Phillie Eagan

Written by Phillie Eagan

Modified & Updated: 09 May 2024

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

40-facts-about-the-movie-after-hours
Source: Afi.com

Are you a fan of quirky and offbeat movies? If so, then the 1985 cult classic “After Hours” should be on your must-watch list. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this dark comedy follows the misadventures of Paul Hackett, a regular guy whose night takes a bizarre turn after he meets a mysterious woman in a Soho cafe. The film is known for its surreal and unpredictable plot, which takes place in the span of one night in New York City.

With its unique blend of humor, suspense, and unconventional storytelling, “After Hours” has gained a loyal following over the years. In this article, we will delve into 40 fascinating facts about the movie, offering behind-the-scenes insights, trivia, and lesser-known details that will enhance your appreciation of this underrated gem. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and let’s dive into the intriguing world of “After Hours!

Key Takeaways:

  • “After Hours” is a darkly funny movie directed by Martin Scorsese, featuring a word processor named Paul Hackett who gets caught up in a series of bizarre and chaotic events in New York City.
  • The film’s unique blend of dark humor, urban paranoia, and surreal storytelling has earned it a cult following, making it a standout in Martin Scorsese’s diverse filmography.
Table of Contents

The film was directed by Martin Scorsese.

After Hours is a 1985 black comedy film directed by Martin Scorsese. It is known for its dark humor and unconventional storytelling.

The movie follows the misadventures of Paul Hackett.

The plot revolves around Paul Hackett, a word processor who has a series of bizarre encounters and misfortunes after a simple date goes awry.

It was written by Joseph Minion.

The screenplay for After Hours was written by Joseph Minion, who drew inspiration from his own experiences living in a gritty neighborhood in New York City.

The film stars Griffin Dunne as the main character.

Griffin Dunne delivers a memorable performance as Paul Hackett, capturing the character’s escalating desperation and his futile attempts to escape the nightmarish situation he finds himself in.

The setting of the film is New York City.

After Hours takes place in the vibrant and chaotic city of New York, providing a gritty and atmospheric backdrop for the unfolding events.

The movie was praised for its dark humor.

One of the standout aspects of After Hours is its dark humor, which is expertly balanced with the film’s tense and surreal atmosphere.

After Hours premiered at the 1985 Cannes Film Festival.

The film was first screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews and generated buzz among critics and audiences alike.

It received critical acclaim.

After Hours was highly regarded by critics, who praised its unique storytelling, strong performances, and Scorsese’s direction.

The film was a box office success.

Despite being a low-budget production, After Hours managed to become a commercial success, earning over $10 million at the box office.

The soundtrack features eclectic music.

The film’s soundtrack features a mix of eclectic music, ranging from popular songs to experimental and avant-garde compositions, reflecting the chaotic nature of the story.

After Hours has gained a cult following.

Over the years, After Hours has developed a dedicated cult following due to its unique blend of genres and its status as a hidden gem in Scorsese’s filmography.

The film explores themes of alienation and urban paranoia.

After Hours delves into themes of alienation and urban paranoia, highlighting the dark underbelly of city life and the inherent randomness of human interactions.

Martin Scorsese wanted to challenge himself with a different style.

Scorsese decided to direct After Hours as a departure from his usual gangster films, aiming to explore new storytelling techniques and experiment with a more surreal narrative structure.

The movie was shot on location in New York City.

To capture the authenticity of the city, After Hours was primarily filmed on location in various neighborhoods of New York, adding to the film’s gritty atmosphere.

After Hours was made on a relatively small budget.

The film had a modest budget of around $4.5 million, which allowed Scorsese and his team to take creative risks and maintain artistic control over the project.

The film’s nonlinear structure contributes to its surreal tone.

After Hours employs a nonlinear narrative structure, jumping between different locations and events, adding to the sense of disorientation and uncertainty experienced by the main character.

The movie has a running time of 97 minutes.

After Hours is a compact film, with a runtime of just under 100 minutes, maintaining a fast pace and keeping the audience engaged throughout.

It was nominated for several awards.

After Hours received nominations for various awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

The film’s dark humor was influenced by Scorsese’s admiration for the works of Luis Buñuel.

Scorsese drew inspiration from the dark and absurdly comedic style of Spanish filmmaker Luis Buñuel, which is evident in After Hours’ offbeat humor.

After Hours features an ensemble cast.

In addition to Griffin Dunne, After Hours boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Rosanna Arquette, Verna Bloom, and John Heard, who all deliver memorable performances.

The film explores the concept of being trapped in a nightmare.

After Hours evokes a sense of being trapped in a never-ending nightmare, as Paul Hackett’s attempts to escape his predicament only seem to lead him deeper into a world of chaos and bizarre circumstances.

After Hours showcases Scorsese’s skill in creating tension.

Scorsese masterfully builds tension throughout the film, creating a palpable sense of unease and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

The movie’s production design emphasizes the surreal nature of the story.

The production design of After Hours plays a crucial role in enhancing the film’s surreal atmosphere, with its vibrant colors and exaggerated visuals.

After Hours was released during a time when mainstream cinema favored blockbusters.

During the mid-1980s, when blockbusters dominated the film industry, After Hours stood out as a refreshingly unconventional and daring film.

The movie received a positive response from audiences.

Audiences appreciated the unique and unpredictable nature of After Hours, solidifying its status as a cult classic over time.

After Hours has been analyzed for its themes of urban alienation and existential dread.

The film’s exploration of urban alienation and existential dread has led to extensive analysis and interpretation by film scholars and critics.

It has been described as a Kafkaesque nightmare.

After Hours has been likened to the nightmarish and absurd worlds depicted in the works of renowned writer Franz Kafka.

The film’s screenplay was initially written as a play.

Joseph Minion originally wrote the screenplay for After Hours as a play, but adapted it for the big screen under Scorsese’s guidance.

After Hours serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of venturing into unfamiliar territory.

The film’s narrative serves as a cautionary tale, stressing the perils of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and exploring unknown territories.

It features numerous memorable and eccentric supporting characters.

The supporting characters in After Hours bring an extra layer of eccentricity and unpredictability to the story, making each encounter Paul has even more memorable.

After Hours explores the notion of chance and fate.

The film contemplates the role of chance and fate in shaping our lives, as Paul’s seemingly harmless decision to go on a date spirals into a series of increasingly bizarre events.

The film’s editing contributes to its frenetic and chaotic feel.

The editing in After Hours plays a vital role in creating a frenetic and chaotic atmosphere, intensifying the sense of urgency and disorientation experienced by the main character.

After Hours features a mix of suspense, comedy, and horror elements.

The film seamlessly blends genres, combining elements of suspense, comedy, and horror, resulting in a uniquely unsettling and entertaining viewing experience.

After Hours served as a departure from Scorsese’s traditional visual style.

Scorsese adopted a more spontaneous and improvisational shooting style for After Hours, deviating from his meticulous visual approach seen in his earlier works.

The movie explores the absurdity of everyday life.

After Hours delves into the absurdity of everyday life, highlighting the strange and often comical situations that can arise from seemingly mundane events.

After Hours contains numerous memorable quotes.

The film is filled with memorable lines and quotes that capture the dark humor and quirky nature of the story, becoming iconic among fans of the movie.

The soundtrack heightens the tension and mood of the film.

The carefully selected soundtrack in After Hours complements the narrative, enhancing the tension and mood of each scene and adding another layer of depth to the storytelling.

After Hours was a critical turning point for Scorsese’s career.

After Hours marked a significant turning point in Scorsese’s career, showcasing his versatility as a director and expanding his creative boundaries.

The movie has a strong sense of unpredictability.

After Hours keeps viewers guessing at every turn, with its unpredictable plot twists and the constant sense that anything can happen.

After Hours remains a standout film in Scorsese’s filmography.

Decades after its release, After Hours continues to be celebrated as a standout film in Martin Scorsese’s esteemed body of work, attracting new audiences with its enduring appeal.

Conclusion

After Hours is a cult classic film that has captivated audiences with its unique blend of dark humor and paranoia. With its intricate plot and eccentric characters, the movie explores the chaotic journey of one man through the streets of New York City over the course of a single night. From the brilliant direction of Martin Scorsese to the mesmerizing performance by Griffin Dunne, After Hours continues to be a beloved film among cinephiles.With its surreal and unpredictable nature, After Hours keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This film truly showcases Scorsese’s mastery of storytelling and his ability to create tension and suspense in the most unexpected ways. Whether you’re a fan of black comedy or simply appreciate a well-crafted cinematic experience, After Hours is a must-watch.In conclusion, After Hours remains a standout film in Martin Scorsese’s extensive filmography. Its dark humor, compelling story, and unforgettable characters make it a true cinematic gem. If you haven’t seen After Hours yet, do yourself a favor and dive into this thrilling and immersive movie experience.

FAQs

Q: Is After Hours based on a true story?

A: No, After Hours is not based on a true story. It is a fictional film written by Joseph Minion.

Q: When was After Hours released?

A: After Hours was released on September 13, 1985.

Q: Who directed After Hours?

A: After Hours was directed by Martin Scorsese.

Q: What is the genre of After Hours?

A: After Hours is a dark comedy film.

Q: Where does After Hours take place?

A: The majority of After Hours takes place in downtown Manhattan, New York City.

Q: Who stars in After Hours?

A: Griffin Dunne stars as the protagonist in After Hours.

Q: Is After Hours available to stream online?

A: After Hours can be streamed on various platforms such as Amazon Prime and iTunes.

Q: What is the running time of After Hours?

A: After Hours has a running time of approximately 97 minutes.

Q: Did After Hours receive any awards?

A: While After Hours did not win any major awards, it was critically acclaimed for its unique storytelling and direction.

Q: Is After Hours a comedy or a thriller?

A: After Hours is primarily classified as a dark comedy, with elements of thriller and suspense woven into the storyline.

After Hours is just one of Martin Scorsese's many cinematic gems. Curious about Marbella's vibrant nightlife scene? Check out our article on Olivia Valere, a renowned club that's been a staple of the city's nightlife for decades. Fans of classic 1985 films will enjoy our piece on The Breakfast Club, which delves into fascinating trivia about this iconic coming-of-age movie. For more insights into the mind behind After Hours, read our article exploring little-known facts about legendary director Martin Scorsese and his illustrious career.

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