What Happened to Collateral?

If Heat and The Insider are agreed upon as Michael Mann’s all-time best films, what is the director’s most underrated feature to date? Is it Thief? The Keep? Manhunter? Public Enemies? Nah. There’s only one acceptable answer: 2004’s criminally overlooked nocturnal neo-noir Collateral. Featuring a rare villainous turn by Tom Cruise and a restrained Oscar-nominated performance by Jamie Foxx, the L.A. crime story was the first film in history to utilize the Viper FilmStream High Definition Camera. The digital format that David Fincher would later adopt for use on Zodiac and Benjamin Button. Beyond the cutting-edge technology, the remote locations Mann and his production team gave viewers a much different glimpse of Los Angeles away from the glamor of Hollywood and into the seedy, sinister parts of town rarely seen on the big screen.
Believe it or not, Collateral was conceived by screenwriter Stuart Beattie when he was 17 years old after taking a taxi home from an airport in Sydney, Australia. Before Mann, Cruise, and Foxx boarded the project, the movie was to be directed by City of God’s Fernando Meirelles, and Russell Crowe was attached to play the suave, calculated hitman Vincent. If it weren’t for Crowe’s interest, Mann possibly never would have landed in the director’s chair. Remember, Mann and Crowe had made The Insider a few years earlier and were actively looking to reunite for a worthy follow-up. For this and a whole lot more, it’s time to discover What Happened to Collateral as the movie celebrates its 20th anniversary this August.
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#TomCruise #collateral #wtfhappenedtothismovie

[@SkarrGaming]

"Yo homey, that my briefcase?"

[@MattMeier]

"Yeah it is. Why, you want it back?"

[@danielherrin]

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!...BANG!

[@greecoboost]

Gotta admit, TC really nailed that scene.

[@makatron]

@@greecoboost nailed the whole movie

[@ryana9783]

Collateral is so rewatchable! Tom and Jamie play so well off of each other it’s just perfect.

[@suzygirl1843]

they should've kissed

[@asifkhan4822]

One of the Rare Tom Cruise bad guy roles. As he never ever plays a bad guy. But its one of his best ever roles.

[@matthewdaley746]

Never happening again, Mission Impossible has truly seen to that.

[@354Entertainment]

best Tom Cruise role ever!

[@matthewdaley746]

​​​@@354EntertainmentEthan Hunt's definitely, really-close.

[@354Entertainment]

@@matthewdaley746 god damn right!

[@matthewdaley746]

​​@@354EntertainmentHaving said that, I hope MI8's the conclusion, MI7 was worse than MI6, and, they need to quit, while, trending slightly behind.

[@efe_aydal]

My favorite Michael Mann film. Back in the day when they made actual "mature" movies.

[@starwarsroo2448]

It's such a good movie, Tom Cruise was at his peak here

[@wstine79]

Max: "You killed him?" Vincent: :No, I shot him. Bullets and the fall killed him." That moment was hilariously cool.

[@KamillGran-ch5sb]

That’s not even good dialogue. It’s lazy writing.

[@Dr_1212]

🤣😎👍

[@jamess.t5009]

I think those lines were chosen b/c that's what a sociopath would say to misplace blame.

[@milovarquiel]

@@KamillGran-ch5sb filtered

[@NelsonStJames]

It was a good line, I don’t know what the problem these guys have. The movie is solid.

[@shannonrobitaille613]

I don't know why cruise wasn't nominated. One of his all time best

[@matthewdaley746]

Probably, the idea of him playing a villain, seriously, turned the, Academy, voters off, as all.

[@makatron]

Was robbed the nomination.

[@matthewdaley746]

​​​@@makatronPoltics are often, messy.

[@finfog4590]

@@matthewdaley746Charlize Theron won the award the year before for ‘Monster’. She was a villain.

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

@@matthewdaley746Yeah. The Academy hates villain roles. Signed, Anthony Hopkins. Kevin Spacey. Ed Norton. Ralph Fiennes. Kathy Bates. Gene Hackman. James Woods. John Malkovich.

[@Dr_1212]

"You no longer have the cleanest cab in LA."

[@andrewcutler1380]

Such an underrated movie. “Vincent” was chilling.

[@matthewdaley746]

Yeah, also, the only time Tom Cruise played a villain, it shan't happen again.

[@paulgero]

his best role ever....oscar-worthy

[@matthewdaley746]

​@paulgero Definitely, however, it, seriously, felt like he did it to check off a box, which is why, despite, nailing it, he never returned to the world of villainy, at all.

[@TyyTheFlyGuy]

@@matthewdaley746 probably has something to do with his religion honestly. I doubt they want him being a well known bad guy.

[@user-be7tc2bd6e]

@@matthewdaley746 No it won't,it's just like Denzel Washington playing a bad guy in-Training-Day,it problably won't happen again.

[@rickfalcon5572]

“Man gets on the MTA, and dies; you think anyone’ll notice?”

[@neilsingh5923]

Those final words of his sure hit you.

[@starwarsroo2448]

" the cop, you, me? Who notices?"

[@ericfurst6091]

Tom Cruise should play more villains.

[@matthewdaley746]

Unfortunately, reputation precludes it.

[@samelmudir]

He did in tropic thunder 😅

[@ericfurst6091]

@@samelmudir so he played arguably 2 villains in his career. 🤷‍♂️

[@matthewdaley746]

​​​@@samelmudirIt's only a, glorified-cameo.

[@matthewdaley746]

​​​@@ericfurst6091Beneath enormously garish, makeup.

[@themtgdude486]

Honestly, it’s one of my favorite films of all time.

[@JaximusDecimus1]

It's easily in my top 5, maybe top 3. I saw it in the theater on a whim, knowing nothing about it, and came out completely blown away.

[@sil-80nick]

For those who have the opportunity, the commentary audio version of this is one of the best ever. Mann gives such great detail on everything from the coyotes to why they chose Koreatown.

[@makatron]

"Yo homie, that my briefcase?" and then the USP45 goes to work 😂 To this day is one of my favourite movies. And forever be in my yearly rewatch list.

[@TBendez]

Wasn't it a 9mm?

[@makatron]

@@TBendez it was 45

[@mastermindmartialarts]

Collateral absolutely holds up 20 years later and it’s one of the few films I feel gets better with each viewing. Absolute classic.

[@asatvs]

That movie was a CINEMATIC MASTERPIECE 🏅🏅 To me, Tom Cruise’s best role to date 🔥🔥

[@richardpatton2502]

To anyone wondering. Tom Cruise played the, or a villain in: - Taps - Interview with a Vampire - Collateral All the best to everyone

[@Yolduranduran]

He's a good villain

[@downrazor11]

Magnolia..

[@JewTube001]

@@downrazor11 not really a villian or an antagonist in the movie. just an unpopular archtype, although popular with some. see Andrew Tate.

[@michelinstarschallenger8626]

Thanks !🙏

[@daleranger3607]

I was trying to think of a third, I am not familiar with Taps. I was thinking of Tropic Thunder or possibly Born on the 4th of July, he's certainly not a good guy in either

[@IladRodavlas]

Tom Cruise absolutely needs to play more charismatic villains, I think it's definitely close to being his best role.

[@user-xw7cn7vy6n]

Collateral is great and underrated, Heat and Insider are also terrific but when talking about Mann's best work it's baffling how often The Last of the Mohicans gets overlooked. A true American masterpiece.

[@securityg]

Totally agree! The Last Of The Mohicans is a stone classic beauty. The entire score is brilliant! - James D Watkins artistic director of Phoenix Productions.

[@jackbedient]

Agreed! A masterpiece and the one true underrated Mann movie…

[@markusszelbracikowski956]

Definitely one of my favorite films. I love the ambience, cinematography. The lines. Wow

[@NavajoNinja]

The scene where vin drops the 3 thugs was worth the whole film. But no jada plaese

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

😄 Couldn't agree more Jada is the only tarnish

[@suzygirl1843]

@@ArtVandelayOfficial Gay men talking

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

@@suzygirl1843 Go away troll

[@TBendez]

The three?

[@Y9s1]

As a Michael Mann fan, I prefer the look and feel of his 80s and mid-90s flicks over the HD/hyperrealistic tone of the 2000s, which was technically innovative at the time. That said, Collateral still remains a timeless work, thanks to the compelling screenplay and tense editing, along with the terrific performance from both Cruise and Foxx.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

Yeah same here, Thief is my #1 I do wish Collateral was shot on film

[@Nightcrawler77]

A masterpiece of adrenaline and atmosphere. Third best Mann Film after The Insider and Heat

[@thomasdevine5202]

Manhunters are pretty damn good movie also

[@neilsingh5923]

'Public Enemies' (2009) is another good movie of Mann's.

[@jamesmorant1406]

My favorite Tom Cruise performance should have gotten an Oscar nomination

[@mcmoose64]

One of the few films where Cruise got to relax and let his true character shine through .

[@ilon7799]

A terrific video about a terrific film. Thanks so much!

[@Zed-fq3lj]

a very informative video on a great movie, thank you!🤩

[@justinsantos8514]

2000 - 2010 was legitimately the last great era for film and music... I just bought the 4K version of this film, it's criminally underrated, everyone was on point in that movie including she who shall not be named. 😂

[@ghostviggen]

Filmed with HD cameras.

[@TJ-928]

"She carried you in her womb for 9 months"....🤣🤣 like bro who are you?! Lol

[@grimmin]

Love this flick, saw it in the theater. Wish Cruise would play more villains, he was excellent.

[@matthewdaley746]

Reputation is limiting, apparently.

[@guns2317]

It seems impossible this movie is now 20 years old. Wow.

[@JoBloOriginals]

Isn't that NUTS? I remember seeing it opening day in theaters.

[@ilon7799]

Time is going by…

[@matthewdaley746]

​​​​@ilon7799 Mission Impossible will be thirty years old in two years, and, while, I admire the sustained excellence, they really need to end it on a high note with MI8, lest they turn into TFATF, just sad.

[@suzygirl1843]

@@JoBloOriginals I particularly enjoyed THIS film because Tom Cruise was the bad guy and Jamie the good guy having to save his black girlfriend from this dangerous white man. And he did it again in Django Unchained. For context, I am South African, white men ARE the antagonists in our most popular films and tv series.

[@matthewdaley746]

​@suzygirl1843 How very historically, interesting.

[@GiovanniAlckmimRusso]

When I was younger I didn't care for Tom Cruise as an actor. That changed when I watched Collateral for the first time. For a long time it was my favorite Tom Cruise movie.

[@makatron]

What's your favourite Tom Cruise movie now?

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

People don't give him a chance they just judge him for his personal life but he really puts everything into his roles

[@GiovanniAlckmimRusso]

@@makatron I would say either Mission Impossible: Fallout, Dead Reckoning: Part 1 or Top Gun: Maverick

[@GiovanniAlckmimRusso]

@@ArtVandelayOfficial yes. He is one of the few actors around who is genuinely focused on delivering a great movie experience

[@makatron]

@@GiovanniAlckmimRusso fallout was peak mission impossible

[@High_Key]

I LOVE this movie. On my most recent rewatch, I had no idea Javier Bardem was in it too

[@Canalus]

Bonus points for using obscure Spanish DJ Chimo Bayo. Also: this was probably the last great neo-noir movie ever made.

[@starwarsroo2448]

Definitely, this is one of those rare movies of the modern era that has it all

[@lambros3652]

Side note: the book shows extensive parts of each script yet made no mention of the deleted scenes where Jamie Foxx improvised the line "im just collateral anyway." Doubtful

[@RC19786]

Great vid, coming up hot on the 20 year anniversary of this classic, certainly one of Mann and Cruise’s best

[@antoiner3820]

This movie was my most obsessed movie in 2004. So glad I was able to see it in theaters.

[@neilsingh5923]

Oh, same here!!😀 I couldn't even wait to see the trailer.

[@danielrose8305]

I watched this movie 9 times on repeat when I brought it home and I had to buy the soundtrack 4 times because whenever I shared it with any of my friends they would take it with them. One of Tom's best performances.

[@therantingboy]

The similarities between Heat and Collateral are mainly just Mann drawing on his own tropes, same way James Cameron does

[@joey86bu1]

This movie is a gem right up there with heat. Love seeing a semi typecast actor break it off when given a shot at something other than his norm. And TC delivered.

[@theshadowman1398]

The setting and those LA after dark shots are still very memorable

[@derred723]

I'm not sure who I know who overlooks Collateral. It's very highly rated among my peers.

[@rowanliggett]

Great work, as always.

[@ottomattix86]

Such a gem that should be talked about more.

[@RyBegz44]

Thank you for making this video! Plenty of facts I didnt know. Mainly the cast could have been vastly different. If Cruise didnt play this role it would have not been the same movie. You are 100% right, if this idea was adapted nowadays it would be botched. It is best left alone. Still dont know why Hollywood cant make original sceenplay movies like this with solid plot and great action scenes. Movies are either remakes with no original ideas or they try to come up with a plot that falls flat or the action scenes poorly done. This movie stands the test of time. Also the bonafide look of hitman is this look.

[@Hunac-Ceel]

Gruffalo is solid in this, it always bumbed me out when he died.

[@Scholar4HaShem]

Ironically, I happened to watch Collateral on the same day you made this video. It’s one of my annual rewatches and it’s in my top five favorites.

[@ronque23]

Great film! Early 2000s definitely made me a Michael Mann fan.

[@TheCoolhanddan83]

Amazing movie, glad it’s getting renewed love all these years later.

[@TalkingThrones]

I wish they would have made a "Vincent" prequel before Tom aged out of the role. I would have loved to see how he got into the life, some of his other big hits, etc... A better version of Fincher's "The Killer"

[@therantingboy]

"Improvise, adapt, I Ching, roll with it"

[@seanfahey3600]

Can't wait for Heat 2!

[@AlexNichiporchik]

Rewatched this recently. Great movie!

[@maineventkrunch2265]

One of my favorite movies ever. The problem is it DOES go off the rails in the 3rd act. It holds it back from being truly perfect.

[@TheRighttoArmBears2022]

It is a great movie, I loved it. Hope they never make a reboot.

[@IndyAdvant]

Love this movie. One of Tom Cruise' best.

[@brettalanlistens3035]

ive always loved this movie. The club scene is one of the best.

[@philipsangalang5077]

Criminally underrated is right! Fav movie since it came out, and has the philosophical and psychological depth to go along with the action

[@arnaud.lancelot]

VINCENT COLLATERAL!!!! woooooow. Thanks for the info. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@bgko91880]

In-N-Out: "those are some good burgers, Walter"

[@Alexvander10]

I remember being blown away in the theaters watching this movie and got completely engrossed in Cruise's performance.

[@davekell36]

this and oblivion are my fav tom cruise movies.

[@MasterEggroll]

Check out Minority Report if you havent seen it yet. Also edge of tomorrow

[@davekell36]

@@MasterEggroll both those are adapted from books which the books were better, so not as good :)

[@simontaylor2525]

Impossible to listen to this guy for more than a minute

[@starwarsroo2448]

Least he has some enthusiasm and energy

[@airem5861]

This is my favorite Michael Mann Movie, I still remember seeing it at the theater and coming out fascinated with the movie. To this day I have a struggle between Heat and Collateral as my favorite Mann movie but it almost always comes Collateral on top.

[@mattwingo89]

Rode with two buddies to the theater to watch this. Got to the ticket stand and they both said "Alien vs predator please". I was so effing pissed. Wish I had drove. Still regret it.

[@THX-C]

The Cruise Clause insists that Tom will only sign on to a project if his character runs at least once during the film. Joking aside, TC’s performance was excellent - one doesn’t forget a character like Vincent.

[@354Entertainment]

Very underrated movie but i think Manhunter is much more underrated!

[@heartjakehotel9955]

Great video, awesome movie

[@phil4986]

I profoundly enjoyed every part of this movie. The entire cast was outstanding and it was written as a believeable movie. Cruise was incredible.

[@seancroft7939]

"Hey homie where you going with my briefcase"the way he guns then down.. so fast! It's funny this is something that Jason Statham would be a first choice.. especially with his charn... But Tom Cruise brought this fresh character.... Also the human equivalent of a Terminator. The tension that builds up before Jamie Foxx flips the car is great!!!

[@opopad]

I didn't know this was underestimated... I've always loved this film

[@louis3141]

Love Collateral. Wish they could make a prequel now with Cruise and the end credits is him walking up to Max's cab.

[@matthewdaley746]

Predictability, often obliterates prequels.

[@Beboroni]

This is one of my favorites. Their efforts and training clearly shine through in the film. Cruise should try more antagonist roles.

[@gavinshickle1814]

This movie is already 20 years old? FML

[@neilsingh5923]

I saw this in the theaters like it was yesterday. Where did all that time go??.... lol😀

[@blairmcauley2497]

This is one of my favorite Tom cruise movies it’s rare to see him play a bad guy I was surprised seeing him in this role Tom did an amazing job

[@jessitaylor4170]

In my opinion, there could be a squeal to Collateral, what if Vincent didn't die,, what if he just passed out. Collateral could a awesome franchise like John Wick.

[@starwarsroo2448]

That sounds absolutely terrible, those movies are brainless trash

[@TBendez]

Vincent ate lead, like a lot of former eastern european intelligence/security operators. What would be the premise? You gotta factor in that type of criminal that Vincent portrayed doesn't really exist anymore, they're dead, in prison or retired. Living in Sweden we've had our fair share of them here, they were once the largest mafia, nowadays outshadowed by Syrians and clans.

[@pjmmaloney4458]

Cruise plays his character like a robot - like the Terminator. The final scene, is when it’s most clear

[@hammiranda]

I also loved Javier Bardem scene in this classic movie.

[@justinjoerger6253]

my favorite director!!!!

[@nc32203]

The club shootout was an inspiration for John Wick😎

[@jonathancampbell5231]

Spooky. I've just been watching clips of this the last couple of days.

[@Fibonacci64]

Cruise best, together with ”Magnolia”.

[@crossgordon4376]

16:00 did the lights going out blind tom cruise tho? I thought it was the door shutting that saved Jamie Foxx cuz it was established that Tom Cruise always went for two shots to the chest then one to the head assassination style and the doors prevented him from getting those shots off on Jamie Foxx. U can even see the bullet marks on the doors where they would have hit Jamie Foxx

[@berlin990]

I always thought this movie captured LA more accurately than any other film.

[@rickym936]

I just re watched it last night!!! Freaking good movie 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@L33tSkE3t]

I’m surprised I’ve never heard about this movie. I mean I was in Elementary School when it came out but, that never stopped my dad from taking me and my big brother to see movies definitely not appropriate for a 10 and 13 year old before lol. 😂

[@ronineditor9920]

13:28 Why is there not a bellows on the lens, between the mattebox and it?

[@RedevilsStudios]

Please do "Office Space" in the future.

[@Victor-rb6pq]

Jesus, this movie is 20 years old. I'm in my 30s now, i can't belive it.

[@keithsummers_]

Love this movie! Might have to give it another viewing…

[@kylebolt1951]

Love Collateral, only film where Cruise felt like a real character. Jamie did amazing.

[@JohnGeorgeHill]

When Jamie Foxx realizes he's within running distance of the high rise where his damsel is in distress, I distanced myself from caring about the film.

[@lambros3652]

Read a book about screenplays calling this movie, along with Chinatown, "the 2 best examples of a perfect script." A good movie no doubt. Underrated film 📼 Great casting too.

[@Foo-oo-oo-oolsGold89]

Superb movie Collateral is one of my favourite ever crime movies. And it is unbelievably underrated.

[@arceyes]

Another Michael Mann masterpiece

[@ericlingley7951]

I let a friend use my DVD of Collateral. They never returned it. Years later, I'm rewatching it all the time. Thankfully the movie is everywhere.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

It was too good to give back lol

[@bryanking1428]

Love this movie so much. The soundtrack is a masterpiece too.

[@jgz003]

Did anyone notice the opening scene when Tom bumps into Jason Statham and they switch briefcases. I always wanted a movie showing Jason Statham hit man assignment.

[@-CrampedStyle-]

Not underrated for me - one of my favorite films ever, and everyone I know who's seen it, loves it.

[@okidokicreations1075]

Could we see a video about Hellboy from 2004 and Hellboy the golden army from 2008?

[@otakkuanimegeek7892]

Just watched it a couple weeks ago. Magnificent. Gonna finish heat. I got about 15-20 minutes through but fell asleep because I watched it super early in the morning lol.

[@decayedparadigm]

Heat is an master piece