Review of Heat (1995) by Danny R — 11 Jul 2016

Michael Mann's gripping, complex crime epic is filled with intelligence, endless style and detail-filled realism. It is a fascinating character study about two men, Lt. Vincent Hanna, played brilliantly Al Pacino, a hard-working, veteran detective who is totally dedicated to his job, but is estranged from his family.

Pacino gives his character of the hard-edge, street-wise cop real depth. Then there is Neil McCauley played to perfection by Robert De Niro, who sits on the opposite side of the law, a ultra-disciplined master thief who has dedicated his entire life to crime.

McCauley has a motto that he lives by: "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." De Niro gives his character a subtle gravitas that is filled with a cool menace.

Theses two professionals will soon collide when Lt. Hanna gets wind of McCauley's crew activities, starting with a meticulously pulled armored car robbery, and ending in marvelously conceived bank robbery, which features a huge firefight between McCauley and his crew and Lt.

Hanna's crew as well as the L.A.P.D. in the street after the bank caper which is without doubt one of the greatest shootouts in cinematic history, it is also one of the most kinetically powerful scene ever committed to film.

Heat boasts an impressive supporting performances from Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Diane Venora, Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd, Wes Studi, Ted Levine, William Fichtner, Natalie Portman, Tom Noonan, Dennis Haysbert and Kevin Gage.

Special kudos must go to Val Kilmer for his sensational performance as McCauley's ponytailed, hot-headed, right-hand man Chris Shiherlis. But to no one's surprise it is Pacino and De Niro who dominate this engrossing film, their single face-to-face encounter is a corker as they sit opposite each other sipping coffee (the table between them representing not only the border between police and criminal, but also a mirror of sorts).

Hanna and McCauley exchange terse pleasantries like old friends, despite having never met before, and the two living cinematic legends coolly and effortlessly exude charisma with every word, they are at the top of their game in this engrossing crime drama.

Stunningly directed by Mann, with spectacular action sequences and extraordinary cinematography by Dante Spinotti. A dynamic, riveting epic entertainment. Highly Recommended.