HEAT

"I will not hesitate"

Neil McCauley

Master criminal Neil McCauley (De Niro) is planning one last big score before he walks away from the life forever. His team are fully prepped and the job is planned for every contingency, McCauley is ready to go. Robbery/Homicide detective Lt. Vincent Hanna (Pacino) has discovered his plan and has assembled a strike team to take McCauley down.

When it comes to listing the best crime thrillers to ever hit celluloid, 'Heat' should be near the top of everyone's list. Michael Mann's story of cops and robbers is very different to anything you have seen before.

Still filled with riveting action scenes and a fantastic level of tension, 'Heat' is unusual for the fact that it is a character based drama. Instead of the usual action sequence followed by action sequence, this film is punctuated by insights into the lives of the cops and the criminals. We get to know how a life of crime or law enforcement affects their personal lives and how it impacts on their families and relationships, whatever side of law they are on.

The film is shown from two different prospectives, showing both the criminal and police sides of the story. On the criminal side we have Neil McCauley, the crew leader who runs a tight ship with discipline and a sense of brotherhood. Honour among thieves is his byword and he treats his crew like family. He deals with their personal and family problems, he takes care of them financially and he treats them with respect. His crew know however that if they step out of line or let him down, the repercussions will be deadly.

The police side is very similar. In charge is Lt. Vincent Hanna, a maverick detective whose dedication to the job is unquestionable. He is equally as devoted to his fellow officers, treating his team like a family and expecting the same respect back.

What makes this film different is we see the home lives of both sides of the law. We see Hanna's family falling apart because of his total commitment to the job, McCauley making a connection with someone for the very first time, Chris's family ripped apart by his excessive gambling and who will be left behind when the two fractions meet in confrontation. This is completely different to most crime drama that mainly concentrates on the action sequence and the crime itself; this shows the repercussions of breaking the law and trying to enforce it.

Director Michael Mann has gathered together an amazing ensemble cast, headlining with two of Hollywood's biggest hitters, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. The coming together of two of the best actors of their generation has been a long time coming but it is has been worth the wait. Those of you expecting a heated exchange might be disappointed but their conversation in the restaurant is far better than any physical exchange could ever be. This is two men who have the utmost respect for each other talking openly about the lives they lead. This is completely riveting as these two titans of cinema finally share the screen.

The supporting cast is also first rate. Val Kilmer plays McCauley's right hand man Chris Shiherlis, a man with a gambling problem and a wife and family that is falling apart. This is a strong role for Kilmer to play and he really comes into his own during the action sequences. Tom Sizemore is also good as Michael Cheritto, a committed thief and someone who can charm a situation with just a look. Jon Voight is Nate, McCauley's contact and the man in the know when it comes to sorting out jobs, fake documents and equipment. Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd and Diane Venora are also very good as Eady, Charlene Shiherlis and Justine Hanna, the wives and girlfriends of McCauley, Chris and Hanna. Again, they show the realistic side of the story, revealing how it affects their relationships and family life.

'Heat' is a classic of the genre. Director Michael Mann has created a movie that sets a benchmark for character, story and action. The realism of the piece is astounding both in the action sequences and how we see both sides of the law. Combine this with the on screen meeting of De Niro and Pacino and you have a complete classic.