When I first saw this movie back in the 1980's I was struck by the slick music video quality that permeates through Ridley Scott of this era. It's a shame that he left this all behind, because it is a stunningly beautifully shot flick. It's got a lot of atmosphere. Smoke and slick streets.
The story is of a beat cop who just made detective Mike Keegan (Tom Berenger). After socialite Claire (Mimi Rogers) witnesses a murder, he needs to protect her in order to get her to testify against vicious gangster Joey Venza (Andreas Katsulas). Things get complicated when Keegan falls in love with her. Made even MORE complicated that he married with a kid.
There is a message of class system here. As we're first introduced to Mike, we see he is at a house party with wife Ellie (Lorraine Bracco). Their heavy New York Queens accent is put on display. Everyone swears and are crass. Cut to, a fancy party with klieg lights. The people at this party wear tuxedos and gowns. The are the upper class.
Scott illustrates the differences of the wealthy and the middle class and you get the feeling those worlds will collide.
Mimi Rogers is quite remarkable in this film. She plays quiet bravery well. A nod, a glance. This is a good study on less is more. She is reserved and a little uptight. But still has curiosity to Keegan's working class sense of duty. In fact, she is drawn to it.
The brilliant part of the flick is that Scott doesn't paint her out to be rude, but distant. She is the upper class. Much like Kelly Lynch's character in "Curly Sue" their silent observations give them a regal sensibility.
Kudos to bad guy Andreas Katsulas. Best known as the baddie in "The Fugitive" He is ruthless with kneejerk violence. We need more adult baddies in films in 2022. He is out of control, yet menacing. He just feels real. People who make movies, look for someone who looks like this. He exudes fear.
Where this movie fails in the logistics. The movie has it where Venza does get away with the murder. Keegan's arrest wasn't done to the law. He's free. There is no reason to go after Claire anymore. Yet, he kidnaps Keegan's family in order to trade for her life. Yeah, that's a bit farfetched. Venza just needs to leave town and they're done.
Berenger is great as the detective. He looks and feels like a NY cop. The Queens accent is heavy but appropriate for this flick. His mannerisms are pitch perfect. A nice follow up to his horrific take on Sgt. Barnes in "Platoon"
But look, this was the late 80's. Where style was above content. But that is okay. This movie is a treat for the eyes and a window into 80's cinema. Miss it.
The story is of a beat cop who just made detective Mike Keegan (Tom Berenger). After socialite Claire (Mimi Rogers) witnesses a murder, he needs to protect her in order to get her to testify against vicious gangster Joey Venza (Andreas Katsulas). Things get complicated when Keegan falls in love with her. Made even MORE complicated that he married with a kid.
There is a message of class system here. As we're first introduced to Mike, we see he is at a house party with wife Ellie (Lorraine Bracco). Their heavy New York Queens accent is put on display. Everyone swears and are crass. Cut to, a fancy party with klieg lights. The people at this party wear tuxedos and gowns. The are the upper class.
Scott illustrates the differences of the wealthy and the middle class and you get the feeling those worlds will collide.
Mimi Rogers is quite remarkable in this film. She plays quiet bravery well. A nod, a glance. This is a good study on less is more. She is reserved and a little uptight. But still has curiosity to Keegan's working class sense of duty. In fact, she is drawn to it.
The brilliant part of the flick is that Scott doesn't paint her out to be rude, but distant. She is the upper class. Much like Kelly Lynch's character in "Curly Sue" their silent observations give them a regal sensibility.
Kudos to bad guy Andreas Katsulas. Best known as the baddie in "The Fugitive" He is ruthless with kneejerk violence. We need more adult baddies in films in 2022. He is out of control, yet menacing. He just feels real. People who make movies, look for someone who looks like this. He exudes fear.
Where this movie fails in the logistics. The movie has it where Venza does get away with the murder. Keegan's arrest wasn't done to the law. He's free. There is no reason to go after Claire anymore. Yet, he kidnaps Keegan's family in order to trade for her life. Yeah, that's a bit farfetched. Venza just needs to leave town and they're done.
Berenger is great as the detective. He looks and feels like a NY cop. The Queens accent is heavy but appropriate for this flick. His mannerisms are pitch perfect. A nice follow up to his horrific take on Sgt. Barnes in "Platoon"
But look, this was the late 80's. Where style was above content. But that is okay. This movie is a treat for the eyes and a window into 80's cinema. Miss it.