Collateral (2004)

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Cab driver Max picks up a man who offers him $600 to drive him around. But the promise of easy money sours when Max realizes his fare is an assassin.

Introduction
"Collateral" is an intense, suspenseful thriller launched in 2004, directed by Michael Mann. This movie features Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx, whose performances absolutely drive the dark narrative. The storyline presents an unusual encounter between a professional hitman and a savvy cab driver, their linked fates forming the crux of the plot.

Main Characters and Plot
Vincent, played by Tom Cruise, is a cold-blooded agreement killer who appears in Los Angeles for a night to finish a series of murders. He hires Max, a regional cabby played by Jamie Foxx, for his night-long job, unknowingly turning Max's regular night shift into a headache.

The taxi ends up being the criminal offense scene when Vincent makes his very first kill. The corpse falls onto Max's cab, blowing Vincent's cover and exposing his true identity to a terrified Max. From here, Max is dragged against his will into a lethal video game of terminations across the city, functioning as Vincent's unwilling driver.

Conflict and Climax
Max, initially a shy and modest person, is thrown into a whirlpool of dread and violence he isn't prepared to handle. Nevertheless, as the film advances, his character develops considerably, demonstrating a nerve and decision he wasn't mindful he had.

Vincent, a callous killer with a twisted sense of ethics, exceptionally impacts Max's viewpoint on life. Their discussions are philosophical, providing divergent viewpoints on life, success, worry, and death.

At the same time, police, led by Detective Fanning (Mark Ruffalo), are on the trail of the strange killer, building up to a suspense-filled climax.

Ending
The film reaches its climax when Max finds out that Annie (Jada Pinkett Smith), a lawyer and his earlier fare whom he established an interest in, is Vincent's last target. This discovery highlights his nerve as he battles to conserve her.

Max manages to outwit and kill Vincent, experiencing a dramatic transformation from a taxi driver to a hero. The film ends with Max and Annie, both shaken but safe, considering the night's shocking events and the newly found relationship they have actually formed under the most unlikely circumstances.

Conclusion
"Collateral" is a lot more than a thriller; it's a dark, extensive exploration of the human condition, faith, and the resilience of daily people thrust into dangerous circumstances. The movie showcases an excellent transformation of character, particularly for Max, whose fight for survival also causes a substantial modification in his perspective on life.

The director, Michael Mann, provides a climatic and unforgettable story through the streets of Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the performances from Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx, both out of their typical functions, add depth and intrigue, making "Collateral" a gripping watch.

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