Heat

Despite its almost three-hour duration, Heat is considered one of the most iconic neo-noir films ever. A parade of famous names and faces clashes in this layered story about morality, obsession and masculinity. A professional on the wrong side of the law (De Niro), desiring to leave the trade and live out the rest of his years peacefully, faces off with his mirror – a relentless detective (Pacino) who seems prepared to sacrifice everything in their game of cat and mouse. The intense, weirdly symbiotic bond between the two men crushes their relationships and marks their loved ones, yet neither of them seems to be able to stop. Mann’s depiction of criminal virtuosity is doubtlessly among the elements that earned this film its prominent spot in the genre. Christopher Nolan for example quotes Heat in the famous bank robbery scene from the beginning of his Dark Knight (2008), including a cameo from William Fichtner. (bk)