann did not use any soundstages - the whole film was filmed on location in and around LA. This is apparent with some of the moody lighting created in the dawn and dusk scenes with the smooth, deep blue lighting.
All in all Heat is a very powerful film that delivers on all levels. Action, love, betrayal, romance, tragedy, suspense - Heat has it all.
Gunro no keifu (1998)
Japanese Gangster Movie Perfection
At least in Australia "Gunro no keifu" is known as "Tale of a Scarface." It follows the life of Kumoro, a yakuza member, who recently is released from prison after serving 14 years for his Family. Upon his return he finds the various yakuza syndicates on the brink of war. Kumoro is, at first, removed from the dealings of the families by his Boss, but slowly he is drawn back into his old ways.
Tale of Scarface has it all. Violence, sex, drama, humour, tragedy, treachery, betrayal and love.
This movie does not change its pace. It is a constant throughout. There are many scenes where the characters do not speak, their expressions alone are used as "conversation." Some scenes that Hollywood would normally labour upon (including some very brutal violence) are played out and then moved over without any of the drawn out overacting we have come to expect.
The cinematography is fantastic with a almost tranquil soundtrack. The actors in this movie give stellar performances with many varied and interesting characteristics.
10 out of 10.
Se7en (1995)
Master Crafted Modern Thriller
"There are seven deadly sins captain, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, pride, lust and envy. Seven."
A killer is on the loose in the Unnamed City and they are using the seven deadly sins as their MO. Two cops are assigned to investigate, Sommerset a world weary cop, soon to retire, and Mills an experienced investigator, but new to this city and its ways. Its an old combo, but Fincher makes it work, and work well.
Pitt in my opinion is at his best here. He portrays a very believable cop (at least in my experience) dedicated and not too cultured. Freeman, while playing the intellectual-about-to-retire cop Sommerset, brings forth great presence to the movie, the calm ying to Mills raging yang (or is it the other way round?)
Some of the most disturbing aspects of this movie, are not those which we see, but those which we are left to think about. The killer's reasoning behind the murders almost makes it justified, perhaps the most disturbing aspect of all.
The action sequences are all realistic and believable(well, as good as it gets in Hollywood anyway). The constant rain, the dilapidated sets, unique camera angles, innovative film processing and a oppressive soundtrack make Se7en a complete indulgence of the senses.
As for the ending, it has to be seen to be believed.
This movie will scar, but then, isn't that what good thrillers do?