Angel Heart might not be on everyone’s radar, but this horror flick is making waves on Paramount+. Starring the iconic duo of Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro, this supernatural thriller has won praise from filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who calls it ‘an amazing movie’ and ‘an audio-visual feast.’ Intrigued? Let’s dive a bit deeper.
Combining horror with film noir isn’t something we get to see all that often. Sure, there have been some classics like Psycho and Diabolique, but those films hinge on build-up and eerie vibes rather than splatter and guts.
A few, like Clive Barker’s underrated experience, Lord of Illusions, manage to blend the two genres with some visceral thrills. However, there’s another gem from the ‘80s that I really think deserves more love and attention, and that would be director Alan Parker’s accentuating masterpiece: Angel Heart.
This intriguing film stars a stellar cast but unfortunately didn’t find its footing at the box office and has faded somewhat into obscurity. Yet, it’s still worth going out of your way to watch. Guillermo del Toro has certainly taken note, advocating for it in this Twitter (X) post.
His tweet read: ‘RIGHTING A WRONG: Angel Heart by Alan Parker. An outstanding film, showcasing a perfect Rourke. A noir mystery akin to Borges. An absolute audiovisual feast!’
Let’s break down the story of Angel Heart:
Harry Angel (Mickey Rourke) takes on the role of a private investigator hired by Louis Cyphre (Robert De Niro) to find the elusive singer Johnny Favorite. However, every lead Angel follows seems to end in disaster. The hunt takes him to New Orleans, where he uncovers chilling truths about Favorite, hinting that his assignment from Cyphre was part of a much darker scheme.
Critics have taken particular notice of Rourke’s compelling depiction of a tough but troubled detective. Many cite this performance as one of his career highlights, thanks to his skillful portrayal of emotional conflict and character evolution.
Moreover, the film’s amazing cinematography has drawn praise. The expert use of hard lighting perfectly encapsulates the characteristics of the noir style, skillfully creating a shadowy narrative landscape for viewers.
Although Angel Heart may have slipped from the public consciousness since its release in 1987, it’s still possible to experience its magic today. Right now, you can enjoy this fascinating film streaming on Paramount+.
That’s all for now, folks! Keep an eye on our blog for more essential updates and recommendations from the world of thrilling cinema.
