Miami Vice
In a career of films that is increasingly marked by gripping, intelligent and sophisticated crime thrillers, veteran director Michael Mann has returned to his roots while strongly implementing the latest achievements in film making. Armed with the newest digital high definition camera systems, Michael Mann has recreated one of the most memorable partnerships in undercover crime-fighting.
That crime-fighting pair is none other than the team of James ‘Sonny’ Crockett and Ricardo ‘Rico’ Tubbs. It was “Miami Vice:” one of America’s most popular television shows during the mid-1980’s. Now, Michael Mann, who was once a producer and writer for the legendary television series, is back at full creative capacity as director of a feature film starring Jamie Foxx as Tubbs and Colin Farrell as Crockett.
Foxx and Farrell are the unlikely, rugged, and extremely talented actors that Mann found to be perfect for the roles. It is a casting that can stir anger in some fans of the series, but can establish a contemporary connection to realistic depictions of Mann’s work. Acting in a Michael Mann film is no easy shoe to fill. Look at standout performances by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in “Heat,” or Pacino and Russell Crowe in “The Insider.” Mann gets the best out of his performers, striking a balance between an emotional realism and the story’s exciting bursts of action.
Although it is intriguing, the story of “Miami Vice” is typical for any undercover cop movie. Cops go undercover, gain trust of the bad guy, blow their cover, and need to get out before its too late. It sounds simple and unoriginal, but Mann goes to great lengths in making it seem fresh and new again. The beginning of the film isn’t met with an introduction, a title sequence, or a simple fade in. Mann brilliantly throws the audience into the passenger seat as an immediate attempt to show us the forthcoming events are unlike the unrealistic depictions we have seen before. The story sets a brisk tone by rushing from scene to scene with no warning or hesitation. Mann encouraging audiences to unlock the dynamics of the story through crucial dialogue scenes of which there are little.
In order to further convey the realism in his scenes, Mann once again utilizes high definition digital camera systems. Back in 2004, with the help of cinematographer Dion Beebe, Mann gave us “Collateral.” Taking place almost entirely at night, Mann used digital camera systems to give Collateral a distinct realism and atmosphere. A high definition camera gave Mann that advantage during his night time shooting. The digital system enabled Mann to see deep into the night sky making the city a character of its own. In turn, the cameras produce a dazzling spectacle of colors in the beautifully photographed night skylines. These digital talents are at work once again in “Miami Vice” providing the most interestingly shot, crisply photographed, and colorfully realistic city backdrops we have ever seen. This could be reason to why some of those rare dialogue scenes strangely take place on the roof of a building.
With those crucial scenes, Mann has to evoke two sides of emotions from his actors. As characters on both sides of the law, Tubbs and Crockett inevitably find themselves working all the angles. This is dramatically evident as Crockett (Farrell) is harboring a love for Isabella (Gong Li), the drug lord’s business woman. In a movie that is almost strictly considered a guy movie, Farrell portrays a compelling struggle through Crockett’s relationship with a woman on the other side. Mann even gives this inportant relationship, as well as some others, some much deserved attention in the final scenes of the film.
In essence, a story can be told many times, but one man can tell the same story in a way that makes it feel as if it is something better than we’ve ever seen or heard before. Through his artistic use of digital technology, a keen eye on realism, and perfectly cast lead actors, nearly every aspect of “Miami Vice” has proven Mann is that man.
Miami Vice
Rated R for strong violence, language and some sexual content
Runtime: 134 min.
Starring: Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Gong Li, Naomie Harris
Directed by Michael Mann
