Written by Sharleen Charette
Modified & Updated: 12 Sep 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Welcome to the mesmerizing world of “Angel Heart,” a movie that has captivated audiences since its release. Directed by Alan Parker and released in 1987, this neo-noir psychological horror film weaves a gripping tale filled with mystery, intrigue, and a touch of the supernatural. Starring Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, and Lisa Bonet, “Angel Heart” takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the dark and gritty streets of 1950s New York City.
In this article, we will delve into the depths of this cinematic gem, uncovering 30 fascinating facts and behind-the-scenes tidbits about “Angel Heart.” From the movie’s inception to the casting choices, memorable scenes, and the impact it had on the genre, get ready to discover intriguing details that will enhance your appreciation and understanding of this unforgettable film.
Key Takeaways:
- “Angel Heart” is a captivating neo-noir horror film set in the 1950s, blending supernatural elements with intense storytelling and a shocking twist ending that leaves audiences stunned.
- The movie delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and identity, creating a visually striking and eerie atmosphere with memorable performances and thought-provoking ideas about faith and belief.
Angel Heart is a neo-noir horror film
Released in 1987, Angel Heart is a neo-noir horror film directed by Alan Parker.
It stars Mickey Rourke as the main protagonist, Harry Angel
Mickey Rourke delivers a mesmerizing performance as Harry Angel, a private investigator who is hired to track down a missing person.
The movie is based on a novel by William Hjortsberg
Angel Heart is based on the novel “Falling Angel” written by William Hjortsberg, which was published in 1978.
Robert De Niro plays the enigmatic character of Louis Cyphre
Robert De Niro portrays the mysterious character of Louis Cyphre, who hires Harry Angel to solve a complex case.
The movie is set in the 1950s
Angel Heart is set in the 1950s, providing a dark and atmospheric backdrop for the story.
The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and identity
Angel Heart delves into deep and thought-provoking themes, examining the consequences of one’s actions and the struggle for redemption.
The movie contains elements of supernatural and noir genres
Blending supernatural elements with classic noir elements, Angel Heart creates a unique and unsettling cinematic experience.
Lisa Bonet plays an important role as Epiphany Proudfoot
Known for her role in The Cosby Show, Lisa Bonet delivers a standout performance as Epiphany Proudfoot, a key character in the film.
The movie received critical acclaim for its atmospheric storytelling
Angel Heart was highly praised by critics for its atmospheric storytelling, which kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
The film explores the dark underbelly of New Orleans
Set in New Orleans, Angel Heart showcases the city’s mysterious and eerie atmosphere, adding to the overall suspense of the film.
The twist ending shocked audiences
The twist ending of Angel Heart left audiences stunned and became one of the most talked-about aspects of the film.
The movie features a haunting score by Trevor Jones
Trevor Jones composed a haunting and atmospheric score for Angel Heart, contributing to the overall eerie ambiance of the film.
Alan Parker’s direction creates a visually striking film
Under the skilled direction of Alan Parker, Angel Heart is a visually striking film with captivating cinematography.
The film’s title refers to a symbolic representation of the protagonist’s soul
The title “Angel Heart” symbolizes the protagonist’s journey to confront his own dark past and the choices he has made.
The movie explores themes of moral ambiguity and inner demons
Angel Heart delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring the moral ambiguity that exists within us all.
The film’s production design captures the essence of the 1950s
The meticulous production design of Angel Heart transports viewers back to the 1950s, creating an authentic and immersive experience.
The cinematography highlights the gritty and atmospheric nature of the story
The skilled cinematography in Angel Heart effectively captures the gritty and atmospheric nature of the story.
The movie delves into the concept of identity and its fragility
Angel Heart raises intriguing questions about the nature of identity and the fragility of one’s true self.
The film combines elements of film noir with supernatural horror
By blending film noir with supernatural horror, Angel Heart creates a unique cinematic experience that keeps viewers guessing.
The movie contains intense and shocking scenes
Angel Heart is known for its intense and shocking scenes that leave a lasting impact on viewers.
The atmospheric lighting adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere
The clever use of lighting in Angel Heart enhances the film’s eerie atmosphere and amplifies the sense of unease.
The screenplay is filled with suspense and unexpected twists
The screenplay of Angel Heart is expertly crafted, keeping audiences engaged with its suspenseful narrative and unexpected twists.
The movie explores the consequences of past actions
Angel Heart examines the consequences of past actions, reminding viewers that the past can come back to haunt us.
The film has a cult following
Over the years, Angel Heart has gained a dedicated cult following due to its captivating story and unforgettable performances.
Angel Heart received an X rating upon its initial release
Due to its explicit content, Angel Heart received an X rating upon its initial release but was later re-rated as an R.
The movie explores themes of religion and spirituality
Angel Heart delves into themes of religion and spirituality, presenting thought-provoking ideas about faith and belief.
The film’s editing creates a sense of unease and suspense
The meticulous editing in Angel Heart heightens the sense of unease and builds suspense throughout the film.
The movie showcases a memorable performance by Charlotte Rampling
Charlotte Rampling delivers a memorable and chilling performance in Angel Heart, adding to the film’s overall impact.
The movie was initially met with controversy
Upon its release, Angel Heart was met with controversy due to its explicit content and provocative themes.
The film’s ending leaves room for interpretation
Angel Heart’s ending is intentionally ambiguous, leaving room for interpretation and sparking discussions among viewers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Angel Heart is a captivating and thought-provoking movie that delves deep into the realms of mystery and the supernatural. Its compelling storyline, stellar performances, and powerful visuals make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. With its unique blend of noir, horror, and thriller elements, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or simply enjoy a well-crafted story, Angel Heart is definitely worth adding to your watch list.
FAQs
1. What is the plot of Angel Heart?
The movie revolves around a private investigator named Harry Angel who is hired to track down a missing person. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of dark secrets and supernatural occurrences.
2. Who stars in Angel Heart?
Angel Heart features an incredible cast, including Mickey Rourke as Harry Angel, Robert De Niro as Louis Cyphre, and Lisa Bonet as Epiphany Proudfoot.
3. Is Angel Heart a horror movie?
While Angel Heart has elements of horror, it is more accurately described as a neo-noir psychological thriller. It blends elements of different genres to create a unique and immersive viewing experience.
4. Is Angel Heart a remake?
No, Angel Heart is not a remake. It was based on a novel called “Falling Angel” by William Hjortsberg and was adapted into a film by director Alan Parker.
5. Is there a twist ending in Angel Heart?
Yes, Angel Heart is known for its gripping and unexpected twist ending that will leave viewers stunned and contemplating the events of the movie long after it’s over.
6. Is Angel Heart suitable for all audiences?
No, due to its graphic and disturbing content, as well as its intense themes, Angel Heart is recommended for mature audiences only.
7. Is Angel Heart a critically acclaimed movie?
Yes, Angel Heart has received positive reviews from critics and has gained a cult following since its release. It is often praised for its atmospheric cinematography and compelling storytelling.
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