After Hours

No one prepared me for this surreal, anxiety inducing chaotic nightmare of a night. What an thrilling ride this was!

This is one of Scorsese's lesser known films which is a travesty. Griffin Dunne plays a cubicle working blue collar- the type that was so rampant in the mid 80s, who accidently experiences a series of bizarre misadventures in New York City. This is not typical Scorsese fare and one reason it works is because of the legendary filmmaker's deft skills- the atmosphere is amazing as is the pacing of the film. The protagonist is relatable in an everyman lost and confused kind of way. Like a bad dream or surreal experience After Hours is one hell of a ride. As stated in the opening line of this review- it is a travesty that more people aren't aware of this film.

I was 19 when I saw AFTER HOURS in 1985. Back then, I thought it was funny as hell. But as a 54-year-old man, I can appreciate it even more.

In my 3.5 decades between my viewings, I've been to New York City many times, read Henry Miller, become familiar with the doo-wop songs on the barroom's jukebox, and (unfortunately) dated women who reminded me entirely too much of Marcy, Julie, and Gail. On the other hand: to date, I've been lucky enough to never be stalked by a vigilante lynch mob (unless you count Facebook). And the Mister Softee truck was a riotous touch!

I agree with the reviewers who call AFTER HOURS the most underrated Scorsese film. It features elements of what already him a great director, as well as glimpses into the future career of this master filmmaker.

This wasn't a big hit when it came out, but it should have been. Martin Scorsese is a master of creating atmosphere and exploring a specific setting, and he has proved that in movies like Taxi Driver and Gangs of New York. In this film he brings the SoHo of the early to mid 1980s to life in brilliant and surreal fashion. Griffin Dunne is a great Every Man character. You like him from the very first scene and you follow his adventures with excitement and dread. The tension in this film is also intense, and that is amazing for a light hearted comedy. I am always surprised to hear that people have not seen this movie, or that people don't like this movie. I urge all Scorsese fans to see it. It's one of his best, even though many critics did not like it when it came out. It's a cult hit, but it deserves to be more than that too. It's a masterpiece.

Out of all the Scorsese films - I would have to admit this ranks in the top five. After Hours draws you into it's dark and surreal world with fantastical wonder. The characters are all interesting, the acting superb - especially Griffin Dunne - and the pacing is great.

It was made in 1985, and I can already see the techniques Scorsese used in Goodfellas - and the quick editing. It is directed and edited really well. So if you were a fan of Scorsese's frantic camera work in Goodfellas and Casino, this film is for you.

It really does put you on edge - as a viewer, you really want Dunne's character to get back home - but everything possible that could happen to him - happens. This is not just a evocation of soHo in the early 80's - it is a deeply black comedy. All the rules go out the window for Dunne's character, because after all it is after hours.

Scorsese really is the best living director at the moment - so do yourself a favour and watch this movie - it's fantastic.