Collateral is one of my favorite movies, and perhaps the only movie shot on this early-2000s style digital format that I think suits the movie. Where do you stand on the film vs. digital debate? And what movie should I look at next?

Vincent : [Staring Max down] "She carried you in her womb for nine months." I think the fact that Vincent's mother died during child birth, is why he shows Max's mother so much respect and attention in the hospital scene.

Its not even about the story for me with Collateral. I just like hanging out in the movie. some movies make you feel good just chillin with the film for whatever reason.

Michael Mann doesn't ever get enough credit.

This is one of the *BEST* movies ever illustrating Los Angeles at night

Finally someone talks about how great this movie is. It doesn't get the amount of attention it deserves, if you ask me.

Collateral is one of Cruise's finest performances and criminally underrated. The man is incredibly versatile and such a fine actor. When people bash him for being a bad actor, I always show them this film.

Tom Cruise was a great villain, man, he was so cold, calculated, and charismatic.. I hoped he take on more roles being a villain after that movie, instead of the occasional hero.

You didn't touch on Maxs interplay with Annie which is a key point of Maxs character progression to fulfillment of inner self. At the beginning of the film when she gets into the taxi he manages to get her card, but he is reluctant to act on it and give her a call. Later on in the film when she is in danger he fully realizes his potential and saves her, completing his character arc.

Ayyyy. I really like this movie. It's underrated as hell.

Collateral is, I think, the first "adult" movie I saw in a theater together with my school friends only (without an adult present), after moving to a new school district and having been generally pretty disinterested in movies during my teens up to that point. I'm not even sure how we got in to the theater, because all of us were 14-15yo, but we did and had front row seats in a rather empty theatre, given how it was in the middle of the week. But holy shit, the movie made such an impression on me. I sat there mesmerized, because it was nothing like what I might've expected. Moody, intimate and thoughtful (yet still pretty cool/exciting to a 15yo). It really shook me and remains one of my all time favorite movies. I doubt any of my buddies that I went to see it with thought much about it even the next day, but it has stayed with me all these years and I've returned to it countless times. I even think it perhaps in part shaped me as a person growing up - to not end up like Max, but rather to seize the day and "just do" instead of making excuses. Great screenplay, great acting, great cinematography, great film.

Jamie Foxx played this character perfectly.

I love MM’s films. Making the actor train and be proficient in his role rather than winging it is always my favourite. The alley scene is what I live for. Sicario, Wind River.

Collateral is one of my favorite movies, and you pointed out something I hadn't thought about before, how the protagonist and antagonist are in near constant contact with each other. That really is a pretty radically different setup than most movies. I just rewatched Heat tonight, so crazy how one director can make both a sprawling epic with many interwoven characters, then less than a decade later make such an intimate film that is essentially a dual character study

Even when I haven't seen the movie I watch your videos. You make me want to watch the movies you analyze.

This movie is what made me obsessed with film making and particularly camera work. I have studied it and watched it over and over and it’s so nice to see a fresh analytical view on it. Another fantastic video Michael. Well done sir!

Mate, you break down these films the exact way I experience them. When I try to explain my love of film I struggle so much. I now just recommend your videos to my friends to show the simplicities of understanding characters and how dialogue makes the movie. I adore what you do my friend. Keep at it, stay awesome brother.

Ah yes this film, I only watched it this year while studying film, it was mentioned in one of the textbooks we had with a long talk about the choices and decisions made during production. They practically innovated LED light technology working on this film since they used an earlier version of LED to light their faces in the cab. Then they also originally set the film in New York but the director really wanted to capture the feeling of the night life of LA and make LA a character in the film itself. Pretty big deal in terms of digital filmmaking since it’s all shot at night which was a practical choice on their part. So I think watching it with the knowledge of the production side of the film really made me enjoy it as more than just a generic action film.

Tom cruise's best role

Another great entry Michael! It always amazes me how you can take these relatively simple elements of storytelling and turn them into clear and genuinely insightful videos. Keep it up and film schools will become a thing of the past ;)

Collateral and Heat are two of my favorite movies! Plus, this was a great analysis. Keep 'em coming!!!

I think this is something cool that I realized on rewatch of Black Panther. Every character exists as a facet of different questions that T'Challa faces. Traditionalism vs modernity, building walls to protect your own vs an obligation to save everyone and many more issues I'm not smart enough to put into words. Shuri, Nakia, Okoye, Killmonger, M'Baku, W'kabi. They all express examples of what you mention in this video that provide different facets of what builds the T'Challa we see at the end of the movie.

My second favorite of Michael Mann's. Heat remains number one.

Collateral and the Death of Neon - It's on KZfaq and is awesome. It shows how drastically the lighting effects are and how the digital format was used to give a movie it's very unique feel. It's a great watch and I highly recommend it.

I just finished this movie, and by God was it amazing. Action, tension, character, all there, all very well done.

You are my favorite KZfaqr and this video did not disappoint!!! Collateral is horrifically underrated and I’m so happy you decided to break it down a little bit!

I loved the movie when it came out. I was in my mid late 20's and kind of the same situation like Max. It helped me realize that my struggle was not mine alone, yet that I had to face it alone, like we all do. Made me sad in a way to realize this, but it also helped me cope. For me it was the scene with the coyote. That was the climax.

This was such a different role for Tom Cruise, this was the only time he’s played a villain, right?

One of my all time favorites. Brilliant character development. Thanks for this breakdown. and good to know you broke down Vincent's character as well. I'll check it out. This story blends exposition beautifully and POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT--POSSIBLY the only disappointment was the rather Hollywood ending. Great work as always

I love how you do the intros. They always give me goosebumps. "Let's take a look at Collateral "

Not only do Foxx and Cruise play off each other incredibly well, but both actors are playing against type in these roles, which to me makes it doubly impressive.

The reaction Max has at 9:47 is just hillarious

This is interesting. I usually think of characters getting this moment right at the climax, but I'll have to rewatch some movies to see how many have the change in the middle. Good video as always!

A pivotal entry into the Yellow Light series, alongside: Taxi Driver, Drive, and Nightcrawler.

Collateral is another master class (after Heat) from Michael Mann. Mastery of every detail including the ‘counter-casting’ of Cruise in the bad guy role (this reminds me of Henry Fonda being cast as the baddie in Once Upon A Time in the West by Sergei Leone).

I like the way fate plays a hand as well. He nearly doesn't pick up Vincent, he moves on to another cab, while Max is contemplating the card of the attorney, (who happens to be on Vincent's hit list, which gives the story a tautology). If Vincent had gone onto another cab, how would things have turned out for Max then, zoned out on his lounger hypnotised by daytime TV? Kismet. I like how things strive for balance: as Max changes, so does Vincent, he sees something in Max (perhaps cosmic coincidence?) that makes him contemplate the void within himself. Balance, balance is the key. As Max changes so does Vincent, as if something is striving to keep things in line. It's interesting that for all of Vincent's cynical nihilism, he's quick to call up cosmic forces as a possible explanation for things. He might be right, but it doesn't feel right, the empty space inside. A sly little aside, never mentioned, when contemplating Vincent's amoral view of life, is his admission that he's only been in the private sector for five years, implying he's been killing for the public sector (governments) for longer than that; probably something that fuels his cynical attitude, killing for dubious political reasons is fine? But, Vincent left his mark, think anyone will notice? Yes I think they will, for a while anyway.

Lessons from the Screenplay + Collateral = Happy Friday

Beautiful video as always.

Hey Michael, Can you do an analysis of a bad or a disappointing movie? I’m really curious about what the movie did wrong, what it could have improved and how little changes can impact a story drastically. Would be really interesting!

Mann has proven to be one of the most talented filmmakers in modern culture. His films seem to learn more and more about themselves as his characters do, anf he learns more about the art with every masterpiece he constructs. I've certainly learned more than my fair share of techniques and tools from his uses. Thanks for the awesome video!! New content gives me the will I need to live!!

Another excellent discussion. I just want to say that this was an underrated performance by Tom Cruise.

It’s incredible how this inner-self character rises in real life when people has to cross through dramatic situations... loved your analysis and the plot concept

Awwwww YES, one of my favourites of the genre

Would love to see you tackle a foreign language film like something from Michael Haneke, Krystof Kieslowski or Pedro Almodovar! Great content as always, Michael. One of my favorite channels on youtube.

You just made me watch another great movie

Considering the quality of every video, you sure release these very promptly! Amazing.

Funny, of all the films I've studies, Collateral was never one of them, yet every time I saw it channel surfing I'd put the remote down. Simple premise, fantastic writing putting it over the top.

Love how you say they are opposites because they are. I think Vincent's absence of humanity draws him to Max throughout the movie, who is full of humanity. Ironically this causes Vincent to lose his guard while in a way hardening Max enough to fight back.

I started watching this video when I paused it, watched the movie Collateral, and came back to finish it. I think your screenplay analysis is incredible and you have inspired me to include many of the things you've showcased in your videos into my own screenplays. Great entry! I look forward to the next one! Also, what do you make of the coyote scene?

Thank you for this video. Collateral is my favorite movie of all time and i have watched it countless times. But you still pointed out stuff i have never noticed before like how Max quotes Vincent when he meets Felix. Loved the video.

Love the use of the "confined space" narrative device. Also used in movies like Saw and Panic Room. It makes the characters interact.

Three books I highly recommend: Inside Story: the Power of the Transformational Arc by Dara Marks, Into the Woods by John Yorke, and last but not least, The Intent to Live by Larry Moss, this last one is a book on Acting, but it will teach how to get into the heads of your characters: their facades and inner natures.

Collateral was my introduction to Michael Mann. I saw it during a very formative stage in my life, so it left quite the impression on me. This is a brilliant insight into the importance of structuring character development. I'd love to see you tackle my favourite Mann film The Insider (when a conflict between two protagonists emerges - perhaps?) Well done, Michael! Love your editing. xx

Its been a long time man, a LONG TIME. Lol good to have you again bro. I miss your vids man.

YES! THANK YOU, Michael. I requested this film after your very first video essay and you delivered in spades. Thanks for all that you do!!

I love you man. You have no idea how much I appreciate your commentary on screenplays.

Hi, I am new here, was just binge watching your videos man they are amazing. Very few videos you have made but it feels good to see that there are still amazing channels which focus on quality over quantity. I love your insights on dark knight, memento, true detective, se7en, black swan, whiplash and gone girl. You passion for understanding cinema is apparent in your talks. Keep up the amazing work. I am passionate about making creepy/mysterious videos on true stories, hope I can match the level of your passion one day. Love and peace, ciao 💛

Frank Darabont and Michael Mann also contributed to this great screenplay. Just throwing it out there. Keep up the great work!

That transition from video to advertisement was so smooth. Simply amazing.

I’m in LOVE with channel. Thank you for all this information.

Collateral is a great film...I do think the trope of "amoral monster teaches a man deep lessons about how to be a better person," which I think has been overused of late. The antagonist or anti-hero is basically the hero of most critically-acclaimed stories these days, in that if it's a trope that's usurped, it seems more fresh to me. I've asked before, but I would love to see your take on films that just turn story structure on its head, things like Jeanne Dielman, 23 Commerce Quay, 1080 Brussels, or Run, Lola, Run, or Limbo, where the audience's expectations for what a story is are just ignored, and yet it's not a non-narrative movie at all.

Duuuuuude, your channel has become so amazing since the old ID4 days! I really appreciate all of your videos as they really give me something to think about in my own writing, even though their novels and not screenplays. Bravo and keep up the good work.

Been waiting for this one... great video as always!

Just finished watch the movie. I absolutely agree with you. It's not a typical suspense movie, I feel it almost like a human drama with a touch of action. Both Jamie and Tom carried the role perfectly. We can see the subtle change of expressions in their face, reacted to the opposite. The last scene on the train also showed that they obviously didn't want to kill each other; Vincent only wanted to finish the job, while Max protected her. I think that when Max sat down in front of Vincent was the balance point between them. Really love your videos, they give an interesting point of view aside from what common audience see.

Every time you upload I want to get back to writing my pilot episode for a tv series. I’m so close to being done.

So glad you've done a video on collateral, one of my all time favourites, great job as always man 👍

One of the best examples of character change on youtube. Such a helpful video

This is now one of my favorite video essays of yours. I found it very entertaining and resonating with Maxs growth

I would LOVE to have you do one for "Crash" The complexity of merging multiple story lines.

Always look forward to your videos. Keep it up.

This movie inspired me to overcome my writer block. An excellent screenplay. A writer writers.

I love Collateral so much! So happy to see a discussion of it here. I remember seeing it blind, never having seen any trailers for it, and being shocked when my expectations of Cruise's character were subverted. Each act of the film feels like a different genre, and yet they all blend together perfectly.

Max got his revenge on Collateral eventually, I've seen pictures on google, with him dating Collateral's ex wife.

This could have easily been a bog-standard, forgettable action/thriller, and I think you perfectly articulated what elevates it above that. It’s screenplay is structured in a way that gives its protagonist a well-developed arc and it’s antagonist acts as the perfect foil to him.

Also the photography is amazing. You get that cold feeling before sunrise from the photography. It's amazing.

Excellent work as always.

I loved this one! This one is so underrated!

Dunno if you've done the 1997 film Gattaca, but that'd be cool. It was one of the first sci fi films I saw.

loved this one! nice perspective. well done man

Collateral is one of my favourite movies of all time. Thank you so much for doing this fantastic video!!

You should really analyze the movie "A Quiet Place"(when it is available on Blu-Ray/DVD of course)..There's something about that movie that in my opinion makes it one of the best horror films ever,but i can't really tell what it is..anyway,great video man!keep up the good work!

Thank you! Collateral is awesome.

The title of the film is well chosen too as Vincent is the collateral for Max becoming who he has to, or is meant to. Without Vincent Max would be stuck in the same patterns of thought and behaviour, he's his catalyst for change.

SO good. You're the best Michael.

Hey! I just wanted to say thank you for all of your videos! You inspired me so much to make my own videos and I just uploaded a video, 'Rewriting Red Sparrow'. Thanks again!

You gave me an idea.

Collateral is such a great movie. I wouldn't think it possible to wring so much tension from a fair simply setup (cabbie driving around a hitman), but Mann makes it look easy. Watching your vid reminds me I should rewatch it.

HOLY GUACAMOLE.YEEEES. Been waiting for this one for quite some time. Thanks, Michael!

I think it's already a habit of mine to like your videos first before even watching cause I know for sure it's gonna be a great one 😏

Thanks for the great video. If you're up to doing a video on a newer movie, I'd love to see your take on the film Wind River (from Screen Writer and first time Director Taylor Sheridan). It was my favorite movie of 2017, and it has one of the best lead ups to the climax that I've ever seen in a film.

This video actually made me watch Collateral, and I could really appreciate everything you were saying and more while watching the movie. Thanks for showing me another movie I need on my shelf.

Great job as always, Michael! Your videos are a real treat, each and every one.

I'm just commenting to get that sweet sweet

I see what you did in the tittle......nice.

A perfect rendering and damn good explanation of something I tell people all the time. That Vincent was a kind of dark angel of change and transformation for Max: pushing him and cracking the shell of facade. Thank you for this excellent work.

Thanks so much for that video! I love this movie but seeing you explain how the character arcs work on a deeper level is really inspiring for me as a writer. Keep up the work!

You mention the midpoint at the midpoint of the video.

Hi! I'm sort of new here, so I'm not sure if my question has been answered already in some other video, but is there any record or list of all the books about writing stories/screenplays that you have mentioned in your videos? P.S Your videos are really interesting! I've been binge watching them since yesterday. :D

One of my favourite films. So happy to see a vid on this!

The fact that Heat begins with a train entering a station and Collateral finishes with a train leaving a station has been mentioned many times on many threads, but I have never seen it mentioned that Heat's final scene takes place at the end of an airport runway and, yep, Collateral begins with the sound of a jet touching down and the first thing we see is Vincent walking through LAX.