Heat is a 1995 American crime drama film directed and written by Michael Mann. The film is produced by Art Linson and Michael Mann and features an ensemble cast including Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, and Diane Venora. The screenplay is solely credited to Michael Mann. The film’s original music is composed by Elliot Goldenthal, with cinematography by Dante Spinotti. Heat is distributed by Regency Enterprises, Forward Pass, and Warner Bros.

Plot Summary

Heat follows the story of Neil McCauley, an obsessive master thief, and Vincent Hanna, a mentally unstable detective, as they engage in a cat-and-mouse game throughout Los Angeles. McCauley leads a skilled crew on daring heists while Hanna relentlessly pursues him. Despite their opposing roles, both men develop a mutual respect for each other’s abilities.

Cast

• Al Pacino as Detective Vincent Hanna
• Robert De Niro as Neil McCauley
• Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis
• Jon Voight as Nate
• Tom Sizemore as Michael Cheritto
• Diane Venora as Justine Hanna
• Amy Brenneman as Eady
• Ashley Judd as Charlene Shiherlis
• Mykelti Williamson as Sergeant Drucker
• Natalie Portman as Lauren Gustafson
• Ted Levine as Bosko
• Tom Noonan as Kelso
• Tone Loc as Richard Torena
• Hank Azaria as Alan Marciano
• Wes Studi as Detective Casals
• Dennis Haysbert as Donald Breedan
• Danny Trejo as Trejo
• Henry Rollins as Hugh Benny
• William Fichtner as Roger Van Zant
• Kevin Gage as Waingro
• Susan Traylor as Elaine Cheritto
• Jerry Trimble as Danny Schwartz
• Ricky Harris as Albert Torena
• Jeremy Piven as Dr. Bob
• Xander Berkeley as Ralph
• Begonya Plaza as Anna Trejo
• Rick Avery as Detective Bosko’s Driver
• Hazelle Goodman as Cashier
• Ray Buktenica as Timmons
• Max Daniels as Second Detective
• Vince Deadrick Jr. as Parole Board Member
• Steven Ford as Detective Heinz
• Farrah Forke as Lillian
• Patricia Healy as Florida Bank Teller
• Paul Herman as Sergeant
• Cindy Katz as Hooker in Jacuzzi
• Brian Libby as Detective Mike Bosko
• Dan Martin as Restaurant Manager
• Mario Roberts as Sergeant
• Thomas Rosales Jr. as Armored Guard
• Yvonne Zima as Amanda McCauley

Production

Heat was directed and written by Michael Mann. The film’s screenplay is solely credited to Mann. Art Linson and Michael Mann served as producers. The original music for the film was composed by Elliot Goldenthal. Dante Spinotti handled cinematography, capturing the intensity of Los Angeles’s urban landscape. The film was distributed by Regency Enterprises, Forward Pass, and Warner Bros.

Themes

Heat explores themes of obsession, honor, betrayal, and the thin line between law and crime. The film delves into the complex dynamics between its characters, particularly the parallel lives of Neil McCauley and Vincent Hanna. The cat-and-mouse game they engage in highlights their mutual respect and understanding, despite their opposing roles.

Reception

Heat received critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its intricate plot, realistic portrayal of characters, and intense action sequences. The performances of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro were particularly lauded. The film has since gained a cult following and is regarded as one of the greatest crime dramas of all time.

Legacy

Heat has left a lasting impact on the crime genre, influencing subsequent films and television shows. Its iconic scenes, memorable dialogue, and complex characters continue to resonate with audiences decades after its release. The film remains a classic example of the neo-noir genre and is often cited as one of Michael Mann’s finest works.