Not Just ’80s Nostalgia: an Enduring Crime Noir

Read Time:4 Minute, 10 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
To Live and Die in L.A.
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Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Year Released: 1985, 2023 Kino Lorber 4K/Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 56m
Director(s): William Friedkin
Writer(s): Gerald Petievich (based on the novel by,) William Friedkin (screenplay by,) Gerald Petievich (screenplay by)
Cast: William Petersen, Willem Dafoe, John Turturro, Darlanne Fluegel, John Pankow, Dean Stockwell, Steve James, Michael Greene, Robert Downey Sr., Debra Feuer, Jane Leeves, Christopher Allport, Valentin de Vargas, Dar Robinson
Where To Watch: available now here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Prepare for a ride through the streets of Los Angeles in a way you've never experienced before. Buckle up, and dive into TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA, a film that makes the city of angels its central protagonist, painting a dark portrait far from the glitz and glamour. Los Angeles is more than a mere backdrop here. It's a character that breathes and molds the people within its realms, from driven individuals to those lost in its underbelly. The movie takes us on a tour of the city's streets through a gripping chase of passion and desperation.

Here's the lowdown: Special Agent Richard Chance (William L. Petersen) is on a relentless hunt for the notorious forger, Eric Masters, brought to life by Willem Dafoe (before he looked like himself, weird, I know, but that’s the first thing I noticed.) What fuels this chase? It's personal now, and the line between professional duty and personal vendetta blurs. This isn't just a cat-and-mouse game; it's an emotional struggle that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go.

The dynamic duo of Chance and his new partner (John Pankow) isn't your typical buddy-cop routine. They're the anti-heroes of cop duos, with raw tension that adds dimension and color to the plot. Forget the cookie-cutter black and white; this film thrives in the shades of grey.

Directed by the late William Friedkin (1935-8/7/23,) TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, embracing the audience in a puzzle filled with existential quandaries and moral ambiguity. It doesn't shy away from showing the city's underbelly, focusing on urban decay and moral erosion, casting a harsh, unfiltered light on the cityscape.

The film's aesthetic, an unmistakable product of the '80s, offers an intriguing glimpse into the past, a fascinating and novel era for modern viewers. The score might tie it to a specific time but only adds to the retro charm that sets the movie apart. That car chase through Los Angeles, if you're looking for pure cinematic adrenaline, this sequence alone is worth the watch. It's not just a car chase; it's a breathless, heart-pounding ballet on wheels. But it's not all about thrills and chills. The film's unorthodox ending, a brave choice by Friedkin, adds layers to the movie's thematic richness. This unsettling and unexpected ending separates TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA from the herd.

TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA is a treasure hiding in plain sight. It's not just a cinematic achievement; it's a thoughtful and compelling reflection of human complexity and urban existence. Beyond a nostalgia trip, this film is a lens into life and death within a world where the lines constantly shift.

Whether you're a crime noir enthusiast or just someone looking for a different take on Los Angeles, TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA invites you to reconsider what it means to navigate through life's shadows and lights. This film remains a poignant and enduring reflection of human nature in a world where the rules are as fleeting as a city's façade.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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