As viewers make their way into the still fresh 2024 TV schedule, a lot of different titles are going to be competing for their attention. Apple TV+ subscribers certainly know this, as the recent premiere of the crime drama Criminal Record has only highlighted this fact further. With executive producers Paul Rutman and Elaine Collins celebrating this launch, they recently revealed that the movies of legendary director Michael Mann offered a specific influence to the Cush Jumbo and Peter Capaldi-starring series.
That is, as Mrs. Collins would say, the “machismo” of Mann’s filmography is what they sought to incorporate into the familiar formula noted in the director’s films. Since Mr. Rutman would specifically name the 3 movies he thought of as the inspiration for Criminal Records, the comments he’s about to read are even more appropriate.
As I was able to sit down with actors and executive producers from Criminal Record during its recent press days, digging into differences was a subject firmly on my mind. In the case of Peter Capaldi, the actor highlighted how DCI Daniel Hegarty differs from Malcolm Tucker, his classic character from The Thick of It.
In a similar vein, I was curious how Rutman and Collins saw this project as a change of pace from their previous collaboration on the hit series Vera. Part of the answer that was given saw Elaine Collins discussing how Vera was more akin to an Inspector Morse-style mystery, whereas Criminal Record was partially inspired by series like Netflix’s A+ drama Unbelievable.
And as Paul Rutman told CinemaBlend, Michael Mann’s works came into play for reasons, with the following reaction mentioning three films as references:
For me, what really excited me was the idea of writing a very intense, character-driven crime thriller for Peter and Cush, and looking to create something that builds its intensity out of that collision of two characters. I enjoyed all the old Michael Mann movies, like Heat, Collateral, and The Insider. I was kind of looking for that swinging pendulum, of those two characters who are in conflict, in episode 1, and you’ll let yourself be torn apart for 8 hours. So it was a very different engine for us, especially in the new London that we’re dealing with, Array today. So it’s a very different world than Vera’s, I guess.
Judging by how Criminal Record started off with its two-episode premiere, the Mann energy is absolutely present. Right from the beginning, the story of DS June Lenker (Cush Jumbo) and her quest to dig into the truth of a potentially wrongful murder conviction puts her head to head against Peter Capaldi’s seasoned detective.
Honestly, this is what’s helping make some of the most productive Apple TV shows such smash hits. This particular medium makes the connection with Michael Mann all the more apt given that he is an executive producer on one of the most iconic crime TV series of all. time, Miami Vice.
However, drawing those specific movies into the mix makes perfect sense, as components of each picture can be seen in the battle of wits between Lenker and Hegarty. So retaining the ever increasing tension of those movies was a big part of making Criminal Record a compelling drama.
And then there’s the classic formula of two opposing parties fighting each other until one of them ends up winning. While that spirit is definitely retained, as executive producer Elaine Collins would point out, the macho aspect of Mann’s formula is whatever they both went for. annul.
By now, you’re probably seeing footage of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro’s iconic dinner scene from Heat, or Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx traveling through Los Angeles from Collateral. That’s fine, because Criminal Record takes that kind of storytelling and settings. the streets of London.
However, when Elaine Collins explained the desire to end sexism, the differences have become even more apparent. Through his comments to CinemaBlfinish, Collins has shown his love for Mann’s formula, but shared the following as an explanation for why he wanted to change:
I think what I love are the films of Michael Mann, whose The Insider I love, but it’s two men face to face. And the wonderful thing about [Criminal Record] is that it’s about a guy and a woman. . So there’s not that kind of thing, I think he’s a brilliant filmmaker, but there’s not the machismo of Michael Mann’s films. And I love that. . . And it’s rarely too much for me, to be honest; as much as I appreciate it.
No matter where you land on Michael Mann’s filmography, the machismo is definitely inescapable. Heat especially feels like one of the biggest testosterone trips to have ever been filmed, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. However, as Collins discussed why that factor was twisted in Criminal Record, it only made me admire the show even more.
Working with the apparent imbalance of forces within its ranks, as well as institutionalized biases such as race and gender, Criminal Record takes a grounded story and amplifies it with the energy of Michael Mann. This combination separates the series from Vera, or even other contemporaries like Luther, as it feels a bit like a middleman between the more classic melodies of the former and the sensational nature of the latter.
The game of cat and mouse between the protagonists of Cush Jumbo and Peter Capaldi is a dance whose scope and consequences increase the longer it persists. That’s probably the explanation why the eight-episode Criminal Record series has a staggered weekly release strategy, following its initial two-episode debut. While this is the typical strategy for Apple TV series, it’s also a sensible move when you have systems as attractive as this one.
Whether you’re a fan of Michael Mann videos or just a grounded crime thriller, Criminal Record is definitely a series to watch. And the adventure has only just begun, as Apple TV is lately streaming the premiere in two episodes, with the episodes airing weekly. Wednesdays through February 23, so it’s not too late to sign up if you want to enjoy the typical serialized experience.
Mike Reyes is CinemaBlend’s main film contributor, though this name is more of a guide. Passionate about entertainment since elementary school, cinema has held a special place in his life, which explains his current occupation. Mike graduated from Drew University with a bachelor’s degree. He has a degree in political science, but long ago promised not to run for public office. Mike’s experience ranges from James Bond to all things Alita, making for a brilliantly eclectic resume. Fight for the user.
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