STACK #179 Sept 2019

FILM FEATURE

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RETURN OF THE MOHICANS The Last of the Mohicans was released in cinemas in September 1992 and now, 27 years later, Michael Mann's Director's Definitive Cut is available locally for the first time on Blu-ray, alongside the Original Theatrical Version.The director discusses the differences and looks back on the film with STACK . Words Glenn Cochrane

M ichael Mann’s critically acclaimed, majestic and ultimately devastating retelling of the classic American novel of the same name, The Last of the Mohicans is the story of a dying native American tribe – the Mohicans – and their conscription in the French

boasting sprawling cinematography, authentic period

Known for films such as Manhunter , Heat , Public Enemies and Miami Vice , The Last of the Mohicans stands out as one of Mann’s most ambitious and highly conceptual projects,

The Last of the Mohicans stands out as one of Mann’s most ambitious and highly conceptual projects

costume designs, and brutally realistic battle sequences. The

integrity of said work is all too evident, and throughout the years most of Mann's titles remain untouched aside

Indian War of 1757. Daniel Day Lewis stars as Hawkeye, the white adopted member of the tribe who falls in love with the daughter of a British colonel, played by Madeleine Stowe. Speaking exclusively to STACK , Mann recalls working with Day- Lewis and the actor’s commitment to his craft. “Daniel’s ambition is spectacular. I mean every actor should be as intense and serious and legitimate as he is. He is totally authentic and totally legitimate. As a director it is a blessing to have that.”

from two films, Mohicans

and Ali . Describing the fundamental differences between director’s cuts and the theatrical releases, he explains, “There are a lot of differences. Every time there’s a new format, that becomes the license for me to go back in to

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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