Michael Mann

After a bit of thinking I decided that I should try to keep this thing organized, rather than just randomly think of movies to put on here. So what I will do with each post is focus on a particular director or theme, and recommend what I enjoy the most. So here goes:


Michael Mann
Thief - 1981
Becoming closer to his dream of leading a normal life, a professional safecracker agrees to do a job for the mafia, who have other plans for him. A taught, and visually dazzling heist drama. Also Manns theatrical debut.
Trailer: http://youtube.com/watch?v=MaHYoT6ysAQ

Manhunter - 1986
An FBI specialist tracks a serial killer who appears to select his victims at random. If you are familiar with the film Red Dragon, this is the exact same story. Brian Cox is wonderful as Hannibal Lecktor.
Trailer: http://youtube.com/watch?v=K7fofmn_l0E

Last of the Mohicans - 1992
In 18th century North America during the French and Indian War, a white man adopted by the last members of a dying tribe called the Mohicans unwittingly becomes the protector of the two daughters of a British colonel, who have been targeted by Magua, a sadistic and vengeful Huron warrior who has dedicated his life to destroying the girls' father for a past injustice. Based on the novel, 'Last of the Mohicans' by James Fenimore Cooper.
Trailer: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4ShkM0iG3lU

Heat - 1995
A Los Angeles crime saga, "Heat" focuses on the lives of two men on opposite sides of the law - one a detective; the other a thief. Watch for one of the most unbelievable scenes in any movie ever, Al Pacino beating up Henry Rollins. Amazing.
Trailer: http://youtube.com/watch?v=McrmLirX-qw

The Insider - 1999
This movie is mind blowing. I cannot stress how good it is. My personal favorite of Michael Manns work. A research chemist comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a "60 Minutes" expose on Big Tobacco after being fired from his job.
Trailer: http://youtube.com/watch?v=EkciIK6VZz0

Collateral - 2004
A cab driver finds himself the hostage of an engaging contract killer as he makes his rounds from hit to hit during one night in LA. He must find a way to save both himself and one last victim. This is one of Tom Cruises best performances and also put Jamie Foxx on the map as a serious actor.
Trailer: http://youtube.com/watch?v=9BDx6ZPHV4w