Michael Mann is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is best known for his intense crime dramas, which he often shoots in the streets of his native Pittsburgh. Mann was born in Pittsburgh to a working-class family, and his father was a steelworker. As a child he had aspirations to be a singer and made several records in the 1960s
He attended Carnegie Mellon University, graduating in 1977 with an MFA in Film Production. His feature film debut was Little Big Man (1970), which was based on his script about Custer's last stand. After making an unsuccessful attempt to become an actor, he shifted his focus to directing after seeing the success of The Right Stuff (1983). He is best known for his intense crime dramas, which he often shoots in the streets of his native Pittsburgh.
Mann's films are noted for their use of non-linear storytelling and highly stylized visuals, while exploring themes of crime and violence, corruption, politics, power, greed, class struggle, individualism versus collectivism, and other social issues. He often collaborates with actors who are also active in their own work outside of their involvement in his films. When asked about the collaboration process at the premiere of "Public Enemies" at Mann's native Pittsburgh Film Festival, he said that it can be quite challenging working with actors who are also busy working on other projects because they "can't make time" for him because they are "in demand." A prolific writer, Mann has written several screenplays based on original stories or ideas that he developed during the production of various projects.
His works include: Mann's primary focus has been on directing films but he has also made appearances on television shows such as "" (2000) and "24" (2001). He continues to direct prolifically into 2011 including "Miami Vice" (2006), "Public Enemies" (2009), "Public Enemies" (2009), "Public Enemies" (2009), "Public Enemies" (2009), "Public Enemies" (2009) and "" (2010). He has also directed music videos for artists including Metallica ("The Unforgiven"), Nine Inch Nails ("Closer") and The White Stripes ("I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself"). He has directed numerous commercials for Cadillac automobiles among other companies including Bayer Aspirin.
I don't underestimate audiences' intelligence. Audiences are much brighter than media gives them credit for. When people went to a movie once a week in the 1930s and that was their only exposure to media, you were required to do a different grammar.Michael Mann
Miami is one of these great places that is a really sensual, physically beautiful place.Michael Mann
