After a long day, LA taxi driver Max is about to knock off when sharp-suited Vincent offers him $600 to make five stops. Sounds good until Vincent turns out to be a merciless hitman and each one of those stops involves a hit. As the night goes on, Max starts to wonder if he’ll live to see the sunrise, as the pair are hunted by the police and the FBI.
### Collateral (2004) – Movie and Trailer Summary
**Movie Summary:**
*Collateral*, directed by Michael Mann, is a gripping thriller that intertwines the lives of two vastly different characters over the course of a single night in Los Angeles. The film opens with Max Devereaux (Jamie Foxx), a taxi driver with dreams of starting his own limousine business. His mundane life takes an unexpected turn when he picks up Vincent (Tom Cruise), a slick and enigmatic hitman who hires Max for a night of driving him around the city.
As the night unfolds, Vincent reveals his dark agenda: he has a list of targets he must eliminate, and Max is unwittingly dragged into his deadly scheme. Each stop leads them deeper into danger, and Max becomes increasingly conflicted as he grapples with his moral choices. Despite his initial compliance, Max’s conscience urges him to act against Vincent’s ruthless intentions.
The tension escalates when they arrive at a nightclub, where Vincent’s next target is located. Max’s resolve is tested further as he witnesses the consequences of Vincent’s actions, forcing him to confront his own cowardice and desire for change. With the police on their trail and Vincent’s chilling demeanor becoming more menacing, Max’s survival instincts kick in. He eventually decides to fight back, culminating in a high-stakes confrontation that will determine their fates.
**Trailer Summary:**
The trailer for *Collateral* sets an intense tone, showcasing the stark contrast between the mundane life of a taxi driver and the chaotic world of a hitman. It opens with quick cuts of Max’s ordinary routine, highlighting his aspirations and dreams. The mood shifts dramatically with the introduction of Vincent, whose suave but sinister demeanor hints at the danger lurking beneath the surface.
As the trailer progresses, suspenseful music builds tension while snippets of Vincent’s violent encounters flash on screen. Max’s growing fear and moral dilemma are palpable as he struggles to reconcile his role in Vincent’s dark plans. Key moments from the film are highlighted, including high-speed chases, close encounters with law enforcement, and Vincent’s chilling calmness in the face of chaos.
The trailer culminates with explosive action sequences and dramatic confrontations, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. The tagline hints at the central theme: “One night. Two strangers. A killer in the back seat.” This powerful marketing strategy effectively teases the film’s exploration of morality, survival, and the thin line between good and evil, ensuring viewers are intrigued to see how the night unfolds.
Overall, *Collateral* is a tense exploration of chance encounters and the choices that define us, anchored by standout performances from Foxx and Cruise. The film’s atmospheric cinematography and pulse-pounding soundtrack further enhance its gripping narrative.
