What I was saying about Mann was that I never felt as "into" his films, so speak. He's talented, no question. I've just always felt at arm's length. The characters develop, and it's not as if they are unsympathetic or anything. I just don't feel as excited or involved by one of his film as, say, a James Cameron or John Woo movie. I sort feel like I'm watching a movie. When I said style-over-substance, I was thnking of Collateral. You're right, he's very talented. I just find Mann a bit hard to approach. But there's not questioning his techincial skill. You're right, though, my calling him style-over-substance was rather ignorant on my part .
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