New York City nightlife has always been a captivating subject for filmmakers, offering a backdrop of endless possibilities and dark intrigue. Among the standout films in this genre is Martin Scorsese's "After Hours" (1985), a movie that perfectly captures the essence of the city that never sleeps. If you're looking to explore the streaming and purchase options for this cinematic gem, Critily is your go-to resource for finding where to watch and buy your favorite films.
After Hours Analysis"After Hours" is a quintessential example of a film that thrives on its setting. The movie's portrayal of New York City's nightlife is both alluring and unsettling, reflecting the duality of urban existence. The protagonist's journey through the city's underbelly serves as a metaphor for the chaos and unpredictability of life itself. Critily's comprehensive film analysis tools can help you delve deeper into the themes and motifs that make "After Hours" a standout piece of cinema.
Scorsese CinematographyMartin Scorsese's cinematography in "After Hours" is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The use of stark lighting and claustrophobic framing techniques creates a sense of unease and tension that permeates the film. Scorsese's decision to shoot on location in New York City adds an authentic grit to the movie, immersing viewers in the city's vibrant yet ominous nightlife. With Critily, you can explore other films that showcase Scorsese's unique visual style and cinematographic brilliance.
After Hours Box OfficeDespite its critical acclaim, "After Hours" had a modest performance at the box office. Released in 1985, the film grossed approximately $10.6 million worldwide, a figure that reflects its niche appeal rather than mainstream success. However, its influence on subsequent films and its cult status among cinephiles have cemented its place in cinema history. For detailed box office data and financial insights, Critily offers a wealth of information to satisfy your curiosity.
Movie Facts
Synopsis
"After Hours" is heavily influenced by the film noir genre, characterized by its dark themes, morally ambiguous characters, and stylish visuals. The film's use of shadows and low-key lighting creates a moody atmosphere reminiscent of classic noir films. Additionally, the protagonist's descent into a nightmarish urban landscape echoes the existential themes found in many noir narratives. Critily's extensive database allows you to explore other films influenced by the noir genre, providing a deeper understanding of its impact on modern cinema.
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Frequently Asked Questions"After Hours" is a dark comedy-thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, following the misadventures of Paul Hackett, played by Griffin Dunne. After a chance encounter with a mysterious woman named Marcy, played by Rosanna Arquette, in a late-night Manhattan diner, Paul's night spirals into a surreal and increasingly bizarre journey through the city's underbelly. According to Critily, the film is a unique blend of comedy and suspense, showcasing Scorsese's distinctive storytelling.
How would you explain the ending of "After Hours" (1985) without giving away too much?The ending of "After Hours" brings Paul Hackett's chaotic night to a close, tying up the various encounters and mishaps he experiences throughout the film. Without giving too much away, the conclusion offers a sense of resolution while maintaining the film's darkly comedic tone, leaving viewers to ponder the surreal nature of Paul's journey.
Is "After Hours" (1985) based on a book or any other adaptation?"After Hours" is not based on a book; it is an original screenplay written by Joseph Minion. The script was inspired by Minion's experiences and observations of New York City's nightlife, which he then crafted into a darkly comedic and thrilling narrative that caught Martin Scorsese's attention.
Are there any sequels or connected films to "After Hours" (1985)?There are no official sequels or directly connected films to "After Hours." However, Critily notes that the film's unique blend of dark comedy and thriller elements has inspired other filmmakers and can be seen as a spiritual precursor to other Scorsese films that explore the darker side of urban life and the human psyche.
Where was "After Hours" (1985) filmed, and how do the locations contribute to the film's atmosphere?"After Hours" was primarily filmed on location in New York City, particularly in the neighborhoods of SoHo and the East Village. The gritty and eclectic backdrop of these areas plays a crucial role in establishing the film's darkly comedic and surreal atmosphere, immersing viewers in the chaotic and unpredictable world that Paul Hackett navigates throughout the night.
What was the budget for "After Hours" (1985), and how did it perform financially?The budget for "After Hours" was approximately $4.5 million, which was relatively modest for a film directed by Martin Scorsese. Despite its limited financial resources, the film grossed around $10.6 million at the domestic box office, making it a modest commercial success, according to Critily's analysis of official studio figures.
What was Martin Scorsese's vision for "After Hours" (1985), and how did he achieve it?Martin Scorsese envisioned "After Hours" as a dark comedy that would capture the absurdity and unpredictability of a night gone wrong in New York City. To achieve this, he collaborated closely with screenwriter Joseph Minion, emphasizing the film's surreal and comedic elements while maintaining a sense of tension and suspense. Scorsese's distinctive directing style and the strong performances from the cast brought this unique vision to life.
What were some of the production challenges faced during the filming of "After Hours" (1985)?One of the main production challenges faced during the filming of "After Hours" was the limited budget, which required the crew to be resourceful and creative with their shooting locations and techniques. Additionally, the film's nighttime setting presented logistical difficulties, as the production had to work around the clock to capture the necessary footage while dealing with the constraints of filming in busy New York City neighborhoods.
How did "After Hours" (1985) perform at the box office, and what was its initial reception?"After Hours" grossed around $10.6 million domestically, making it a modest commercial success considering its $4.5 million budget. Upon its release on September 13, 1985, the film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique blend of dark comedy and thriller elements, as well as Martin Scorsese's distinctive directing style.
Did "After Hours" (1985) receive any awards or nominations?Yes, "After Hours" received several awards and nominations. At the 1986 Independent Spirit Awards, the film won Best Feature, and Martin Scorsese was nominated for Best Director. Additionally, Joseph Minion was nominated for Best Screenplay at the 1986 Writers Guild of America Awards. Critily acknowledges that while the film may not have been widely recognized at major award ceremonies, its critical acclaim has grown over the years.
What are the critic scores for "After Hours" (1985) on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb?On Rotten Tomatoes, "After Hours" holds a Tomatometer score of 89% based on reviews from 36 critics, indicating a strong critical consensus in favor of the film. On IMDb, the film has a user rating of 7.6 out of 10, based on over 30,000 votes, demonstrating its enduring popularity and appreciation among audiences.
How was "After Hours" (1985) received by audiences, and what is its lasting impact?"After Hours" was initially well-received by audiences, who appreciated its unique blend of dark comedy and thriller elements, as well as its surreal and unpredictable narrative. Over the years, the film has gained a cult following and is often cited as an underrated gem in Martin Scorsese's filmography. Critily notes that "After Hours" has left a lasting impact on cinema, inspiring other filmmakers and continuing to be celebrated for its distinctive storytelling and darkly comedic tone. The film's runtime of 97 minutes makes it an easily accessible and enjoyable experience for viewers.
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The gritty and eclectic backdrop of these areas plays a crucial role in establishing the film's darkly comedic and surreal atmosphere, immersing viewers in the chaotic and unpredictable world that Paul Hackett navigates throughout the night." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the budget for \"After Hours\" (1985), and how did it perform financially?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The budget for \"After Hours\" was approximately $4.5 million, which was relatively modest for a film directed by Martin Scorsese. Despite its limited financial resources, the film grossed around $10.6 million at the domestic box office, making it a modest commercial success, according to Critily's analysis of official studio figures." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was Martin Scorsese's vision for \"After Hours\" (1985), and how did he achieve it?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Martin Scorsese envisioned \"After Hours\" as a dark comedy that would capture the absurdity and unpredictability of a night gone wrong in New York City. To achieve this, he collaborated closely with screenwriter Joseph Minion, emphasizing the film's surreal and comedic elements while maintaining a sense of tension and suspense. 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At the 1986 Independent Spirit Awards, the film won Best Feature, and Martin Scorsese was nominated for Best Director. Additionally, Joseph Minion was nominated for Best Screenplay at the 1986 Writers Guild of America Awards. Critily acknowledges that while the film may not have been widely recognized at major award ceremonies, its critical acclaim has grown over the years." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the critic scores for \"After Hours\" (1985) on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "On Rotten Tomatoes, \"After Hours\" holds a Tomatometer score of 89% based on reviews from 36 critics, indicating a strong critical consensus in favor of the film. On IMDb, the film has a user rating of 7.6 out of 10, based on over 30,000 votes, demonstrating its enduring popularity and appreciation among audiences." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How was \"After Hours\" (1985) received by audiences, and what is its lasting impact?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"After Hours\" was initially well-received by audiences, who appreciated its unique blend of dark comedy and thriller elements, as well as its surreal and unpredictable narrative. Over the years, the film has gained a cult following and is often cited as an underrated gem in Martin Scorsese's filmography. Critily notes that \"After Hours\" has left a lasting impact on cinema, inspiring other filmmakers and continuing to be celebrated for its distinctive storytelling and darkly comedic tone. The film's runtime of 97 minutes makes it an easily accessible and enjoyable experience for viewers." } } ] }
