Review of Heat (1995) by Adler N — 31 Dec 2011

Crime-fighting never looked so good and not-out-of-date, with Pacino and De Niro helming their roles ever so perfectly.

Michael Mann has come up with a story, that revolves around a plot so common and simplistic but deftly made that it becomes a cannot-take-your-eyes-away affair. The kind of 'Heat' we are talking about here is the one that sticks into our hearts (of the bad guys) like needles. The bad guys, robbers in the city of L.A., are the talented Neil (Robert De Niro), the sidekicks Chris (Van Kilmer) and Michael (Tom Sizemore) and the omnipresent big boss, Nate (Jon Voight).

In more than a few ways, this movie is sort of a pioneer and brainchild of movies of its genre. You know... the kind of genre than requires the antagonists to be depicted as menacing, without even saying a word. And the protagonists are equally menacing too. There is not much to separate between them, for we doubt that they are all bad and all good. Heat is that kind of movie.

We never really get to see Pacino (he's the alpha cop of L.A.) and De Niro (he's the... leader of the thugs?) together on screen. But who cares? They are terrific individual actors and when they meet in a restaurant in the middle of the movie, we think there might be a gunfight or maybe a wrestle. But here, we realize the movie is not just about them. Sure... they were charismatic, but there was an essential plot line that the film was trying to show. The one thing that made the film differ from the rest, the fact that it named itself 'Heat' instead of anything else.

The film basically builds momentum until the final hour, when Nate gives Neil a job to rob a bank. By this time, Pacino's character, Vincent, has been keeping an eye on Neil, waiting to pounce should something come up. But, we aren't going straight to the action first, because it is interesting to note that Neil and Vincent both have personal issues. Neil has a one-night fling with Eady (Amy Brenneman), a girl who appears at a bar, while Vincent is finding it hard to balance his crime-busting life with a relationship with Justine (Diane Venora). Neil intends to escape the field of thievery by going offshore with Eady, who objects when she realizes that Neil is a robber. Vincent's problem is having to be there for Justine, who has a daughter, Lauren (Natalie Portman). These few scenes involving Neil and Vincent as luckless lovers play a role in imparting the message of the film: there is 'Heat' on these guys, and how will they deal with it? Also, the film occasionally focuses on Chris and his own ordeal, dealing with his needy wife and son.

We reach the bank robbery scene soon enough, and to set up the last part of the show we have an awesome gunfight scene. Neil eventually escapes unscathed (obviously?), and lays low while the heat blows off. Vincent, sensing blood, tries his best to find Neil but he somehow manages to fly under the radar. "I'm going to sleep for a month," proclaims Pacino in his usual gritty manner of speaking, admitting defeat. However, Neil, on the brink of freedom, makes a detour to 'take care of' one last person. In the end, he gets chased by Vincent and this is where the climax of the movie truly is. Vincent is going already going to escape with Eady, but as though the movie is trying to repeat that "Never get into relationship from which you couldn't walk away within 30 seconds." quote, he turns his back on her. When we watch this scene, we finally know what this movie was all about; if can't handle the 'Heat', you run.

Boosted by exceptional acting performances, Heat will be remembered for its clear direction and point-making.

Personally*... Can't help but feel Pacino and De Niro has retired from playing the 'menacing' roles.