Heat Movie Review
It seems like the typical crime story: Ruthless gangster versus obsessed cop. But few films manage to execute that formula as well as “Heat”.
Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is the leader of a small crime syndicate in Los Angeles. But although they might be ’small’ in personell, they pull off extremely lucrative heists. After they’ve robbed a money transporter and shot its three inmates, Lieutenant Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) is engaged catch them. But the deeper he gets into the investigation, his seemingly professional goal becomes a more and more personal. He wants to bring down Neil McCauley at all costs. His obsession gets so out of hand, he doesn’t have a moment of time left for his wife Justine (Diane Venora), threatening to destroy their marriage. Meanwhile McCauley finds a new girlfriend for himself. Eady (Amy Brenneman) feels it’s true love, although McCauley’s motto is quite clear: “Don’t let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner.” But does he really have the mental strength to just walk away from her when things get risky? And will Lt. Hanna be able to take McCauley down and save his marriage? I recommend you watch the movie to get the answers.
As I mentioned at the beginning, “Heat” really doesn’t win a prize for innovation. But it might just win a prize for telling that story in one of the best ways. I mean, let’s face it: Just watching Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, two of the most talented Crime actors ever, going at it as rivals, almost guarantees you top notch entertainment. And that’s what “Heat” focusses on. Most of the other aspects are pretty average, but the duel between these two is absolutely convincing and immersive. Not only because the actors are brillant, but also because the relationship between the two characters is really emphasized in the opulent 171 minutes of the movie. In the details of this rivalry, the movie sets itself apart from other approaches in the genre. It’s not about someone’s daughter being kidnapped or wife being killed and some guy has to take revenge on that other guy. It’s just a stunning battle of two alpha male egos. Neither one of them even thinks of giving in. Because of honor! The climax, to me, is not even at the end, but more in the middle of the movie. McCauley and Lt. Hanna meet at a dinner, just talking. “Well, what’s so special about that?”, you might ask. What’s so special about that is the enormous tension you can feel between the two characters. The complete conviction of their decisions. Al Pacino and Robert De Niro definitely prove once again why they are so damn famous. Plus, the dialogue is just lovely to listen to.
Technically, „Heat“ doesn’t do anything extraordinary. There are actually not too many fast-paced action scenes or detailled computer-animated ones. Michael Mann (well-known for creating the 80s-series „Miami Vice“) really focusses on telling a compelling story. Therefore, you’ll spend a lot of time listening to dialogue, getting to know the psychological depths of the characters. But that’s a good thing. It’s refreshingly different from the typical gangsteresque movie with lots of fancy explosions and the liking. When watching „Heat“, don’t expect to be blown away by special effects. You will rather get immersed in a deep and interesting story.
If you’re expecting an action-packed movie with a lot of mighty visual images, you’re going to be disappointed. There are some action sequences, but it’s still not what sets the movie apart from other installments. But for those of you who can appreciate a good storyline, well-layed out characters and brilliant dialogue, „Heat“ is just the movie for you!
IMdB Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113277/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48BSKPKYLdI (with awesome Al Pacino VS. Robert De Niro action)
August 1st, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Heat…
The story behind the Heat is a simple one of a cop staking his life to catch a thief but just don’t let the storyline stop you from watching this masterpiece.
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