Movie: Collateral

Actors: Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx and Jada Pinkett Smith
Director: Michael Mann, Producer:

Michael Mann, who most remember as the man behind “last of the Mohicans” or the gangster grit of “Heat”, and less known as the man behind the cheesy TV series, “Miami Vice”, has now brought us a thriller starring the unexpected duo of Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx. Having seen Tom Cruise as a pretty boy with charm in some over the top scenes in films like Jerry Maguire and Vanilla Sky, viewers are in for a surprise.
This film takes us through one night in Los Angeles and most of it is spent in a taxi cab and on the streets. With powerful emotions from both Cruise and Foxx and some odd but cleverly placed humour, the relationship between the two characters develops. The story is shrouded in mystery that slowly reveals itself through titbits of conversation and confessions, which make the viewer cringe and laugh when you least expect it. Jamie Foxx does well in the role of an average cabbie, an everyday man, with a dream to break out. Tom cruise with his steel-grey hair and stoic personal convincingly portrays “Vincent” as a cold focused man without a conscience. Their conversations add a much needed “human” aspect to the film, giving an almost chilling taste of reality. Slow gradual scenes and haunting music, and fast paced camera shots and action scenes with heavy visuals and piercing sounds, set you up for a somewhat unconventional cab ride through L.A, climaxing in the most unpredictable sequence of events. The second half of the films leaves you gasping and impatient to figure out what’s going to happen, while the fist half wins over your sympathies for both Cruise and Foxx, hats off to them for developing an uncanny chemistry. Jada Pinkett Smith, the better half of famous rapper Will Smith, appears in the first few scenes tweaking your interest, only to return later in a fiery set of circumstances. You will find yourself thrilled, shocked and somewhat confused about Vincent’s motivation and (Foxx’s character) Ray’s sudden surge of courage. Vincent with his undeterred “trigger-happy” stance and Max battling with his conscience and sanity as the night progresses, leave you stunned. There are certain predictable moments and dialogues dangerously veering between humorous and cheesy, but overall the impact is good. This film is not for everyone, but those who do enjoy it, will really enjoy it. Foxx who has made a name for himself in comedy and with minor roles in moderately successful films has certainly proved he is an actor to be reckoned with. Both Cruise and Foxx have taken a risk, playing unconventional roles that we don’t expect to see them in, but at the end of the 116 minutes, with memorable scenes and dialogues that will undoubtedly turn into favourite movie moments, this eerie film with an alternative soundtrack will prove to be an experience you won’t easily forget.