If you have erudite taste in movies and appreciate an attempt at realism then you already know that the greatest action movie director is Michael Mann. He has a few duds, but most of his movies are excellent.
think about it:
Heat, Collateral, Last of the Mohicans, Manhunter, Thief, and lessor appreciated but still good Miami Vice and Public Enemies. And, a bunch more.
Just by reading the titles you already realize that all the movies with the best gun handling are done by Michael Mann. Fun fact, apparently Mann and actor James Caan both trained at Gunsite circa 1980 to prep for the movie Thief. That might explain it. Mann also has a way with music, all of his films having an awesome score, especially Last of the Mohicans.
Here are, in my opinion, 5 of the greatest scenes from his movies, from great to greatest, and if you have not scene these 5 films you are wrong, so fix yourself.
5. From Manhunter, based on the novel Red Dragon, this movie from the 80s slays the later movie from the early 2000s. You need to know the movie to get the full impact of what goes on here, as investigator Graham figures out how the killer picks his victims. A phenomenal cast and incredible atmosphere, if you never saw it, watch Manhunter:
4. When I first saw it upon release in 2006 I was disappointed with Miami Vice. I thought it paled in comparison with his previous movie, Collateral, but I watched it again just recently. Heat and Collateral are better, but Miami Vice is worth watching. Here is a phenomenal scene:
3. Last of the Mohicans is a fantastic period piece. The action is great, the soundtrack is one of the best ever, and the look and culture of the native tribes is done in a very realistic manner in this movie. One of the best:
2. Ok, Michael Mann movies are all about the shooting, right? You know it. The botched bank robbery from Heat:
1. And top spot on this blog, this one needs no introduction among handgunners. But, IDPA match directors, must this scene be a stage at every single match? It’s getting old. Watching it, though, never gets old. I saw this when it came out in theaters only because I was out with friends who chose it. Since Tom Cruise was in it I had no particular interest (its a thing, it’s not him, it’s me) I did not know it was a Michael Mann movie. Then this scene happened and I got past the fact that it was Tom Cruise, instantly. Yo, homie, is that my brief case? From Collateral:
Reflex Handgun 
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