Not entirely sure what I think about this film; partly because I'm not entirely sure what it's about. I really REALLY like a lot of the elements throughout the picture, but the pacing is a little bit weird and off-kilter.

I like the code of respect the cop and robber have for one another and I find the parallels between their personal lives rather interesting. But the way it's depicted is a little tedious. I mean I like what it has to say about the characters, I'm just not sure I like the way it goes about saying it... this thing is almost three hours long and big chunks of it feel needless.

On top of the problems in plotting, the ADR is horrible! Sound changes from cut to cut and occasionally the lips don't even come close to what we are hearing. It got distracting so much so that I actually tuned out of a couple of conversations and had to rewind to catch the substance.

- And while I'm on the subject of conversations, the dialogue sequence between DeNiro and Pacino has zero dynamic or heart. Not because of the writing but because of how it's shot. You've got two living legends that everyone wants to see "duel" and it's shot like a cheap soap opera. I had heard rumors that the scene is actually fake and that the actors didn't even recite their lines face to face; but used stand-ins instead. I don't think that's true (I've seen pictures of the two of them hanging together on that set), but the way it's shot, the argument could certainly be made. Over the shoulder cuts back and forth really takes away from what otherwise could've been a really energetic exchange.

That said, the action is great, the characterizations are great, the cinematography is great and individual sequences (bank heist, final showdown, etc.) are absolutely riveting. And Goddamn does Michael Mann know how to shoot the shit out of his cityscapes! This thing also has a cast that just keeps on giving (William Fichtner, Natlalie Portman, Ted Levine et. al.). So much of this movie is great that it is endlessly rewatchable despite some of the technical flaws and pacing issues.

Best film of 2006. No arguments.

A stunning achievement by writer/director Andrew Dominik. This is quite simply a perfect film that hits every note as pitch perfect as a tuning fork. Most obvious right from the get-go is the stunningly gorgeous work by the D.P. This is quite possibly the best work to date from cinematographer Roger Deakins; who if you’re familiar with his work is a mighty bold statement indeed. An ominous, child-like score that is both sweet yet haunting over the top of a Ricky Jay-like narration adds to the graceful mood that is as immediate as it is captivating. Among the stellar cast are (at the time) relative new comers: Sam Rockwell, Jeremy Renner and Paul Schneider. Casey Affleck excels at proving he’s capable of taking the lead in a movie at Oscar caliber and frankly, it is Brad Pitt’s finest hour as well. Of the films on my top ten list, though not my favorite picture, it is probably the “best” (if that makes any sense).