This is one of may favourite films of all time. Atmospheric, tense (and based on a novel which is well worth reading in its own right) and containing one of Rourke's best performances, a must-see for film fans (other than the very squeamish!).
De Niro, Rourke and Parker team up to produce this marvellous thriller. Rourke plays a two bit detective who seemingly takes a routine enquiry, that soon develops into something else. Feeling unsure about how the case is progressing, he only continues his investigations with the prodding of Louis Cyphre. The atmosphere and setting of the film is memorable, especially when we reach New Orleans, which adds even more mystery. This is a film that will keep you guessing until the very end and with plenty of thrills inbetween it is an overlooked classic. Given the CV's of many involved even today Angel Heart will stand out upon inspection, and that's saying something.
Here is a superb dark, mystery thriller from British director Alan Parker. A film that has a twist and turn plot, a great cast and a haunting atmospheric feel to it that draws you in. Controversial too, mainly due to a key sex scene that has an important part in the story but ultimately a brilliantly conceived tale that has a surprise ending. Mickey Rourke, at the height of his star potential, plays Harry Angel, a seedy private eye in 1950s New York. He's hired by a sinister, wealthy businessman (Robert De Niro) to find a former jazz singer who has breached his contactual obligations but went missing after being wounded during the Second World War. The search for this man takes Harry to New Orleans where he has discovered the missing man had connections with two women, the strange Margaret Krusemark (Charlotte Rampling) and the beautiful Epiphany (Lisa Bonet - in her first major film role). The trouble for Harry is that all his key witnesses keep turning up murdered. The film creates a dark, damp and cold atmosphere of New York and New Orleans with key themes of the inherent cultural racism of the times and a supernatural feel in the unravelling of the mystery. This is a bold, creepy and original film that really keeps you watching. If you've never seen this then it's well worth seeking out and even if you have and know what is going on it's worth a revisit.