Review
Heat a film of epic proportions on a common placed scale provides all the essentials of a great crime drama and then some. With a fascinating storyline involving characters and Manns sometimes poetic sometimes gritty directing Heat is arguably one of the best crime dramas.
Perhaps the most unique feature of this movie is its manifold storyline which focuses primarily on the main characters Vincent Hanna and Neil McCauley. Because of this complex storyline it almost seems as if one is watching two movies with one about each of the two characters. While following Hannas personal life the movie shows how it is about more than just a cop in pursuit of a criminal. Hannas marriage is deteriorating his step daughter is falling apart and as wife Justine says he lives his life more among the "remnants of dead people." A man of two other failed marriages Hannas story is that of the strain of trying to fulfill both his professional and personal where every time the professional wins out. Neil McCauleys story is that of a man who used to know his role his job. Everything in his life revolved around making the next score (whether it be large or small). His story chronicles his relationships with the other men in his crew and his relationship with Eady his girlfriend who does not know all she should about him. The tensions build as Mann shows the two opposing strategies of each man as their paths (and thus their stories) draw closer together. When the two storylines do meet (at different points in the movie) the result isfor lack of a better wordepic. To say that these two major storylines are the only strong ones of the movie would do injustice to the many others (following Chris and his wife for example) but to say that they are the driving force of the movie to say that they are responsible for transforming a typical copsandrobbers story is the best explanation.
In addition the characters in this movie undoubtedly make it so successful. This cast comes as close as possible to being ensemble with two such huge main characters. And the cast is one of the best at that. DeNiro. Little more needs to be said. Ever the master his character McCauley can be on the one hand a ruthless robber and coldhearted killer on the other a warm friend and tender lover. And despite his life of crime McCauleys human side shows through. He will not kill unless he must as seen through his anger at Waingro and bank heist. His warmer side shows through his relationships with his friends and girlfriend Eady. Pacino. Equally without need of praise. As always he delivers an intense performance here as Hanna a workaholic obsessed with catching his man while also fighting a losing battle to save his personal relationships. He may seem just the harsh cop but he cares about every man under his command about his stepdaughter and yes even about McCauley. Through Hanna Pacino shows just how torn such a man can be. Hanna demonstrates both coldness and compassion both anger and sensitivity. Additionally strong is Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis with a raging temper undying devotion and a fierce will to persevere. Kilmer does an excellent job with the character of a flawed individual whose flaws prevent him from lasting contentment but against which flaws he continually strives. Ashley Judd is an unforgettable Charlene Shiherlis who despite a smaller roll makes a lasting impression on the film. Tom Sizemore as the implacable Michael Cheritto and Jon Voight as a gruff Nate are both likeable (because of their human sides) and despicable (because of their professions). Each does excellent work. And equally fine are Diane Venora as Justine and Natalie Portman as Justines daughter Lauren. As Venora is strong opposite Pacino so Amy Brenneman Eady is an equally strong opposite of DeNiro. In a cast so full of big names it is so rewarding to see everyone come together to make the characters each have their own place in the film.
And Michael Manns direction of the movie keeps the film moving while providing a tremendous combination of action and drama. He moves from scene to scene quickly and effortlessly. He also switches between the many storylines logically and fluidly none of the story being lost. Each scene leaves its own unmistakable impression and each scene of each storyline builds upon the previous. Action scenes are handles crisply but grittily. The gunshots are loud the blood is abundant but Mann wisely does not linger on the horror of the moment. He paints a realistic picture but keeps to the topic. The action never becomes more important than the drama. Mann is also responsible for what is perhaps the greatest robbery scene ever. Here his more gritty sense of style is what makes this scene so believable. And despite the enormous cast Mann was still able to keep his agenda clear and orchestrate so much talent into a coherent movie. Michael Mann deserves credit for both his vision and ability to express it.
Because of these and other well done aspects Heat is one of the most powerful crime dramas ever made.