re:mote voices

Title: Collateral
Cast: Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Javier Bardem
Director: Michael Mann

Collateral is the latest film by director Michael Mann, which spans the course of one night in LA. The film revolves around the two characters of Max and Vincent. Max (Jamie Foxx) is a city cab driver, driving for 12 years, despite his hopes to one day have his own business. Vincent (Tom Cruise) is his latest fair, a man who hires the cab for the night, but is soon revealed to be a hit man. Thus setting up the tension between the two, both trying to do their job, but Max clearly unhappy to be promote the work of a killer. Along the way Mark Ruffalo, as a member of the LAPD, starts to realise that something is going on, and starts to try and track the killing.

The result is a glossy, high production thriller. However it's success is conflicted. The plot is supposed to be taut and spare - focussing on the dynamic between the two leads. Instead there are aspects of the film, which seem to be a little busy. On the other hand, some of the best touches come from the addition of other characters. Addition, which allows for supporting roles from Mark Ruffalo, Jada Pinkett Smith and Javier Bardem.

For me, at least, I have a sense there is something a little awkward about Collateral. Regardless the film is made with professionalism on all levels that comes across on the visual front as well as through the performances.