Heat (1995)
Pacino and De Niro’s face-off lays the foundation for future heist films.
Presentation:
Anamorphic, deep focus, there is nothing particularly stunning with the visuals of this older film which utilizes mostly dialogue motivated cinematography. There are some long dramatic pans and filmmaking sensibilities that provide the DNA and inspiration for future Nolan films. But at its core, we get thrilling action sequences assisted by the use of longer lenses. The soundtrack is mediocre and some of the characters feel very extra, particularly the antagonists, which end up feeling one dimensional. But what we do have is exceptional style with dapper suits making you also want to rob a bank. It overall has the tangible atmosphere of a previous generation blockbuster where the cinematic language just hits differently.
Story:
Logistically there are some very unrealistic aspects of this heist film, you also have some unnecessary dramatic elements, which i don’t think added that much to the story. What’s the purpose of having the backstory for the 2nd driver if he’s going to get killed off so quickly? I also find myself taken out of the experience that the officers don’t recognize Val Kilmer at the end when the whole reason for them being there was specifically to find him. They obviously have photos of him from previous reconnaissance. Is De Niro’s love interest really convincing anyone? Al Pacino’s character trues too hard to be charismatic for this role, plot armor is apparent, absurdly lucky opportunities and uncharacteristic decisions. De Niro is supposedly disciplined and yet makes such a brash choice just for a final showdown. The core of the movie is really between De Niro and Al Pacino, whom are both parallels with the same drive and determination yet weaknesses with women. This aspect is well done, but I felt cheated by the final encounter. The shadow in their battle made the result less rewarding than it should have been.
Conclusion:
A great heist film back when, but doesn’t hold up to scrutiny in modern times due to less margin of error for realism. It very well deserves a 4 for 1995, but thats not how these rankings work. I don’t think this film is better than Inception or Nolan’s Batman trilogy despite clearly influencing them. But you could still love this film, not for the action, but rather the battle of its two leads. Al Pacino and De Niro are magnetic. Their performances and face-off absolutely carry the story, but it can feel as though they are trying a bit too hard to be slick and smart. Show, don’t tell, but the sequences that it does show are definitely very entertaining.
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Recommendations
Nothing like a Texas western heist.