Angel Heart (1987)

A private investigator is hired by a man who calls himself Louis Cyphre to track down a singer named Johnny Favorite. But the investigation takes an unexpected and somber turn.

Director:

Alan Parker

Writers:

William Hjortsberg (novel), Alan Parker (screenplay)

Stars:

Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, Lisa Bonet

2 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mickey Rourke	...	Harry Angel
Robert De Niro	...	Louis Cyphre
Lisa Bonet	...	Epiphany Proudfoot
Charlotte Rampling	...	Margaret Krusemark
Stocker Fontelieu	...	Ethan Krusemark
Brownie McGhee	...	Toots Sweet
Michael Higgins	...	Dr. Albert Fowler
Elizabeth Whitcraft	...	Connie
Eliott Keener	...	Det. Sterne
Charles Gordone	...	Spider Simpson
Dann Florek	...	Herman Winesap
Kathleen Wilhoite	...	Nurse
George Buck	...	Izzy
Judith Drake	...	Izzy's Wife
Gerald Orange	...	Pastor John (as Gerald L. Orange)

Storyline

Harry Angel has a new case: to find a man called Johnny Favorite. Except things aren't quite that simple, and Johnny doesn't want to be found. Let's just say that, amongst the period detail and beautiful scenery, it all gets really, really nasty.

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Plot Keywords:

detective | voodoo | private eye | lucifer morningstar character | woman in a bathtub | 

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Taglines:

Harry Angel is searching for the truth... Pray he doesn't find it.

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

X

Did You Know?

Trivia

The name "Epiphany" is very similar to a greek word that is pronounced "epiphania" and stands for "surface". From one point of view, Epiphany was a person who contributed to bringing to the surface the real identity of Harry Angel.

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Goofs

The head is superimposed on the body of the little boy in the shot where he's pointing at Harry Angel with glowing eyes.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Louis Cyphre: Johnny. Johnny. Johnny.

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Crazy Credits

Scene during credits shows Mickey Rourke's character descending to 'Hell' inside of an elevator.

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Alternate Versions

Approximately 3 minutes was censored by the India's Censor Board (certification number: A-2938-MUM).

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Connections

Referenced in The Making of 'Enemy of the State' (2006)

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Soundtracks

I Cried For You
Performed by Shirley Stoler (uncredited)

User Reviews

A superb movie.

Such an impressive movie, if like me you're a fan of noir, or neo noir, then you will absolutely love this movie.

The first thing you will be struck by is the appearance of the film, it is a visual masterpiece, the attention to detail is flawless, you could actually turn the colour off, and imagine this being made in 1955.

Secondly, the atmosphere, smoke filled rooms, the clothes, music, accents, just awesome to behold, they got the tone spot on.

It's a great story, it takes a few moments for you to know what's happening, and get the direction, but you will.

Finally the acting, Rourke is at his absolute best, one of the best films I've seen him in, he is tremendous, it's so nice to see him in his handsome pre surgery years. De Niro, what can you say, he's just incredible.

Captivating, 9/10.

Details

Country:

UK Canada USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

6 March 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Angel Heart

Filming Locations:

Laurel Valley, Thibodaux, Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$17,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,688,721, 8 March 1987

Gross USA:

$17,185,632

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$17,186,348

Company Credits

Production Co:

Carolco International N.V., Winkast Film Productions, Union

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby Stereo (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1