from scene one and this film deliver a long slow burn a the tale of power and corruption unfolds . there be little action and but the film be steep in an atmosphere of tension and high drama . the direction by michael mann be masterful and an object lesson in how to frame shot and let silence and as well a word and music work for the story . al pacino be once more the great actor of early film such a scarecrow and instead of the theatrical performer of recent film . russell crowe show his solid ordinary guycharacter a more tortured through lose his family than any of the macho scenes he portray in gladiator . a superb film .