Once a picture is on the screen the role of the director is subtle. For example, Spielberg uses a lot of crane shots, but only in advancing the picture. Michael Mann, the director of Miami Vice, seems to be shouting: "Look at Me - I'm the Director". Well, some advice: Just because there are cameras that can be hand held, it doesn't mean they should be used beyond all reason. Second, dialog is meant to be heard. Unless you read lips, half the dialog in this picture is fuzzy or inaudible. I know that's not an accident. The director is there while doing the re-recording mix. Somehow Mr. Mann thinks it's more suspenseful when you don't know what's going on. Actually it's more confusing.
My final gripe is the film is too long by at least 20 minutes. Mann is known as a director who doesn't take kindly to advice or criticism. If I were making a movie tomorrow, he'd be the last on my long list. The short list is for those who can tell a story.
My final gripe is the film is too long by at least 20 minutes. Mann is known as a director who doesn't take kindly to advice or criticism. If I were making a movie tomorrow, he'd be the last on my long list. The short list is for those who can tell a story.