Michael Mann

[criterionmaster]

Director - filmography

1. The Few (2008) (announced)
2. Arms and the Man (2007) (announced)
3. Miami Vice (2006)
4. Collateral (2004)
5. Ali (2001)
6. The Insider (1999)
7. Heat (1995)
8. The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
9. L.A. Takedown (1989) (TV)
... aka Crimewave (USA)
... aka L.A. Crimewave
... aka Made in L.A.
10. "Crime Story" (1 episode, 1987)
- Top of the World (1987) TV Episode
11. Manhunter (1986)
... aka Red Dragon: The Curse of Hannibal Lecter (USA: TV title)
... aka Red Dragon: The Pursuit of Hannibal Lecter
12. The Keep (1983)
13. Thief (1981)
14. The Jericho Mile (1979) (TV)
15. "Vega$" (1978) TV Series
16. "Police Woman" (1 episode, 1977)
- The Buttercup Killer (1977) TV Episode
17. 17 Days Down the Line (1972)
18. Jaunpuri (1971)

[captainofbeef]

A great filmmaker, Thief, Manhunter, The Last of the Mohicans, The Insider, and Collateral are all great movies. Ali and Miami Vice were disappointing. But overall, he is excellent.

[kiddo]

Absolutely. I like his style, even though his films have a tendency to somewhat lack a substance. I espesially like his überstylish, moody Manhunter (the best in the Hannibal Lecter series?). I have to get the soundtrack to that film. So many great songs used; you all remember "Heartbeat" I guess... Cheesy but cool.

I also like Collateral; it had a nice nerve, and I had a very enjoyable time in the theater. Heck, even the rewatch(es) was good entertaining! Heat was, for quite a time, in my top 20. Now it's probably not in my top 100, which is quite sad. Don't misunderstand; I think it's a great film. I just don't feel as much for it any longer. I still think the scene on the balcony, though, with Terje Rypdals mucis in the background (god have heavenly great that song is; go check it out immidiately if you haven't already; "Mystery Man" - Terje Rypdal) is orgasmicly (can one say that?) beautiful.

Miami Vice was great fun. A bit stereotypic and banal, but explosive fun.

Mann manage to mix images and music in a wonderful way, but he will never be one of my favorite directors, because he usually don't give me anything special to think about afterwards. He's one of few american directors today with a inviting visual sense, though.

[criterionmaster]

I actually thought Heat had some major flaws, like Pacino's occasional over-acting, which he does in almost every film now, the love story in the film felt forced and/or wasn't developed if I remember, and it was too long. Still liked the film, and want to re-watch it, but doubt I will return to it much. I will comment the rest of the films I have seen by him later.

[kiddo]

criterionmaster said:

I actually thought Heat had some major flaws, like Pacino's occasional over-acting, which he does in almost every film now, the love story in the film felt forced and/or wasn't developed if I remember, and it was too long. Still liked the film, and want to re-watch it, but doubt I will return to it much. I will comment the rest of the films I have seen by him later.

I think Pacinos overacting is suitable; He's on the nerve of a breakdown, almost, you know, and the world just HAS to look like a mess from his perspective. I also think the love story(stories) has a tenderness you usually don't see in (american) cinema. Too long? Maybe.

[PTAhole]

I personally love Mann, and think Dan dismisses him far too much. Thief is absolutely brilliant, The Keep is cheesy, but I kinda like it, Manhunter is his best, and I may like it more than Silence of the Lambs. Last of the Mohicans is excellent, with a great sountrack, too. Heat is brilliant, I don't care what Dan says. The Insider is also great. I like Ali, don't love it. Collateral is one of his best. Still haven't seen Miami Vice.

1. Manhunter
2. Theif
3. Collateral
4. Heat
5. The Insider
6. Last of the Mohicans
7. Ali
8. The Keep

[criterionmaster]

I don't have anything really against him, just don't think much of him. I want to see Theif, but I know anything about it. What is it about? What are your thoughts? Do you think I will dig it?

[captainofbeef]

James Caan is in it along with Willie Nelson (lol!), its about a professional thief who gets involved with the mob. Did I like it like five years ago when I saw it? Yes, very much so. Will you like it? Probably not.

[criterionmaster]

That sucks, especially after hearing such rave reviews. It sounds like a shitfest, but I will still watch it sometime.

[captainofbeef]

Its a really great movie, you should like it, but your snobbiness will get in the way.

[criterionmaster]

If it is a good movie, I will like it.