After Hours
by Martin Scorsese
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DVD details
Actor: Griffin Dunne, Linda Fiorentino, Rosanna Arquette, Tommy Chong, Verna BloomDirector: Martin Scorsese
Brand: Warner Brothers
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; French (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; French (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dubbed, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 97 minutes
Published: 2004-08-01
DVD Release Date: 2004-08-17
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Model: 19119
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product features:
- A Manhattan Yuppie's night out becomes a comic nightmare, courtesy of director Martin Scorsese. Griffin Dunne and Rosanna Arquette star in a "wild, funny and wonderful original" (Judith Crist) Year: 1985 Director: Martin Scorsese Starring: Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Verna BloomRunning Time: 97 min. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: COMEDY Rating: R Age: 085391919209 UPC:&nbs
DVD Reviews of After Hours
DVD Review: Warning: Do not read "Tropic of Cancer" after hours in NYC!
Summary: 4 Stars
What happens to others when our eyes close at night? Does a city really sleep, or are there adventures to be had even after the latest bar closes? New York City is one of those towns (if that word can be used) where a happy citizen could meet random strangers who are have equally fun nights, connect with hijinks throughout, and finally return back after this sed night to report around the water cooler with co-workers the next day. New York City - a hell of a town. When NYC turns its lights off at night; that is when famed director Martin (or Marty) Scorsese decides comedy would ensue. When "The Last Temptation of Christ" fell through, Marty needed a project to lift his spirits, make him laugh, bring back his respect for filmmaking, and put his dream project behind him for now - so he decided to jump headfirst into "After Hours". This is a small, probably unseen gem which demonstrates quite a bit of talent, some humorous moments, but mainly soul, rhythm, and excitement. "After Hours" was a surprise, because I think I had heard a joke about Scorsese and comedy, but he pulled this one through, providing classic cinematography, that darkened edge that was enjoyed in "Bringing out the Dead", and a solid character to lead us through the night. "After Hours" gave Marty the inspiration he needed to continue to make films, and it is a little gem he should never be afraid of.
This film takes place during the course of one night. As a series of unfortunate events happen to our lead, Griffin Dunne, we watch as he encounters bar keeps, ice cream truck drivers, papier-mâché bagels, 50s-style waitresses, Cheech and Chong, Mohawks, and finally an aging woman at a bar who also loves, you guessed it, papier-mâché. While it seems like the night comes full circle, the events that occur during the 97-minutes are pure entertainment as well as pure Scorsese. From an acting standpoint, only one character needed to be developed enough to enjoy. Dunne is reminiscent of a young Gene Wilder in this role with his passionate rants and witty retorts. Dunne is also easy to follow through this journey, as he is the quintessential "joe-shmoe" with the go-nowhere job looking for a night on the town. As he gets wet, hit, excited, and nervous, the audience can relate to him. He is perfect for this role, and his mannerisms fit with his character. Those surrounding Dunne also create their own "oddities" of the city. Rosanna Arquette is mesmerizing as a woman with potential burns and non-cohesive tendencies. We never know if she is the truth or instigator of this evening. Linda Fiorentino is decent, but John Heard punches in the laughter, as does Teri Garr and Catherine O'Hara. The cameo by Cheech and Chong may date this film, but it added to the inconsistent chaos that transformed "After Hours" from mediocre intertwined story, to independent cult classic.
Outside of the quirky characters that Scorsese has ideally placed throughout this film, the cinematography also is an element to enjoy with this film. Scorsese doesn't just sit back and film with generic stock footage; he uses his patented techniques to give us his own signature film. The scene with the keys was impressive (as well as added to the overall oddities of Dunne) as well as the scene near the end where Scorsese takes us around Dunne's office in a swooping visual treat. These are two to watch, but also look at the smaller moments. Scorsese proves in this film that he can handle singular shots as well as full-framed moments with hordes of people. His talent behind the camera isn't wasted or misused; he takes what could have been an average zany night out using Hollywood recycling, and transforms it into a Scorsese picture worthy of his repertoire. Let us not be mistaken, this is a Martin Scorsese picture, and one should not neglect it when mentioning the others in his award winning portfolio. Scorsese isn't known for his comedy style, but with both this and "Bringing out the Dead", he really creates his own type of comedy and dives headfirst into the darker element of the trade.
On a very small note, Scorsese's use of mythology is slight, but intensely focused in "After Hours". The fact that this entire evening happens with the dropping of a set of keys, the opening of a large gate, like a boy heading into manhood or to his first adventure is enjoyable. This film was the study of a man entering life, going from death (the working at a dead-end job) to a life full of adventure on the streets (perhaps not paying the river-man the right amount due to him driving too quickly and his $20 flying out the window), and finally back into death (the swooping final scene) is highly symbolical of the circle of life. Only Marty could give us this deeper meaning on a comedy. "After Hours" is a perfect pairing with "Bringing out the Dead" with its focuses on life versus death. A side note, but well worth mentioning.
Overall, this was a welcomed surprise. I wasn't familiar with Scorsese's "After Hours", but it was obviously his film with signature cinematography, apparent cameos, and dedicated characters. This feature has just as much heart, soul, and energy as any "Mean Streats", "Goodfellas", or "The Last Temptation of Christ", and honestly should be credited with giving Mr. Scorsese the inspiration to keep working. Without "After Hours", our cinematic theaters would never have known Christ's final thoughts. If you are looking for a comedy, a late night snack, or a great project for your final film class, this is the perfect film to use. It is often overlooked, but should be catapulted into cult classic status. It had everything from monumental lines (who can't laugh at the plaster of Paris cream cheese bagel?), amazing scenes, and characters that kept you glued to the screen. Watch it. I promise a great night out exploring the lonely streets of New York - that side we never see because it is ... "After Hours".
I know, laugh, but it was worth the corny, albeit cheap, shot.
Grade: **** ½ out of *****
Description of After Hours
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