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campaign image Heat & Vice: The Films of Michael Mann

Films, talks & events

Michael Mann

Heat & Vice

29 August — 19 September 2019

Michael Mann on the set of Heat with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro
Michael Mann on the set of Heat with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro

Michael Mann is the masterful chronicler of confident characters striving for greatness, be it criminal or altruistic. From professional thieves Frank (James Caan) and Neil (Robert De Niro) in Thief and Heat to whistleblower Jeffrey (Russell Crowe) and taxi driver Max (Jamie Foxx) in The Insider and Collateral: his existential loners show mettle and are imbued with a strong sense of honour that leads them directly to heaven or to hell.

Film auteur Michael Mann (1943) directed his first feature film The Jericho Mile thirty years ago. High time to offer a comprehensive retrospective of the eleven films he made for the cinema and his two TV films. Plus of course, episodes of TV series directed, written or produced by Mann, including the influential Miami Vice.

still from Thief (Michael Mann, US 1981)
still from Thief (Michael Mann, US 1981)
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placeholder Heat & Vice: The Films of Michael Mann
still from The Last of the Mohicans (Michael Mann, US 1992)
still from The Last of the Mohicans (Michael Mann, US 1992)

It is the Chicago-born filmmaker’s great gift that he is able to challenge his viewers by causing them to identify with the heroes as much as with the anti-heroes. Against all odds, Mann kindles understanding and sympathy for the serial killer in Manhunter or the relentless John Dillinger in Public Enemies.

Mann, who majored in English literature, researches his subjects exhaustively and writes and produces all of his films himself. This is how the born perfectionist retains total creative control over the eventual film. Combined with thematic consistency, strong visual style and powerful use of music, it created a unique signature which we are proud to present on the big screen at Eye Filmmuseum in the autumn of 2019.

still from The Insider (Michael Mann, US 1999)
still from The Insider (Michael Mann, US 1999)
promotional still Miami Vice (1984-1990)
promotional still Miami Vice (1984-1990)

Eyeshadow: Miami Vice + Palmbomen II

A special edition of Eyeshadow will include the 100-minute pilot of the legendary TV series Miami Vice (1984-1990), of which Mann was the all-important producer. Afterwards, Palmbomen II, who is strongly influenced by eighties synthesizer music, will perform live.

More on this edition of Eyeshadow
Michael Mann on the set of Heat with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro
Michael Mann on the set of Heat with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro
poster Heat & Vice: The Films of Michael Mann

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