Analysis Of Max's Character In The Film Collateral

In films, and in life, events and other individuals can affect and mold one’s character. In literature and film, these changes to an individual’s personality are collectively called one’s character development. Often times the protagonist, as well as minor characters, change throughout the film as a result of life changes, and drastic situations. Other characters, particularly the antagonists of the film, can also have a severe impact on the protagonist’s development. This is exactly the case in the film Collateral, directed by Michael Mann. Throughout the course of this film, Jamie Foxx’s character, Max, endures a particularly stressful situation, which severely alters his personality, and shapes him into a completely different person by the conclusion of the picture. At the commencement of Collateral, the audience is introduced to the protagonist of the film, Max. He is a meticulous cab driver in Los Angeles, who one day aspires to open his own limousine service. He is scrupulous in his work, as he knows the precise times that it takes to travel from one end of the …show more content…
Cruise’s character acts as the antagonist of the film, and severely impacts Max. Vincent is yet another customer of Max’s taxi, however, he seems far more mysterious and cunning than the former rider. Vincent informs Max that he will pay him a substantial amount of money if he stays and accompanies Vincent, driving him around the city, throughout the night. Max agrees, not realizing that this man is an assassin who would be using him as a getaway driver, until he is in too deep. Throughout the night, Max deals with extreme mental trauma, including witnessing the murder of several individuals by Vincent’s hand. Being forced to take a role in these horrendous crimes takes a toll on this morally sound individual, and changes him