Michael Mann, a renowned filmmaker, is known for his signature style and trademarks, irrespective of whether his films garner success or not. The protagonists in his stories are typically troubled individuals possessing a particular skill set who face existential crises. Mann’s movies are noted for their expertly filmed night scenes, action-packed sequences, vibrant color palettes, and powerful sound effects. Even if you do not enjoy one of his movies, you will instantly recognize the distinctive quality that marks it as a Mann film.
About a decade ago, Mann directed a movie named ‘Blackhat’, which was an action-packed thriller that revolved around cyberattacks in the digital age. Despite the initial negative reviews and box office failure, ‘Blackhat’ was a film that was ahead of its times in terms of its depiction of hacking and the global implications that could plunge the world into chaos.
‘Blackhat’ followed Mann’s tradition of showcasing flawed male characters. The main character, Hathaway, was a lone-wolf hacker with an intellectual bent who was trapped in his past despite dreaming of a new life. His hacking skills kept him valuable to organisations like the FBI, who never let him out of their grasp. In addition to this, Mann’s obsession with detailing the craft of his characters was evident in ‘Blackhat’ as he filmed the computer-hacking scenes with the same intensity as a car chase.
Despite its initial failure, the Director’s Cut of ‘Blackhat’ significantly improved the film. Mann re-edited the film to align with his original vision, which involved a few additional and shortened scenes. The nuclear reactor hack scene was shifted from the opening moments to the middle, after the storm drain scene. This change improved the viewing experience and made the film more coherent.
The attention to detail in ‘Blackhat’ with its depiction of digital attacks and cybersecurity was a reflection of Mann’s obsession with the process. The hacking scenes in ‘Blackhat’ were far from glamorous; they were mundane and boring. However, its authenticity was applauded by real-life hackers. The film accurately stressed the importance of cybersecurity and how human lapses could lead to digital attacks.
Despite his initial failure, Mann knew that he was ahead of the curve with the premise of ‘Blackhat’. His attention to detail made it “stone-cold accurate”, which was a testament to his filmmaking skills. ‘Blackhat’ provides a realistic portrayal of cyberattacks and their global implications, making it a must-watch for those interested in the digital world. The film is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
