Angel Heart

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Filmgal G I've seen a lot of films that touch on dark subject material, but I don't think I've ever experienced anything quite like 1987's "Angel Heart." Director Alan Parker adapted the novel "Falling Angel," and told a very gruesome and bloody tale of voodoo and religion that focuses on private investigator Harold Angel who is hired by a mysterious man named Louis Cyphre to investigate the disappearance of a man named Johnny Favorite. What follows is a mystery in like any other as the film contains a narrative that sees Harold encounter various figures, specifically a young girl named Epiphany Proudfoot and with each encounter comes a sudden death net by each individual. What I love the most about this film is how many genres and tones it balances, as it is a mystery noir in many aspects while also having semblances of a disturbing horror film. The locations that were chosen for the film to take place were perfect, as the snowy and dirty grounds of New York combined with the wet, sweaty swamps of Louisiana make for an environment that would help to tell this gross of a tale. The cinematography creates a dingy and grimy look with some of the best shots coming from darkness and shadows, while the music from Trevor Jones and Arthur Freed is eerie, unsettling, and downright uncomfortable and cues in at times to create an additional layer of mystery. Parker's script sees the film have a very straightforward plot, which is why I'm so confused as to the critical reception of this film at the time of its release as this is not a complicated tale at all. If I had to guess, the reception at the time probably stemmed from the very somber and cynical tone and story centered around voodoo and the amount of blood and violence in the film. For all it is worth, Mickey Rourke has had a hell of a career with some truly prolific roles, but this remains one of my favorite performances ever from him. He portrays a man who is completely out of his jurisdiction but slowly becomes encompassed by the mystery of finding Johnny Favorite, and Rourke's charm and charisma combined with his ability to convey genuine confusion makes for a great character. Robert De Niro in very little screen time leaves his mark as a man in Louis Cyphre with nails so long that you immediately just don't trust him, and Lisa Bonet as Epiphany Proudfoot is great in her screen time as her mysterious nature leads to Harold keeping tabs on her throughout the film. Even in very brief moments in the film, Charlotte Rampling, Brownie McGhee, and Michael Higgins, Jr. all leave a great impression. I will not spoil this film for the people who may have not seen it, as to me it's one everyone should experience with very little information given to them. What I can say is that this film is a tremendous study of the ideas we have about voodoo and how much the lore and mythos surrounding it may be true, while also highlighting how close to religion it is as there are various scenes where the church is shown as a place that isn't a safe haven for believers of Christ. When it comes to the ending of this film, I don't see how anyone at the time could've thought it was stupid or out of left field because all the details are right there in your face, and it's truly a devastating and insanely dark way to end a film. This is definitely one of those films that will leave you shook up by the time it's over. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/24/25 Full Review June R One of my favorite books. And movies. I love horror and mystery. The plot and actors all excellent. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/01/25 Full Review James B Creepy private detective film set in Louisiana. De Niro and Rourke are in top form as always. I really enjoy Mickey Rourke as an actor when he was younger in the 80s. He has such a natural suave charisma that shines through the silver screen. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/06/25 Full Review Chris H Gripping, if sometimes confusing, from start to finish. I haven't seen this film for 30 years (that was the second time - first time was in the cinema when it came out) but if I close my eyes I'm right back there. Mickey Rourke is sleazy but relatable and his descent into horror is a thing to behold. I hardly knew who Rourke was when the film was in the cinema; I knew Lisa Bonet from The Cosby Show (shocking change for her) and Alan Parker from Bugsy Malone.... I keep looking for this on my streaming platforms but I don't want to pay (again) to buy or rent it. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/20/25 Full Review Audience Member He walks. He Rourkes. He Rourkes some more. For two hours. The end. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 01/19/25 Full Review Panda D Loved it, great movie except didn't care for the completely unnecessary nudity scenes. The filmmakers seem like a perv. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/12/25 Full Review Read all reviews

Angel Heart

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