Review of Heat (1995) by Paul J — 19 Mar 2012

For the first time on-screen, De Niro and Pacino face off in this intelligent and flawless accomplishment. Mann balances the intense violence with plenty of sensitive character moments. So much of the film is about the male/female relationship.

The minimalist ending distills the hero/villain archetype into almost abstract images. The deafening roar of the planes heightens the shadow play of light and dark. Ultimately, these two characters are two sides of the same coin.

Heat also has what is undoubtedly the finest bank robbery & gun shoot-out in film history, making this film an epic crime masterpiece.