A decade ago, this failed thriller accurately predicted a future plagued by cyberattacks.
A decade ago, Michael Mann directed Blackhat, a thriller that addresses a cyberattack with the potential to threaten the world. The following analysis examines how this controversial film anticipated themes that are very relevant today.
Michael Mann is known for his unique cinematic style, which is evident in all his productions, regardless of their commercial success. His plots often revolve around conflicted characters endowed with exceptional skills who face existential crises. The characteristics of his films include stunning nighttime scenes, visceral action, vibrant colors, and powerful sound. While some viewers may not enjoy one of his works, it is undeniable that each of them is unmistakable in its delivery.
One of his most memorable films is Blackhat, an action thriller released in 2015 that addresses the theme of cyber attacks in the digital age. Following the hacking of a nuclear plant in Hong Kong and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the FBI is forced to release hacker Nick Hathaway (played by Chris Hemsworth) from prison to investigate the source of the attack. Despite its intriguing concept, Blackhat turned out to be a box-office failure and received mostly negative reviews.
Mann is aware that Blackhat is not a perfect film, and he actually acknowledges that the project was not fully ready for shooting. The movie managed to gross only $19.7 million against a budget of $70 million, becoming one of the most notorious failures of that year. Many aspects, including poorly synchronized dialogues and poorly placed situations, contribute to the film feeling disjointed.
However, upon reviewing Blackhat, it becomes apparent that its vision of hacking and its global implications was, in some ways, ahead of its time. The portrayal of cyber attacks and the importance of cybersecurity is depicted in an unsettlingly realistic manner. Mann made sure to include the perspective of real hackers to bring to life a narrative that, while it may seem like science fiction to some, reflects a very concrete reality today.
The director has decided to re-edit Blackhat to bring it closer to his original vision. In this new version, some key scenes have been added and reduced, including changes to the order of crucial events in the script. The hacking of the nuclear plant, which was presented at the beginning in the original version, has now been moved to a middle section, improving the overall flow of the narrative.
Ultimately, while Blackhat may not have been received with the fervor expected, its focus on details and authenticity in the representation of specialized skills remains a constant in Mann's filmography, which seeks to capture the audience's attention while exploring the human condition through complex characters.