Wow. That post was damn funny. And it is a great choice of target, too.

We can only hope that when this film is re-made the role played by Al Pacino goes to David Caruso, one of the finest unintentionally hilarious actors of his, or any other, generation. Was it Bill Simmons at ESPN who made the very funny dig at Caruso with regard to the CSI:Miami episode featuring the death of guest star skateboarder Tony Hawk? “Something tells me…that he’s not going to be skateboarding…anymore.”

I do love Al Pacino for the most part, but he does walk a fine line sometimes between brilliant and completely horrible acting.

Thanks. I’m just kind of waking to the fact that people actually take this movie seriously, which amazes me.

I don’t know how one can NOT burst out laughing at lines like “You don’t live with me, you live among the remains of dead people. You sift through the detritus, you read the terrain, you search for signs of passing, for the scent of your prey, and then you hunt them down. That’s the only thing you’re committed to. The rest is the mess you leave as you pass through.”

Trying working “you sift through the detritus” into your next conversation with a friend or loved one. I think that the film may very well mark the first time in history that “detritus” was pronounced out loud.

I’ll grant that DeNiro’s performance is masterful; I think it’s the best thing about the film. Unfortunately, the control he exhibits only highlights Al Pacino’s caricature of himself.

Can any fans of this movie speak up and let me know what I’m missing?

I’ve not seen it. Sounds hilarious, though. Could the satire be intentional? God, look at those pictures… what facial spasms.

Also, while I don’t want to sound like a complete Philistine here, Heat is really really really long. I could feel my life ebbing away, second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour. Boogie Nights did something similar too me but on a much greater scale. I spent ninety percent of Boogie Nights asking myself, “When is this going to be over? When is this going to be over?” It was horrible.

I listened to a little bit of Michael Mann’s commentary; during the “Gimmie whatcha got” scene, he mentioned that he had to leave the set during the filming because he couldn’t stop laughing at Pacino’s over-the-top antics. And if you look closely, you can see Pacino smirk just after he delivers the lines.

However, the film itself definitely does not play the moment for laughs–I think that we’re meant to take the scene seriously.

Fans of the film certainly do. Here are a few excerpts from reviews on the web:

From The Anniston Star:

I’ll be breaking bread with the unbelievers.

From Senses of Cinema:

Eh–I don’t buy it. Pretentious, discordant, and shallow is how I’d describe this “saga.” If the people who love this movie loved it as camp, I wouldn’t have a problem with that. But to claim that it’s some sort of cinematic masterpiece seems wildly off-base to me.

(oh, and Rod, I agree with you: 2 hours and 52 minutes was 1 hour and 22 minutes too long).

I would venture to suggest that BN was 2 hours and 47 minutes too long, but I have just about no time whatsoever for Paul Thomas Anderson or whatever he’s called.

im a big fan of the movie one of my favorites i agree on pachino though as hes talkin to the informant he goes dont waste my mother fuckin time shoulda cut that out otherwise the acting was great i dont see how you coulndnt like the movie

Sure, Pacino’s performance was over the top. It could also be argued that it was so just to counter De Niro’s understated take on Neil McCauley. In general though, the film IS a masterpiece, simply because it is audacious, deep and rich - something most mainstream films aren’t these days. Mann might not write, produce or direct ‘nice, little indie films’, but for projecting intelligent and engaging stories and characters into the mainstream arena he is the best.

Matt, how can you call it shallow? There’s more depth in this film than most I’ve seen before (and I’ve seen a lot of movies, don’t worry). Technically the film excels like no other in the 1990s. The cinematography is exquisite, the editing, sound design and production qualities are brilliant.

If I was to criticize any aspect of the film, it would be Pacino’s histrionic performance, but it still works within the confines of the script. Hanna is a highly strung guy with a ballistic edge to him.

I just think it works on so many levels that to discriminate against it so quickly smacks, to me, of laziness, lack of knowledge of film and a distinct inability to appreciate high cinematic art on a more mainstream level.

Waingro, My names Waingro. Oh we took some major scores together. Well hes probibly busy right now… but hes real theral… he aint gonna forget about you.
Well I got some moves I can make hear… probibly be a Big help to you.
You guys always work together, real tight crew huh? Yea this works could I’d consider going again you know. Ya had to F# with me… Ya wanna F# with me? Not want some pie? You lying to me… I can always tell when people lie to me. You dont have the truth telling style, you dont know what this is… The grim reapers visiting with you.
Hey why dont we just talk about this abit huh brother? Man I had to get it on - He was makin a move… I HAD TO GET IT ON.
(Michael) - “Whats your name”? (Waingro) -”WAAIIINNGGRRO”

I am a cowboy… And that is why I am here LMAO
Lookin for anything heavy

I couldn’t help myself. It had to be made. The Power of Al compels me.

Please feel free to use, but save it, don’t hotlink it!

Waingro: “Hey” (taps cup on counter) “gimmie another refill”
Employee: “Now he want refill”

Pacino’s acting may be over the top even if he was attempting to portray an emotionally infantile grown man. One gets the feeling Deniro attempted to somehow balance things out in this film. I disagree however with the opinion that the line “DONT WASTE MY MOTHERFUCKIN TIME!” should have been left out of the film..in my opinion it is one of the more memorable lines in the film. Yes it does have a bit of a cult following Most likely only amoung male viewers..due to the clash of egos between the two main characters that can be seen to overflow beyond the script and in to the actors themselves. I found myself sensing the clash between Deniro and Pacino to be and undercurrent of the entire movie.

People dissing heat?… whats wrong with you people?… heat is by far one of the greatest movies of the 20th century in my opinion. I struggle to find anything to complain about… its a great sound track, extremely well cast actors, and a story line that can’t be beat.

The interlinking of characters stories hold up the ideas that Michael Mann was trying to portray; two men on opposite sides, working against each other, a stark contrast, actually end up being very similiar. The line is blurred as to what is percieved as good and what is percieved as bad, and this idea is wrapped up superbly in the line of Detective Vincecnt Hannah - “all i am, is what i’m going after”…

To the people that slander this film, the actors techniques, and the finely tuned and great script of Michael Mann, I suggest that you watch the movie again. This time however, view the special features and commentary first, and this will greatly enhance your understanding and perception of the story, and the underlying themes of the film.

Enjoy.

Funny post! However, I think HEAT is a fantastic movie DESPITE Pacino’s outlandish scenery-chewing. The direction, the photography, the pacing, the action sequences and MOST of the acting are all great. I have to admit, though, after seeing Pacino in this, SCENT OF A WOMAN and THE INSIDER, I long for the days of SCARFACE, THE GODFATHER and SERPICO. Even CRUISING!

This made my day, have long argued that Pacino is OTT in this film and everyone just says he is fantastic. Not only can I now counter these fools with witty wordplay, but I can back it up with pictures…awesome!

Great movie, though, one of my favourites.

Love the movie. There is an entire thread dedicated to it over on AR15.com. DeNiro as Neil was an inspiration. I am a cowboy….and that is why I am here.