A movie special effects man is hired to fake a real-life mob killing for a witness protection plan, but finds his own life in danger.
Director:
Robert Mandel
From metacritic.com
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Title: F/X (1986)
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1 nomination.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Bryan Brown | ... | Roland 'Rollie' Tyler | |
| Brian Dennehy | ... | Lt. Leo McCarthy | |
| Diane Venora | ... | Ellen Keith | |
| Cliff De Young | ... | Martin Lipton | |
| Mason Adams | ... | Col. Mason | |
| Jerry Orbach | ... | Nicholas DeFranco | |
| Joe Grifasi | ... | Mickey | |
| Martha Gehman | ... | Andy | |
| Roscoe Orman | ... | Capt. Jake Wallenger | |
| Trey Wilson | ... | Lt. Murdoch | |
| Tom Noonan | ... | Varrick | |
| Paul D'Amato | ... | Gallagher | |
 |
Jossie DeGuzman | ... | Marisa Velez (as Jossie deGuzman) |
|
|
Jean De Baer | ... | Whitemore |
|
|
M'el Dowd | ... | Joyce Lehman (Miss Lehman) (as M'eL Dowd) |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
See All (99) »
Storyline
A movies special effects man is hired by a government agency to help stage the assassination of a well known gangster. When the agency double crosses him, he uses his special effects to trap the gangster and the corrupt agents. Written by Rob Hartill
Plot Keywords:
fake assassination | faked death | film within a film | special effects | fake murder |Taglines:
Murder! Special effects? This time it's for real! See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See more on IMDbPro »
See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
7 February 1986 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
FX See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$10,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend USA:
$3,240,695, 9 February 1986Gross USA:
$20,603,715Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$20,603,715Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby StereoColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
Edit
The director: Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! Great. Great. Great. We got it. Great. You ladies alright? What about you? You okay?
Rollie Tyler: Ellen, come on out of there.
See more »
Performed by Huey Lewis & The News (as Huey Lewis and The News)
Written by Johnny Colla (as J. Colla) and Huey Lewis
Courtesy of Chrysalis Records Inc.
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Mason Adams has the same first name as the last name of the character he plays: Col. Mason. There is also an actor named Tom Mason in the second film. See more »Goofs
In the scene when Roland is beating the assassin's back with the machine gun you can see the butt of the gun wobble, as it is made of rubber. See more »Quotes
[first lines]The director: Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! Great. Great. Great. We got it. Great. You ladies alright? What about you? You okay?
Rollie Tyler: Ellen, come on out of there.
See more »
Crazy Credits
Just at the start of the end credits, the camera flashes briefly through out-take type shots of the eight principal players (Bryan Brown, Brian Dennehy, Diane Venora, Cliff De Young, Mason Adams, Jerry Orbach, Martha Gehman, and Joe Grifasi). Each actor smiles out-of-character at the camera as though in appreciation to the audience of their performances. See more »Alternate Versions
The Australian VHS and television version open with a different title logo. Instead of the domestic gray title card, it has the words F/X, in red on a black background. The letters then glow bright and fade out. See more »Soundtracks
THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLLPerformed by Huey Lewis & The News (as Huey Lewis and The News)
Written by Johnny Colla (as J. Colla) and Huey Lewis
Courtesy of Chrysalis Records Inc.
See more »
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"F/X: Murder by Illusion" is a well-written, intriguing film from the pens of Gregory Fleeman and Robert T. Megginson. Their sharp narrative constantly keeps you guessing throughout the 109 minute running time. Special effects (F/X) are always entertaining, as is the cast including Bryan Brown and Brian Dennehy, who are always believable, in a clever, quick-witted movie.
Robert Mandell never lets anything get out of hand, which he very easily could have given the nature of the film. Original music by "Rocky" composer Bill Conti is also very effective. I am looking forward to seeing the sequel.
Wednesday, June 26, 1991 - Video