2. Genre
The main themes Michael Mann is well known for are crime, action and
tense atmosphere throughout his films.
His films are rarely sentimental or overtly emotional; What everyone
loves about his films is the consciousness of his characters, as well as
that he offers complex, but emotionally disengaged, personality studies.
All his films fall into a few different however similar genres which are;
Action Film
Thriller
Drama film
Mystery
Crime Fiction
3. Music & Sound
Music and sound play a massive role in Michael Mann’s work.
Whether its actual tracks, gun or helicopter sounds, they all add to
the intensity and create that thrilling atmosphere. A great example
would be in Heat, the sudden orchestral tracks draw the audience
in and make it clear that something is about to happen.
The choice of music in ‘The Insider’ was very clever as choosing such
serious tracks really adds to the tense, dangerous theme which
Michael Mann is really famous for.
4. Filming Style
Mann's films often contain one to four deadpan male protagonists
who are expert in some profession. Importantly, his films often
involve a tragic rather than a happy ending, such as in Miami Vice.
Mann's films contain fast-paced, artful scenes that strongly depend
on powerful music, where often two opposing sides intermix, such as
undercover police work and undercover drug trafficking, so that it is
hard to distinguish between the two.
5. Cinematography
Michael Mann uses many high or low angle shots in some of his
Thrillers. These kinds of shots are used in horrors and thrillers to make
the figure or object that is being looked down on seem completely
powerless and vulnerable.
The Close up’s that he uses are a massive benefit to him as they to
see the reactions on the actor/actresses face. This is the shot that
shows the most emotion from the characters. It is also used to
capture detail in an important scene. Other close ups that he uses
can cause a tense atmosphere
6. Narrative
Michael Mann, the director who has often reached greatness
throughout his career, appears to be most comfortable when telling
stories about crime and its effects on the various people that
surround his multi themed stories. He uses the ultimate plot,
character and action all focused together which still feel fresh and
current even after 20 years after the release date. Mann has found
his obvious home in the crime genre, and his films really do reflect
that and all have been very successful.
