Dive into the Nightmares and Absurdity of Scorsese's Underrated Gem: "After Hours"
Have you ever faced a series of unfortunate events? A night where each choice leads to madness? If this resonates, see Martin Scorsese's 1985 dark comedy, "After Hours." It blends humor with discomfort, perfectly crafted. It's his most underrated film. Prepare for chaos.
Is "After Hours" Actually a Good Movie? Spoiler: Yes, and Here's Why.
So, is "After Hours" good? Yes, unequivocally. Many film lovers, myself included, see it as brilliant. It diverges from typical gangster flicks. Instead, it leads you into a unique, surreal night in New York City. The characters, especially Paul Hackett, pull you in, thanks to Griffin Dunne's standout performance.
"After Hours": Is It Worth Your Precious Time? Absolutely.
Should you spend your evening on "After Hours"? If you enjoy tension and sharp wit, yes. The film focuses on Paul Hackett, an ordinary guy. He lacks the usual violent persona. Griffin Dunne's portrayal ensures you sympathize with him, even as he makes questionable choices. You'll feel for him despite your urge to tell him to leave.
Accuracy? Well, Not in the Stock Market Sense...
Let's address the big question: Is "After Hours" accurate? If we’re talking finance, no. Analysts say after-hours trading is unpredictable. But if you're examining its representation of chaos and absurdity in urban life, yes, it captures that dread perfectly. The anxieties within are all too real.
Screwball Comedy? With a Scorsese Twist.
Is "After Hours" screwball comedy? Yes, but infused with Scorsese's darkness. Restored for UK audiences, critiques praised its uniqueness. It combines classic screwball humor with urban dread and anxiety. This creative moment precedes Scorsese's next works, making it a standout in his career.
Why "After Hours" Deserves the "Underrated" Badge of Honor.
Despite good reviews, "After Hours" underperformed at the box office, making just $10 million. Yet, time has favored this film. It is now rightfully deemed an underrated gem. Each viewing reveals new layers and humor. For fans of Scorsese's mainstream hits, this film offers something different and rewarding.
Unraveling the Plot of "After Hours": A Nightmarish Odyssey
Let's dive into "After Hours." We meet Paul Hackett, a Manhattan word processor. He chats with Marcy in a café. Intrigued, he decides to visit her later that night. Trouble begins when his $20 bill gets lost out the cab window. This mishap leads to a string of bizarre events for Paul.
The Ending Explained: Back to the Grind, but Forever Changed.
What happens at the end? After a wild night, Paul stumbles back into his office, dazed and covered in plaster. He rides up the elevator as his colleagues arrive for work. As he sits at his desk, life resumes its mundane routine. The ending suggests his night marked him but left him unchanged outwardly. It’s perfectly Scorsese.
The Alternate Ending That Could Have Been: Even More Absurdity.
There's an alternate ending to "After Hours." Originally, Paul was trapped inside a papier-mâché sculpture by June. Absurd? Yes. He couldn't escape this artistic prison. Thankfully, that idea was scrapped. Instead, we get his return to work, which packs an impact. Some concepts are better left lost.
Does "After Hours" Actually Have a Story? More Than You Might Think.
Does "After Hours" offer a deeper story? Yes. While it appears chaotic on the surface, it tackles themes like loneliness and regret. It explores the cyclical nature of human existence. It's not simply about a bad night; it probes deeper issues of urban life and alienation’s challenges.
Critical Reception: Love, Confusion, and Lasting Appreciation.
How did critics respond to "After Hours" in 1985? Opinions varied widely. Many praised Scorsese's style and humor while others found it confusing. Over time, appreciation has grown significantly. It's now considered a cult classic in Scorsese's work thanks to its originality and Dunne's performance.
Is "After Hours" Disturbing? In a Subtly Existential Way.
Is "After Hours" disturbing? Yes and no. The absurdity offers humor but also highlights underlying fears about life and society's indifference. It's not a horror film but delves into unsettling aspects of our reality within its chaotic narrative, provoking thought about existence itself.
A word, yes. But not in a jump-scare, slasher kind of way. The disturbing nature of "After Hours" is subtle and insidious. It taps into a primal fear: losing control and feeling trapped. The film creates a potent atmosphere, like a nightmare you can't escape. You're on edge, thinking, "Just go home!" This tension makes it memorable, though you may not want to experience it often. It's disturbing in how it portrays urban alienation, guilt, sexual repression, and a sense of God's silence amid Paul's misfortunes.
Kafkaesque? Or More Like Alice in Wonderland Gone Wrong?
Is "After Hours" Kafkaesque? The term comes up when discussing the film. There's bureaucratic absurdity. An individual faces punishment by an incomprehensible system. A scene references Kafka's "Before the Law." Some critics argue it's more like Lewis Carroll’s "Alice in Wonderland." Paul is a naive protagonist who stumbles into an illogical world. Instead of Wonderland's charm, he faces a nightmarish downtown New York, filled with eccentric, menacing characters. Maybe "Alice in Urban Nightmareland" fits better.
Decoding the Meaning Behind the Madness of "After Hours."
What is the deeper meaning of "After Hours"? Scorsese may not spell it out, but the film has thematic depth. It explores urban paranoia and social anxieties. It showcases the fear of the unknown beneath daily life. It's about how control can slip away quickly. The film metaphorically represents life's chaotic nature, especially in a big city’s isolating environment. The meaning allows interpretation, inviting viewers to see reflections in Paul's nightmare. Scorsese leaves it open, inviting one's interpretation, which makes the film engaging and thought-provoking.
Meet the Characters: Kiki and Paul Hackett Take Center Stage.
Let's discuss the characters. Who plays Kiki in "After Hours"? That’s Linda Fiorentino. Her portrayal of enigmatic and dangerous Kiki stands out and enhances the film's unsettling atmosphere. And Paul Hackett? He’s played by Griffin Dunne with vulnerability and comedic timing. Paul is an ordinary office worker thrust into chaos. His relatability makes his descent into absurdity compelling and darkly humorous.
Filming Locations: Downtown Manhattan After Dark.
Where was "After Hours" filmed? The setting is the gritty landscape of New York City. "After Hours" was filmed across various locations in downtown Manhattan. Remember the diner where Paul and Marcy have coffee? That diner is the River Diner at 452 11th Avenue. Marcy's apartment building is at 27 Howard Street. These locations ground the film in reality, even as events turn surreal. The film captures downtown Manhattan’s eerie feeling after hours, enhancing Paul's sense of isolation and unease.
Is "After Hours" Actually Scary? The Creepy, Unsettling Truth.
Is "After Hours" scary? Let's clarify: it's not scary like a horror movie with jump scares. It's more psychological, creeping under your skin. The film excels at creating a waking nightmare's atmosphere. Tension builds with each bizarre encounter Paul faces. It sticks with you, not due to gore or jumps, but because it evokes a primal fear of being trapped in uncontrollable situations. It's a masterclass in suspense and atmospheric dread, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
Where to Watch "After Hours" Right Now.
Want to watch this nightmarish comedy? You're in luck! "After Hours," starring Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, and Teri Garr, streams readily available on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, ROW8, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to dive into the wonderfully weird world of "After Hours" from the comfort of your home.
Cancellation? Not the Movie, But Something Else Entirely.
Was "After Hours" cancelled? If you heard such news, it likely refers to something unrelated to the movie. There may be cancellations regarding events named "After Hours," especially due to COVID-19. These events were postponed or cancelled for logistical reasons. Rest assured; the movie "After Hours" is not cancelled; it's a completed cinematic masterpiece ready for viewing.
Here you have it. A deep dive into the bizarre and brilliant world of "After Hours." If you're in the mood for something darkly funny and unsettling, Scorsese's underrated gem is waiting for you. Just be prepared for a night that makes your after-hours experiences seem mundane.
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