Phil Spector (2013)

Directed by: David Mamet
Starring: Al Pacino, Helen Mirren, Jeffrey Tambor

Overall Rating: 57.7

The only thing that really differentiates Phil Spector as a TV movie made for HBO and the stereotypical "made for TV movies" shown on Lifetime in the 90's seems to be the star power associated with it.  Despite the likes of Al Pacino and Helen Mirren starring, and David Mamet directing, the tone and delivery of the film just falls flat.

The film follows the trial of legendary music producer Phil Spector (Pacino) as the defense struggles to find ways to defend their client in the midst of a constant media blitz insinuating guilt.  As is constantly pointed out, it doesn't matter if the evidence points to innocence, but rather how the jury feels about the defendant.  It's this struggle that Mamet focuses on: How do you sway public opinion for someone who appears guilty in a court of law, when all anyone talks about is that person's guilt?

Very wisely, the film begins with a disclaimer stating that the film is inspired by facts, but is not based on a true story.  As the real life version of Spector was found guilty and sentenced to 19 years in jail, the film takes great efforts to introduce "evidence" that hints at Spector's innocence, but was never introduced due to legal errors.  So the film is basically saying, "the real life jury never got to see this evidence, but if they had they'd have found Spector innocent".

After winning 2 Emmys for his work with HBO (2010's You Don't Know Jack and 2003's Angels in America), you can understand why Pacino would be willing to participate in a project like this, and for the most part he performs adequately.  Pacino plays the titular eccentric music producer with care, hitting the ferocious spots when intensity is needed, and understating his performance when not.

Unfortunately, that's the extent of the positives.  Helen Mirren plays the sympathetic Linda Kenney Baden who steps in to help Spector's defense team, but comes across as average at best.  For a film about one of the most famous trials of the 21st century so far, we also are only privy to the defense.  We are never even introduced to the prosecution or get a hint that Spector might actually be guilty.  It's this one-sidedness that takes away any drama from the film.

Phil Spector really tries to make Spector a charity case and gain sympathy for the misunderstood genius, but ultimately fails at that task, and at creating an entertaining movie.

Individual Ratings
Enjoyment Factor: 5
Dialogue: 6
Acting: 6
Direction: 4
Audio/Visual: 5

Heat (1995)

Directed by: Michael Mann

Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer

Overall Rating: 99.1

"Heat" manages to completely break the mold in terms of what it means to be a crime-drama.  While "The Godfather" may be the pinnacle of the crime saga, "Heat" manages to take the intensity of a crime syndicate into the modern era.  Despite coming out in 1995, it still holds up as one of the premiere films of all-time.

Set in Los Angeles, the story follows professional criminal Neil McCauley (De Niro) leads a team of men (Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Danny Trejo, Dennis Haysbert) through the high-intensity world of bank robbery.  On the opposite side of the law, a police lieutenant (Pacino) commits everything to tracking down the robbers and stopping them before they can strike again.

The beauty of "Heat" is the behind the scenes aspect of it.  It's not just a crime caper, but a look into the lives and mentalities of these men on opposite ends of the spectrum.  While McCauley is the best at what he does, he still has an end game in finishing that one final score and retiring with his love interest (Amy Brenneman).  For Pacino's Lt. Hanna, he struggles with the life of constantly chasing these bad people and not bringing that life home to his wife (Diane Venora) and step-daughter (a young Natalie Portman).

"Heat" also showcases director Michael Mann's signature style.  With a hint of shaky-cam tactics, and close up shots, Mann throws you right into the action.  His masterful use of the LA skyline as a backdrop worked so well, he found himself incorporating in to future films such as "Collateral".

The audio of "Heat" is some of the best sound design in any action film.  The realistic gun fire echoing off the skyscrapers through the streets of downtown LA are haunting (for those with access to the DVD, I strongly encourage watching the making of vignette).

The immediate draw of "Heat" is the action and bank robbery scenes.  What keeps you coming back for multiple viewings however, is the dialogue and character building amongst the amazing ensemble cast.  Even actors who have less than 10 minutes of screen time like Danny Trejo and Henry Rollins each leave their mark.  It was, and remains a paramount example of crafting a high-octane crime film, while keeping the drama at the heart of the experience.

Individual Ratings
Enjoyment Factor: 10
Dialogue: 10
Acting: 9
Direction: 10
Audio/Visual: 10