Apocalypse Now (Original Cut) - (Francis Ford Coppola;1979;USA)
A dillusioned captain is sent on a mission to assassinate a renegade Colonel.
A film not about Vietnam, but about the effects of war in general. Coppola's final masterpiece is a haunting depiction of the degradation of sanity. Coppola brings us an environment that seems to stand on it's own when compared to other war films. It doesn't feel like reality, but an almost brooding nightmare that ultimately isn't resolved. Everything works together from the vivid cinematography, powerful performances, and fantastic direction to create a film about a detachment far away from normal society.

I watched this three times over the last few days.

Collateral - (Michael Mann;2004;USA)
A contract killer and a taxi driver's lives are forever changed in the course of one night.
Michael Mann redefines the Neo-Noir with one of the best films of the last few years. Mann's use of DV enhance the cinematography, giving L.A. real depth and character rather then functioning as a mere background for the action. Mann's perfectionist character development shows everywhere from some of the most powerful moments to the little moments some might disregard. Tom Cruise gives his best performance as the sociopathic killer, with Foxx giving a very good performance as Max. This film bleeds style and substance like most films these days lack. Ultimately this death filled thriller isn't about a twist, but about living.