Review by Joseph of The Cinema Monster
Bobby De Niro, is there anyone with a face more recognizable? How about a voice? One so memorable that it’s assisted countless lines of film dialogue into becoming the most quoted and imitated in cinematic history. This is a man who’s performances on screen have literally transcended their fictitious origins to become part of his aura, you know, his personality and reputation. You can’t mention his name without it sending a deathly chill through your bones, as if he was watching you from a far at that very moment, waiting patiently to quietly end your life. But of course, this isn’t the truth. Robert De Niro merely portrays the mafioso lifestyle and nothing more. It just so happens that he does his job so well that the killer, ruthless mentality has followed him, become entangled and melded to his existence. In all honesty though, we wouldn’t have it any other way. It merely adds to his legend and signifies the unfathomably power of his talent and how he has perfected his craft.
Now, as intimidating as Bobby is, I can only imagine that Tyson’s face resembled something remarkably similar, maybe slightly more sinister when I told him that I hadn’t seen “Heat” and that I wanted to tackle it for this awesome segment. I mean, it is one of the most respected and memorable pieces on De Niro’s resume. Who can blame him right? I’m one of the best bloggers in the biz and I’ve never seen it? Unacceptable! How can that be? How can one even be a film critic having not seen a piece of such caliber and importance? Granted, I originally thought that Tyson, like most of you readers are now, was a little preemptive with this overreacting lividness. That being said, now that I’ve seen this terrific and vastly entertaining flick, I can completely understand, even empathize with your outrage. And just to be clear, I fully support and bless this endeavour. Everyone, ever, should see every piece of De Niro’s work, no matter how schmaltzy (New Years Eve) and repetitive (The Family).
Okay, so usually I’d delve into the film I’m reviewing head first and intentionally vacate my brain of every thought, question, and opinion, but that’s not what I’m going to do here. This blog-a-thon is specifically centred around Robert De Niro and his greatness, so I will only discuss De Niro’s character and performance. This being said, I’ll provide a little background and information about the film, just to give you all a little perspective and structure. “Heat” is directed by Michael Mann and stars the aforementioned Robert De Niro. It’s an action-thriller following the lives of thieves, murderers, and detectives as they intertwine. Also featured in the cast is the illustrious Al Pacino and Val Kilmer, along with a A-list supporting cast. It was released in 1995 and earned nearly 200 million worldwide, making it a financial success alongside its critical acclaim. I don’t know why I’m telling you this though, I’m sure you’ve all seen it…
De Niro plays the role of Neil McCauley, a career criminal who, with the help of his cronies, successfully steals a substantial amount of money in bonds from a launderer during a daring armed-vehicle heist. However, when the group’s new recruit shoots down one of the guards, things don’t go according to plan. Now, with a rugged, relentless detective on his tail, McCauley must find a way out of this mess.
Imagine for a moment that the script of “Heat” has just been pitched to you and you’ve been tasked with casting the role of Neil McCauley. Who would your first choice be? Quite simply, for me anyway, knowing De Niro’s background and prowess, he’s the first to pop into my head. It’s just that he so elegantly and infallibly fits the description. Without giving too much away for those who haven’t seen “Heat.” There is a subtle vulnerability and honesty about McCauley that De Niro captures dead on. And I know It’s easy to get caught up in the heartless behaviour and devilish demeanour of De Niro’s roles, believe me it’s no different here. He’s got the integrity and sociopathic tendencies we’ve all come to love. Yet there is this sympathetic yearning for simplicity and humanity in De Niro’s more sly, nightmarish roles that a lot seem not to notice, and it’s very prominent here. While not his go to calling card or the role we most associate with him, De Niro’s performance in “Heat” is without question, one of his best.
I don’t really know what else to say. This a masterful performance from Bobby with significant depth that you shouldn’t miss out on. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
I know it’s terrible but I got really, really bored watching Heat… *ducks for cover*….
I’m so glad someone else said this before I did! Thank you Abbi, for taking the heat (heh heh) off of me.
Great review dude, loved your take on it. But I thought this movie was so boring. Shame on me I guess.
Nooooo!! That’s crazy! I know I was late seeing this flick, and although it is rather long, I didn’t feel bored at any point.
Heat is fantastic, because it is fairly standard in the fact it is cop vs. robber, but Mann cleverly makes the villain (De Niro), the more likeable character, so your morality is constantly shifting, making Heat even more three-dimensional. A masterpiece of a movie. Great review.
Completely agree. Thanks for reading!
Agreed that De Niro is terrific in this. Downright terrific.
I’m not a huge fan of the film, per se, but the actor earns his pay check. π
Nice write-up Joseph!! I can’t believe you haven’t seen this too. Even I’ve seen this one and I haven’t seen most of the movies this blogathon is producing. Good stuff!
Thanks bud! I know, I felt great shame…
One question – did you notice Val Kilmer’s elbow?
No…wait…wait, what?
There’s a scene in there – I think they’re hauling the guns out of the house and Kilmer has a short sleeved shirt on. His elbow has some sort of orange sized growth on it….
Wtf? How’d you notice that lol. I’m going to re watch just to see it now!!
LOL – I don’t know what it is about me but I notice things like that…
You’ve got me curious now! How the hell do you notice shit like that?
LOL Muckers – it was pretty noticeable – and gross – I just googled Val Kilmer’s Elbow in Heat Movie and you can get a good look at it.
Haha! You even googled it? π
I’ll do the same. I want to see this thing.
I just seen it! Man, that’s quite something. He’s growing a fuckin second arm there π
Or third arm… π
It’s fuckin gross isn’t it???? I don’t know how you missed that when you saw it… fuckin disgusting.
Yeah, man! That doesn’t look healthy. In fact, it near enough acts him off the stage. That fuckin thing should be mentioned in the credits… π
HAHAHAHAHA
Oh my god. I can’t believe I just Googled “Val Kilmer elbow Heat”. Wtf IS that?!?! Lol! Thanks, Eric. π
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! AWESOME!!!
Merry Christmas!!!!!
I can always count on you… ; )
YES!!!
LOL. It’s mutated! Very disturbing stuff.
Wonderful write-up for a film that’s annual viewing in my house. Never tire of this Michael Mann film.
Thanks so much! I have a feeling that I’ll be watching Heat yearly at the very least from now on.
Amazing write up, Joseph! I LOVE Heat. One of (if not the best) Mann’s best films. So epic on many levels. Great job.
Thanks Vic!! One of my thoughts as well. Mann definitely accomplishes a great fest with this one, quite possibly his best :).
Thanks for this Joseph. Excellent work, man, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a fantastic film and DeNiro is on brilliant form here. It looks like he’s not doing very much but he brings a real subtlety and depth to McCauley.
The comparisons with Pacino were inevitable but I think DeNiro came out better here. Pacino is waaay over the top.
You’ve not seen Heat?? I’m sure you’ve had a lot of that! One of my 10 favourite films and De Niro’s last truly great performance. If you don’t count The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle of course.
Excellent review man. I agree Heat is one of Den Niro’s best and Heat overall is just an amazing, enjoyable experience.
I absolutely love Heat. So many memorable moments and one of the best movie shoot outs of all time!
Nice review. I love Heat, it’s a great modern epic. De Niro is particularly great and the heist seen is simply stunning.
Shoot me too. I can’t recall having seen this. Excellent write up!
Great review of a great film Joseph. Spot on with the score IMO too.
This is one of my fave films from Michael Mann. De Niro and Pacino at their best. Great review Joseph!
I hear this movie is loosely based on Grand Theft Auto 5.
One of my biggest blindspots, this film. I have absolutely no excuse for not having seen it. Great write up Joseph.
Nice review. π I really enjoyed this (and the amazing Moby song at the end). But haven’t watched it in years. Should re-watch.
That Moby tune at the end is ace, man. I love it.
Me too! π It’s honestly the main thing I remember from Heat. And something about De Niro & Pacino having a scene together or something…
Haha! Yeah, DeNiro and Pacino shared a little love, I think…
That Moby track, it’s called “God moving over the face of the Waters” incase you’re ever searching for it. It’s a regular on my iPod.
It hasn’t left my iPod for years ; )
I dig your style! π