varjohaltia | Collateral

I saw Michael Mann's latest movie, Collateral, today. I've always had a distinct liking for his work, mostly due to the unusual but masterful compositions, the way he seems to "see" scenes and things differently from everyone else. Starting with The Insider he also impressed me with his ability to direct people, and letting actors express themselves with unhurried close-ups. That continues in Collateral, though there is again a fair bit of action and the romantic night-time funk of Miami Vice, Crime Story and Robbery Homicide Division--the last of which contributes some actors for this film as well. It's also shot largely on digital video instead of film, which gives it a very distinct look, from the digital noise that has replaced grain to the difference in motion, contrast, and disturbing sharpness. Pacing is very nice, with enough time for dialogue, thought, mood and all those subtler things.

So, in case any of the above sounds interesting, go see it now. Mann's movies need to be seen on the big screen, and considering that the theater had four other people watching it, I doubt it's going to stay out there for long. I highly recommend it, at least as an experiment. Both the digital look and his particular style tend to be "love it or hate it" sorts of things. I love it.

And now to bed for yet another before-crack-of-dawn upgrade at work tomorrow morning...