'Shadow on the Sun' Scene ('Collateral')

Scene from "Collateral" (2004) directed by Michael Mann.

Music - "Shadow on the Sun" by Audioslave.
Oscar nomination for the Best Achievement in Film Editing.
BAFTA and Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards for the Best Cinematography.

[koryporporino]

The first coyote is Max.
Scared, frenzied look, quickly crosses the intersection.
The second is Vince.
More comfortable in a habitat he shouldn't be, slow trot across the intersection, clearly disconnected from the danger present.

[searchformeaning]

Michael Mann is a first-class director. Tom Cruise performance in this movie is outstanding

[califcamper]

Living on the edge, we all die alone, Chris you are loved...

[nikothewanderer]

"Life's short. One day, it's gone."

As of earlier today, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave has been pronounced dead at 52. Had to watch this scene once I remembered that this song was playing. One of my favorite cinematic scenes, honestly, all because of how it was shot/made.

RIP Chris. Very terrible circumstances.

[TheBraunMachine]

R.I.P. Chris Cornell =( huge loss, great music, it made this scene.

[juanramirez-ugsi]

I believe that Jamie's character starts to notice that him and Vincent are the same, living day by day, out of their natural state like the poor coyotes. Soon after this scene Jamie starts fighting back

[TheRealBit]

This is fucking beautiful direction and night time photography, really shows just how superb Michael Mann is

[jan]

Those five seconds of silence right before the music starts and the coyotes pass by are brilliant.

[MahmoudOscarMD]

No one shoots a city at night like Michael Mann.

[juliansandulli]

This scene is an excellent example of how music in film can actually be implemented in moments that — in reality — are meant to be filled with complete silence. Almost as if it’s a theme for what’s going on in both character’s heads, uniting them in a common thread of thought, instead of just adding a song to a soundtrack. Beautiful scene. Choices like these are what elevate this movie above just a standard cat-and-mouse thriller.

[SaurianStudios]

0:24 “Life’s short. One day, it’s gone.” More people need to understand just how important it is to appreciate life, and how fleeting every moment is as time goes on (it doesn’t stop for anyone or anything).
I feel like Vincent, despite being a man of action who faces death head on, is subconsciously telling Max that his life won’t mean anything unless he takes responsibility or action, and cherishes every moment to make the most out of his life.

[thanatosworm]

I think the coyote is a reflection of Vincent's character, the coyote is a night stalker, a hunter in the dark, a cold predator that lives in the moment unaware of his own future; the coyote is only passing through the streets looking for food, not staying in the city, much like Vincent in LA searching for his victims.

[drlee]

This is the one moment in the film where Vincent experiences a genuine human connection with Max. Prior to and after this scene, all of their "connections" are generally antagonistic, albeit encompassing witty and engrossing exchanges. In this moment, Vincent and Max actually seem to LIKE each other, a comfortable, easygoing moment in an otherwise rather very intense and deadly night. This movie oozes atmosphere!

[alextate]

This scene has so many levels. Vincent sees himself in the coyote. They are both lonely hunters in the night. Vincent sees that Max stopped for the coyote, showing that Max is a good person, and Vincent sees the contrast in morality between himself and Max. That's why Vincent seems to be showing genuine emotion at 1:36. He sees that Max is a good man, and Vincent knows that he is going to have to kill him at the end of the night. He has to; it's too dangerous to let him live. However, whereas Vincent is completely cold-blooded and remorseless about his other murders, it is apparent in his eyes that he actually regrets what he will eventually have to do. I think the coyote also functions as a symbol of strangeness. When you think of L.A., you don't think of coyotes. This is not a normal night for either of them, and they won't be able to just walk away from it. Something is going to happen. Their lives are going to be changed irrevocably.

[eddyv]

Was in the back seat of a car in LA and spotted a Coyote just walking down the neighborhood in Pasadena. Instantly thought of this scene and felt something powerful happen.

[aaasubs]

Phenomenal scene. Despite the tremendous difference in their lifestyle, their beliefs, their morals, they both are still human beings... that can both share a moment and appreciate a lonely coyote crossing the road. To me that was the most impactful scene in this movie. In a whole lot of movies, to be honest.

[juniorcruz]

And this how I was introduced to Audioslave thanks Michael Mann

[BigBrueser]

The choke hold this movie had on the early 2000’s is so severely underrated. I’m from the Bay Area and was obsessed with the portrait that Michael painted with this movie of LA

[noneification]

This scene is so many things at once. Sadness, deep wonder, realization, symbolic, longing, regret, all in one

[TALLKILL]

One of the best scenes ever in a film.