Heat 2 by Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner
I went on a Michael Mann kick over last summer. I read Red
Dragon then watched Manhunter and loved it. I remember watching it
with my dad when I was younger, but not really appreciating the story, and
after reading the book, I loved the characters in it. Mann’s use of darkness
and colored light was amazing in the film, and I could see its influence on Miami
Vice. I ended up watching Thief, after a visit to Chicago, and
eventually Heat which I never saw. I was blown away by this film. The
pacing was amazing, and again, the use of light and dark, long shots and close
ups, all of these kinds of contrasts were so fascinating. I also liked the
contrasts between Neil McCauley, the kind of reticent thief who plays it safe,
and the risk taking Detective Hanna. This was a film of contrasts. Thus, I was
really excited to learn about Heat 2. It was like a combination of Manhunter
and Heat, focusing on a psychopathic killer that Hanna tracked in the
days before Heat’s action, as well as what happened Chris, Neil’s
younger safecracker (played by Val Kilmer). It was fun to revisit these
characters and kind of see where they came from as well as what became of them.
Mann, with Meg Gardiner, created some interesting plotlines in exploring how
Chris ended up in South America, creating a new identity for himself. I’m glad
that I watched the film and then read this book. Furthermore, I have found that
I really enjoy books by directors (or at least directors who write). Mann
brings great character development in his writing. I’m looking forward to
seeing this become a film.
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