10.12.06
Heat
Heat – 1995
Yo punks, I'm back. Been really busy, but found time to watch Heat last night. Everyone, except me, must have seen this film. The great coming together of Mann, De Niro and Alfredo Pacino works out to be quite the freekin masterpiece. Throw in excellent support from Kilmer, Voight, Dennis Haysbert, Wes Studi, William Fichter, Judd and Sizemore. There is also a character called Bosko (Ted Levine), but he gets shot by Kilmer's character.
It's about a group of professional criminals lead by De Niro's excellent Neil McCauley character. They are hunted by Lt. Vincent Hanna (Pacino) and his LAPD homicide team. The film slowly but surely shows how similar these two guys are as their respective careers eat up their personal lives blocking out family/lovers, and in other ways too. The film is best known for the cafe scene with the brief but brilliant conversation between the two big guys, and then the incredibly well done shoot-out outside a bank in the middle of a busy LA street. I don't think there is anything more intense than this scene currently in film to watch. Just fantastic directing!
De Niro does an excellent job of showing a bad man's human sides. Pacino is just brilliant too, showing a very troubled man but a man who can show compassion and resolve. Kilmer stands out a mile as well. Ultimately they are all tough guys, but so much more. I love the part when Kilmer smiles just before getting to the car. A must see film, but you have already seen it. If not then punch yourself in the face. 8.5/10
