Collateral Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cab driver’s terrible Tuesday turns into a high-stakes Uber ride with a philosophical assassin, forcing him to re-evaluate his career choices and dating life between stops at various underworld hotspots.

🍿 Collateral: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Max’s Ordinary Life

Max Durocher is a Los Angeles cab driver stuck in a rut. For twelve years, he’s been driving a cab, dreaming of starting his own limo company, Island Limos. His interactions with passengers provide brief glimpses into other lives, but he remains tethered to his mundane routine.

A Fateful Fare: Annie

One night, Max picks up Annie Farrell, a U.S. Justice Department prosecutor working on a high-profile drug indictment case. Their brief conversation reveals Max’s observant nature and Annie’s dedication. She appreciates his efficient routes and leaves him her business card, an action that will have unexpected consequences later.

Vincent’s Offer and the First Hit

Shortly after dropping Annie off, Max picks up Vincent, who offers him $600 to be his personal driver for the night, making five stops before a 6 AM flight. Max reluctantly agrees, but their first stop turns deadly when a body falls onto Max’s cab. Vincent reveals himself to be a contract killer, forcing Max to become an unwilling accomplice.

Forced Compliance and Mounting Tensions

Under duress, Max is compelled to drive Vincent to each target location. As the night progresses, Max’s attempts to regain control are thwarted by Vincent’s ruthless efficiency. A cat-and-mouse game unfolds between the two, revealing their contrasting worldviews and challenging Max’s passive nature.

The Jazz Club and Hospital Visit

Vincent takes Max to a jazz club, where he coldly executes the owner, Daniel, a key witness in a trial. Later, Vincent insists Max visit his hospitalized mother, Ida, maintaining a facade of normalcy. This visit backfires when Ida reveals that Max has been lying about owning a limousine company.

Loss of Control and the Final Target Revealed

Frustrated, Max throws Vincent’s briefcase containing the target list onto the freeway. Forced to improvise, Vincent takes Max to meet drug lord Felix Reyes-Torrena, where Max must pose as Vincent to acquire new information. Following a violent encounter, Max discovers that Annie is Vincent’s final target, setting the stage for a desperate showdown.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Vincent (Tom Cruise): A cold and calculating contract killer who forces Max to drive him around Los Angeles for a night of hits.
• Max (Jamie Foxx): A Los Angeles cab driver whose mundane life is upended when he becomes the unwilling accomplice to a hitman.
• Annie (Jada Pinkett Smith): A U.S. Justice Department prosecutor and Max’s fare, who becomes Vincent’s final target.
• Fanning (Mark Ruffalo): An LAPD narcotics detective who investigates Vincent’s murders and tries to piece together the case.
• Felix (Javier Bardem): A drug lord who is connected to Vincent’s targets, playing a brief but significant role in the plot.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Vincent: “Someday? Someday my dream will come? One night you will wake up and discover it never happened. It’s all turned around on you. It never will.” – Vincent’s harsh assessment of Max’s life and unrealized dreams, pushing him to confront his inaction.
• Vincent: “What? I should only kill people after I get to know them?” – Vincent’s darkly humorous and chillingly pragmatic response to Max’s shock at his casual attitude towards murder.
• Vincent: “A guy dies on the subway, think anybody notices?” – Vincent’s observation about the anonymity and disconnection of city life, emphasizing the insignificance of an individual’s death.
• Max: “You know, you’re an accessory. Yeah, that’s what you are. Accessory to murder.” – Max accuses Vincent, highlighting Max’s growing awareness of his own complicity and the moral implications of his situation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $65,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $101,005,703
• Worldwide Gross: $220,240,655

💥 Collateral Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing Collateral in the theater and being completely hooked. The way Michael Mann paints LA at night is just mesmerizing. Tom Cruise as the villain? Genius! Jamie Foxx was incredible too. The scene in the jazz club, the tension was palpable, and the ending on the subway… unforgettable. It made me root for the underdog and question every decision in my life. Definitely a rewatch movie for me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate neo-noir aesthetics”
  • “People interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with strong performances”
  • “Fans of Michael Mann’s directing style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief drug references”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Mann delivers a stylish and suspenseful crime thriller elevated by Cruise’s icy performance and Foxx’s grounded portrayal of a man pushed to his limits. The nighttime LA setting is as captivating as the characters themselves.
• The New York Times: “Collateral is a dark and gripping ride through the underbelly of Los Angeles. Mann’s direction keeps the tension high, while Cruise and Foxx make for an unlikely but compelling duo, challenging each other’s worldviews.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “Michael Mann crafts a visually stunning and morally complex thriller. While the plot has some familiar beats, the performances and atmosphere elevate it. Cruise is menacing, and Foxx provides the heart and soul.

Audience Reactions

The dynamic between Cruise and Foxx is electrifying and makes the movie truly stand out.: Viewers consistently praise the stellar acting and the palpable tension throughout the film.

The portrayal of Los Angeles as a character in itself is unique and adds to the immersive experience.: The cinematography and the gritty, realistic portrayal of the city were frequently noted as highlights.

Overall Consensus: Collateral is a highly regarded crime thriller praised for its direction, acting, and atmosphere, though some find the plot to be somewhat formulaic.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture)- 2005

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “To prepare for his role, Tom Cruise worked as a FedEx delivery man, successfully blending into crowded Los Angeles markets without being recognized.”
• “Director Michael Mann aimed to capture the unique atmosphere of Los Angeles at night, utilizing high-definition digital cameras to create a gritty yet stylish look.”
• “The movie has no opening credits; the title doesn’t appear until the end, emphasizing the film’s focus on the unfolding story and characters.”

🖥️ How to Watch Collateral?

Collateral is available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well. Some platforms may offer it as part of a subscription, while others require a one-time purchase or rental fee. Availability can vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Collateral, you might like these similar films:

• Heat (1995): Directed by Michael Mann, it features a similar crime narrative with complex characters and stylish action sequences set in Los Angeles.
• Taxi Driver (1976): Shares the theme of urban isolation and the descent into violence as seen through the eyes of a taxi driver in a gritty city.
• Drive (2011): Features a protagonist who is a driver involved in criminal activities, with a focus on neo-noir atmosphere and stylish visuals.
• The Driver (1978): A getaway driver gets involved in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with a detective.

🛒 Collateral Related Products

• Collateral (4K UHD): Experience the high-octane thriller in stunning 4K Ultra HD. The visual fidelity brings the neon-lit streets of Los Angeles to life with incredible clarity and detail. Get the digital version to stream anytime, anywhere. Includes bonus content with behind-the-scenes footage
• Hollywood Rides Collateral 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle: 1:24 scale die-cast model of Max’s iconic 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle, straight from the movie Collateral! Recreated in stunning detail. Perfect for display or play.
• Collateral Movie Poster: High-quality print of the original Collateral movie poster. Features Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx. Excellent addition to any movie room or home theater. Available in various sizes.
• Collateral Soundtrack [Limited Edition Vinyl]: Own the dynamic and atmospheric soundtrack to Collateral on limited edition vinyl. Featuring tracks from Paul Oakenfold, Miles Davis, and more. A perfect addition to any vinyl collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Collateral features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ready Steady Go” – performed by Paul Oakenfold
• “Guantanamera” – performed by José Cantu
• “Spanish Key” – performed by Miles Davis
• “Shadows of the Sun” – performed by Unkle

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Collateral – Tactical Draw Hip Shot [HD]

Ever wondered how Tom Cruise performs his signature quick draw? This video breaks down his technique, and it’s fascinating stuff!

What Makes Tom Cruise’s Vincent One Of The Most Terrifying Villains In Film History

Tom Cruise isn’t usually known for playing the bad guy, but in Collateral, he gave us one of the most chilling villains in movie history. This video explores what makes Vincent so terrifying.

SHOT FOR SHOT: “Collateral” Alleyway Gunfight Breakdown

The alleyway gunfight in Collateral is one of the most iconic action scenes in film. In this video, a firearms expert breaks down the scene, showing us how it was done.

Collateral Tom Cruise training

Here’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at Tom Cruise training for his role in Collateral. It’s fascinating to see how he prepared to play such a complex and dangerous character.

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