Neil - 'I am alone, I'm not lonely'
Vincent - 'I say what i mean, and I do what I say'
Heat 9.2
Shorthand review;
Immersive character study of a career criminal and a decorated police chief. In theory they are at opposite ends of the morality scale, yet they share many similarities, this is one of the background messages that drives the story. I imagine only minor decisions/circumstances at a younger age dictated in which direction the 2 main characters went and lead them here (a prequel could be great-if there were actors that could live up to this) Are they 2 sides of the same person? They are both obsessive, no-nonsense, influential leaders in thier fields.. I think each could have been great at either job, they are both driven by success.
Their personal lives mirror their careers.. vincent, the cop, is protective of his family for longevity (child isn't even his) and neil, the criminal, protects himself first and foremost and is aiming for the final result. Where Neil let's his work do the talking, Vincent, often a showman, let's his talking do the talking - I think Al Pacino may have the best shouting voice of any actor.
The main character's stories are told so well with structures that mirror eachother, through their work, private lives, women-who keep them somewhat grounded, unforseen connected events, surveilling eachother, and gradually but unstoppably working around and towards eachother. We're taken from one side to the other whilst they collide and merge. The story is told neutrally with equal screen time given to each so we're observing, not on either man's side. It's not as simple as hero/villian, this helps keep things unpredictable as to who, if either, will prevail.
The acting is next level, the camera spends alot of time watching just the 2 guy's faces in close up, allowing especially pacino to subtly (and brilliantly) express complex feelings-many merely good actors wouldnt be able to even come close. Casting about perfect, supporting actors are all superb.
All aspects of this film feel so real, cast had training in thier respective roles from real cops/criminals. The Sound design also helps with realism, gunshots are unedited sound. Often there is only subtle background music to aid the action, not to distract from it.
Action is tip top, not just heists and shootouts but even the chases on foot. All of the conversations and plans feel so truly realised-it is a fairly involved, complex plot, a story that evolves as we go but the dialogue is often so good every line seems considered, yet never Hollywood or cringey. Also the dialogue doesn't spell things out for the audience, plot points are made in conversation and not made overly obvious, another aspect of realism, this is top quality script writing.
The filming is exceptional, there are many memorable, beautiful shots; hockey masks, 'city of lights', driving through the lit tunnel, runway lights - light and darkness is used effectively all through the film. Many standout scenes; truck robbery with the lorry ramming (this was recreated as one of the missions in gta 5) 'We just got made' scene in the shipyard-one of my all time favourites, staring at eachother through thermal camera, conversation in the diner (largely unscripted), also shootout with cops in the street prob the most realistic and exciting gun fight I've seen, more memorable than saving private ryan beach scene for instance.
Final shot of the 2 together, after the chase through airport and 'paying their respects' to eachother, with the music is epic and a thoroughly well earned payoff that has taken nearly 3 hours to build to, it couldn't have been done as well in less time. Epic in all senses. I could easily have had another hour.
To be ultra picky-shame once or twice the stunt doubles are obvious.
For me this is a perfect mix of artistry and realism, plot and action, cool and emotion, light and dark.
It doesn't put a foot wrong. Love it.
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