Michael Mann
Michael Mann is an acclaimed filmmaker, writer and producer. He's best known for his work in television (he's the man behind Miami Vice) crime films and his attention to detail in his films. He's also a major proponent of digital cinematography, having shot Collateral, Miami Vice and Public Enemies with High-Definition video cameras rather than 35mm film cameras. Your Mileage May Vary on whether that's a good thing or not, though his visual style is distinctive all the same.
His filmography includes:
- Crime Story (TV series) - 1986
- Miami Vice - The series and The Movie
- The Last of the Mohicans - 1992
- Heat - 1995
- The Insider - 1999
- Ali - 2001
- Collateral - 2004
- Public Enemies - 2009
Tropes common in his work include:
- All There in the Manual: A lot of character traits are explained in depth on the DVD commentary or in detailed character profiles he writes for the cast.
- Badass in A Nice Suit: John Dillinger being only the latest. His antagonists generally wear nice suits.
- Cool Guns
- Dyeing for Your Art: His actors are extensively trained on how to use the firearms they use onscreen.
- Grey and Grey Morality / Black and Grey Morality: Collateral shows a stark difference between the antagonist and protagonist. His other films? Not as much.
- Production Posse: His usual go-to cinematographer is Dante Spinotti. Dennis Farina also tends to show up in his films.
- Shown Their Work: Heat in particular is very accurate in how the actors handle their firearms.