SummaryA 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.
Directed By:Alan Parker
Written By:William Hjortsberg, Alan Parker
Angel Heart
Metascore
Generally Favorable
61
User score
Generally Favorable
7.2
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
61
50% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
50% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
88
The centerpiece for Angel Heart is Mickey Rourke's carefully modulated performance as Harry Angel. Ever a resourceful actor, Rourke is a marvel of complexity here, a blend of innocence and cunning, a mask of streetwise nonchalance over personal torment. [06 Mar 1987, p.F]
80
A diabolical treat with Rourke and De Niro in fine form.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.2
73% Positive
40 Ratings
40 Ratings
25% Mixed
14 Ratings
14 Ratings
2% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Apr 25, 2020
9
A somehow overlooked detective story with occult elements set in the fifties in New York. The private investigator Harry Angel is hired by the mysterious businessman Louis Cyphre to find the formerly famous musician Johnny Favourite who disappeared at the end of World War II. As he digs deeper he is draw into the occult, voodoo and supernatural looking elements. The main story is excellent but in a way you only fully comprehend it when the final twist is revealed. Like with every good detective story there are some hints that point in this direction and of cause there is far more than meets the eye. This is also the reason why I must stop here because spoilers will ruin the movie. There is an excellent cast of main actors with Mickey Rouge, Robert deNiro and Lisa Bonet. All made an excellent performance that helped to deliver the characters and story. Special warning: If you know Lisa Bonet only from the Cosby Show than you can be shocked by her role. The style, visuals and soundtrack increase the immersion and create a good atmosphere. I just realised that I cant write anything more because of spoilers. Overall this is an overlooked movie with a story you can discuss for hours with friends. Bonus knowledge: It is based on the book of the same name and is one of the few book adaptations that is equal good as the source material.
May 24, 2024
8
1987's 'Angel Heart' is indicative of horror films of the 80's with its dark and disturbing story and A list cast.SYNOPSIS: '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.'Set in the 1950's this film feels hot, sweaty and dirty as our lead character moves from one disturbing scene to another whilst also losing his mind.Director Alan Parker creates a movie which is exuberant in its style, whilst also being deliciously scary and **** even has a sex scene which was banned in the film's initial release but can be seen now in many versions. It looks a bit silly now in the modern day that it's almost laughable.Rourke is incredible in the lead role as he slowly loses his grip on reality, whilst De Niro is the perfect demonic villain.A film which feels as much like art as it does a gripping horror movie.Erotic, twisty and incredibly disturbed.8/10
70
Even if it may be a specious work at its core, Angel Heart still proves a mightily absorbing mystery, a highly exotic telling of a small-time detective's descent into hell, with Faustian theme, heavy bloodletting and pervasive grimness.
60
In retrospect, there are gaps in the story, a crucial lack of parallelism about the murders, one interview in which Rourke makes amazing leaps of knowledge from we-don't-know where. But the performance that fuels it all, Rourke's unfolding portrayal of a man on a spiraling slide downward toward a truth he doesn't want to learn, may be enough to carry us beyond quibbles. [06 Mar 1987, p.C1]
50
Parker is flashy and gory and fun as usual. If only there were more to the thing. Then Angel Heart might not seem so dumb. [06 Mar 1987, p.D1]
50
A first-person Faustian detective novel presents quite a problem to the screenwriter, and Parker's alterations to William Hjortsberg's Falling Angel slacken the cunning weave of strands.
50
It would all be laughable if the evil deeds and premature deaths and withered witch doctor hands led us to more than the protagonist’s unnecessarily messy self-discovery. As it is, it’s mostly just gratingly pointless.
Apr 29, 2022
8
Angel Heart is a classic detective film of the late 80s with elements of neo-noir and psychological horror films. A star-studded cast, great acting by Mickey Rourke and a slyly braided plot. A lover of this genre, Angel Heart will clearly like the presence of an otherworldly and unknown.
Aug 3, 2019
8
This movie may not float everyone's boat, but it has enough substance and suspense to make it worth a watch.
Oct 4, 2024
6
A pretty standard dark mystery thriller. Had never really seen a young Mickey Rourke performance and was intrigued by the budget Bruce Willis vibes. Unfortunately, this spins its tires for about 60% of its runtime and goes nowhere quick but has a satisfying conclusion.
Mar 23, 2021
6
Somehow I didnt like this movie: it is too long and the story is **** sometimes. Maybe the detective setting is saturated. The end is interesting of course, because the whole movie is about it.
Production Company:
- Carolco International N.V.
- Winkast Film Productions
- Union
Release Date:Mar 6, 1987
Duration:1 h 53 m
Rating:R
Tagline:It will scare you to your very soul.
Awards
Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA
• 3 Nominations
Jupiter Award
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Young Artist Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
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