Miami Vice with Diego Crespo

Today on Making the Scene, I'm joined by photographer, podcaster, and writer Diego Crespo to break down the Moby-and-vibes-heavy boat ride sequence from Michael Mann's 2006 MIAMI VICE. Diego walks us through how this scene can be a lens on Mann's entire filmography, especially on his use of horizon lines and the unachievable dream of freedom. We also discuss the impact of leaning into what digital cinematography can do vs. replicating film's look, and the use of space and reaction in performances over dialogue.

If you want to watch before or after listening, the scene begins at 49:40 and ends at 52:50 on the theatrical (and Michael Mann's preferred) cut.

We discuss the Viper FilmStream Camera a lot in this, a camera that, despite no longer being in use, won a 2017 technical achievement Oscar. While there weren't many good interviews available about the camera's use on VICE, there is a fantastic one from when it was first used by Mann on COLLATERAL.

Check out Diego's podcast The Waffle Press, and find him on instagram to see his fantastic photography.