When Michael Mann is behind the camera, expecting a blast on the big screen is palpable. In his career spanning over forty years, the filmmaker has delivered incredible films; however, they were never enough to feed the soul of an action-lover fan. There has always been a perpetual question of why he has not made as many films as expected. His 1986 horror film “Manhunter’s” protagonist, William Petersen, explained it during an interview by saying that “Mann is so focused on his creations, it takes several years for him to complete a film.”
Nevertheless, his directorial vision has always proved to be inspiring for the new-age directors who prefer delving into the crime genre. Mann is known for his unique style that sets him apart in the cinematic world. His directorial journey started with a television special called “The Jericho Mile,” which earned him the DGA Best Director award.
However, his debut in feature cinema was with the 1981 film “Thief.” The filmmaker, who is an inspiration to millions today, was once inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove.” When he saw the film, he fell in love with movies. In an interview, he described the film’s impact on him, saying, “It said to my whole generation of filmmakers that you could make an individual statement of high integrity and have that film be successfully seen by a mass audience all at the same time. In other words, you didn’t have to be making ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ if you wanted to work in the mainstream film industry or be reduced to niche filmmaking if you wanted to be serious about cinema. So that’s what Kubrick meant, aside from the fact that ‘Strangelove’ was a revelation.”
Apart from being a phenomenal director, Mann is also known for executive producing and occasionally writing/directing for TV shows like “Miami Vice,” “Crime Story,” and “Tokyo Vice.” His glorifying career consists of movies that serve as a testament to his dedication and immense talent.
Let’s look at his sharp directorial vision through these films.
1. Blackhat (2015)
Michael Mann aces at the art of balancing between restraint and excess. However, there are even times when his films make you resonate with the settings, and there are times when you feel completely estranged. The director is known for his experimental nature, which sometimes sits well with the audience. But the rest of the time, it’s way too ahead of its time. One such film by Mann is “Blackhat” starring Chris Hemsworth.
In “Blackhat,” Mann experiments with new technology, as the film follows the story of a hacker named Nicholas Hathaway (played by Chris Hemsworth). He is released from prison so he can assist authorities in taking down an even more dangerous cybercriminal who’s at large. Since the director has opted for his digital vision to make the film, it may have been an odd point for the audience. However, the director himself agreed that the film was ahead of time; hence, it may not resonate with all. But if that’s so “Blackhat” might be seen in a better light soon someday.
2. The Keep (1983)
Mann is known to be a master of the crime genre. Throughout his career, he has established himself as an auteur of visionary urban crime thrillers. But surprisingly his 1983 film “The Keep” does not fall into that genre. The film is a supernatural horror film set during World War II. The premise of the film follows a tale where a group of Nazi soldiers unleash an evil entity, which leads to chaos and death. The film could have been a decent one if not unnecessarily edited before its release. Although it can’t be denied that it is an interesting and bold-looking movie.
3. The Jericho Mile (1979)
Before making a blast at the big screen, Mann made his directorial debut with the television movie, “The Jericho Mile.” This was a sports movie that revolved around the life of a prisoner who aspired to become a world-renowned runner. Since the movie follows the story of a prisoner, Mann, the craver of authenticity, decided to shoot the entire movie inside Folsom Prison so that it would give a real feel to the viewers. Being a television film, it had its own limitations. Yet Mann did whatever he could to make it his first best. And indeed, he was successful, as his directorial work in “The Jericho Mile” showed his potential to be a great director.
4. Collateral (2004)
Tom Cruise is undeniably a legend of action movies. However, it’s rare to see the action superstar in any villainous role. Although Mann is known to take the best out of the actors involved in his films. Starring Cruise alongside Jamie Foxx and Jada Pinkett Smith, “Collateral” is a slow-burn thriller film that creates a tremendous atmosphere for the viewers. Mann has perfectly shot the night scenes in the film, increasing the tension among the viewers and keeping them hooked to their seats till last.
5. Manhunter (1986)
Though this isn’t as much talked about as Mann’s any other award-winning film, still counts as one of his best films to date. “Manhunter” is an adaptation of the novel Red Dragon that features Brian Coxx and William Petersen in the lead roles. It’s the closest thing to a horror movie Mann has made apart from “The Keep.” Though it is not a supernatural film, it can give you a bone-chilling experience.
6. Thief (1981)
The title of the film is enough to encapsulate the premise of the film. It is a tale of a man who is a thief but decides to retire from his unstable life. However, before quitting, he decides to do one last heist of his life. The film marked Mann’s theatrical directorial debut, and it depicted Mann in a promising light as a filmmaker.
