Key Takeaways:
– The ‘Miami Vice’ TV show, that aired from 1984, made waves with its contemporary, stylish depiction of Miami’s drug scene.
– Michael Mann, the show’s creator, would later adapt it into a divisive film in 2006, featuring Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell.
– Despite encountering production hurdles and critical reception, the film has gained a cult following over time.
– A new DVD version of the movie, released with exclusive features, has been launched for fans and cinephiles.
Miami Vice comes from a long lineage of standout television shows turned big screen adaptations. The iconic show, that aired back in 1984, was a hit and remains etched in viewers’ hearts even today. Thanks to Michael Mann, a promising filmmaker back then and one of the show’s vital contributors, the show’s legacy would be reintroduced in 2006 through a spacious film adaptation.
Looking Back at Miami Vice: The Movie
After enjoying a successful run in the 1980s and 90s with movies like ‘Heat’, ‘The Insider’, ‘The Last of the Mohicans’, and ‘Manhunter’, Mann turned his attention to bring ‘Miami Vice’ to life on the big screen. Collaborating with Jamie Foxx who proposed the idea, Mann’s new endeavor was to capture the essence of the original series yet give it an updated, true-to-life makeover.
Cast members like Foxx, Colin Farrell, Naomie Harris, and many more, enriched the film’s roster. The film also made industry headlines for using cutting-edge technology like the Thomson Viper Filmstream Camera, marking it one of the first big-budget films to be shot digitally.
Challenges and Controversies
Producing the film wasn’t smooth sailing. Filming during the hurricane season in Miami led to multiple disruptions and safety risks. Incidents like a windstorm blowing out a building’s windows, damaging the actors’ car, and multiple hurricanes like Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, stalled the production. Critics called out Mann’s risky choices and sudden script changes during the risky weather conditions.
Jamie Foxx’s demands for a pay raise and top billing in the film’s credits, alongside his refusal to film scenes on boats or planes, created more tension. After a gunshot incident, Foxx abruptly left the Dominican Republic, forcing changes in the film’s planned ending.
Despite the hurdles, ‘Miami Vice’ was officially released on July 28, 2006 and enjoyed initial box office success. Unfortunately, after a month, it slipped out of the top-rated slots, and by October, it had grossed $63 million domestically. Nevertheless, internationally, it performed better with earnings reaching up to $100 million.
Mixed Reception and Legacy
The film’s reception was mixed, with critics noting the stark difference from its TV precedent. Critics like Stephen Hunter felt that Foxx and Farrell were no match to the original TV actors. Similarly, Farrell himself admitted to the film’s “style over substance” approach.
Yet, over the years, ‘Miami Vice’ has gained a cult following. Critics now appreciate its innovative filming style, great atmospheric soundtrack, and its homage to the original TV series. Furthermore, adding a sense of credibility to its newfound fan-base, Director Harmony Korine cited the film as a significant influence on his 2012 movie ‘Spring Breakers’.
Revisiting the Classics
In 2006, the film was released on DVD with special features like shooting on location, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and commentary by Mann. For movie-buffs, this release is a must-own. An exclusive steelbook containing both the theatrical and extended cuts of the film was released in 2023, offering fans a unique opportunity.
Conclusion
‘Miami Vice’, Michael Mann’s creative masterpiece, perfectly captures Miami’s gritty underworld with an unmatched depth and dynamic storytelling style. It’s an engaging watch that pays true homage to its original TV versions and leaves a memorable imprint on every viewer’s mind. Despite some initial mixed reception, it stands out as a modern crime thriller that will keep viewers engaged, proving that sometimes, time does heal all wounds. Therefore, it’s undoubtedly a great pick not only for fans but for all movie enthusiasts.
