The film "Heart of an Angel" was filmed from a book. After the publication of the novel, Hjortsberg began to develop a script for the film adaptation of the film, but could not interest any studio that could buy his script. The project resumed in 1985 when producer Elliot Kastner presented the book to Parker. Parker began work on a new script and made several changes to the Hjortsberg novel. The film was shot by Carolco Pictures with a budget of $ 18 million. Filming began in March 1986 and ended in June of that year. The shooting took place on the set in New York and New Orleans. The photo from the "Heart of an Angel" reader can see in this article.
Plot
What is the plot of "Heart of an Angel"? You can talk about it for a long time, but it is better to observe brevity. An investigation into Harry Angel, the protagonist of Angel Heart, takes him to New Orleans, where he finds himself embroiled in a series of brutal, occult murders.
A pensive detective with the melodious surname Angel (Mickey Rourke) receives an order from a strange client, Louis Cypher (Robert De Niro). In the process of fulfilling his difficult mission, Angel meets a charming African American practicing voodoo, runs into traces of the bloody cult, falls into a series of completely impossible situations and learns the whole truth about himself. At the end of the film, when all the secrets are revealed, the main character can only be sympathized.
Scandal and failure at the box office
Before the release of the film, there was a hitch due to Lisa Bonet (then known for her role in the family comedy series The Cosby Show) and her vibrant sex scene with Mickey Rourke. Parker was forced to remove 10 seconds of sexual content to avoid the X rating and provide the R rating that the Tri-Star Pictures distributor wanted. An uncensored version of the film was later released on home video. Reviews "Heart of an Angel" received mixed and could not cover the costs, earning $ 17 million during its show. Since then, he has gained cult status; some reviewers have named him one of the best horror films ever made. The movie "Heart of an Angel", according to many moviegoers, was ahead of its time.
Background
After the publication of his novel Falling Angel in 1978, William Hjortsberg began work on a film adaptation of the film. His friend, production designer Richard Silbert, took the manuscript of the book from producer Robert Evans. The rights to the film based on the novel were purchased by Paramount Pictures. Evans planned to produce the film, John Frankenheimer was hired for the director, and Hjortsberg as a screenwriter. Frankenheimer was later replaced by Dick Richards, and Dustin Hoffman was cast in the lead role. After Paramount's rights expired, Hjortsberg discussed the project with Robert Redford and conceived two projects. Hyorsberg felt that no film studio wanted to produce his script.
A glimpse of good luck
In 1985, producer Elliot Kastner met with Alan Parker to discuss the film adaptation of the novel. Parker, who read the book, agreed to write the script. He met with Hjortsberg in London, and then moved to New York, where he wrote most of the script. After completing the first project in September 1985, Parker went to Rome, where he showed the script to Mario Kassaru and Andrew G. Vajne. Two producers agreed to fund the film, and Parker was given a green light. Preliminary work began in New York in January 1986, where Parker selected a creative team, reuniting with several of his former employees, including producer Alan Marshall, director Michael Seresin, cameraman Michael Roberts, production designer Brian Morris and editor Jerry Humble.
Actors
Parker originally wanted Robert De Niro to play the role of Harry Angel, but the actor showed interest in the role of Louis Sayfre. Jack Nicholson was also considered for the role of Angel. Parker met with Nicholson in Los Angeles to discuss the project, but the actor refused. Parker also met with Mickey Rourke, who showed great interest in the role of Angel and got it after meeting with Parker in New York.
Various actresses auditioned for the role of Epiphanius before Lisa Bonet was approved. Bonnet was then known for her role in the family comedy series The Cosby Show, and her participation in Angel Heart caused considerable controversy. Parker chose Bonet, as she impressed him while listening. In preparation for her role, Bonet said: “I did a lot of meditation and introspection. I studied voodoo. I sincerely tried to get rid of all the inner taboos. It was really necessary for me to let Lisa go and let Epiphanius take this place. ” It was difficult for Parker to find the actress for the role of Margaret Crusemark, until Rourke offered the English actress Charlotte Rampling. Rampling got the role after Parker contacted her to discuss everything.
"Heart of an Angel": movie reviews
This movie received 7 out of 10 points based on online reviews. William Hjortsberg, author of the book of the same name, expressed his support for the film adaptation, saying: “[Alan] Parker wrote an excellent script and continued to make an unforgettable film. The choice of Robert De Niro for the role of Cypher was a brilliant decision. " Although fans initially supported the participation in Bonnet’s film, they later scornfully called “Angel Heart” a film “shot by white America, which shot a black girl who conjured voodoo and had sex with a white guy.” There were a lot of similar ironic responses in the press. Enthusiastic reviews "Heart of an Angel" could not boast of at that time.
"Heart of an Angel": the reaction of film critics
From the first days of the release, the reaction patterns among film critics have been mixed. Many highly praised the director's talent and beautiful production, but they severely criticized Rourke’s work, many considered his game unconvincing.
Many gave the film conflicting ratings. Some illustrious critics praised him, others scolded him. Also, many criticized the scandalous sex scene for not being “shocking as much as the rating of the film.” Some were disappointed with the film adaptation, and some critics liked it. This film was the most controversial phenomenon in the cinema of the late 80s of the last century.
Press reaction
Some journalists found the film a wonderful creation, where you can enjoy watching Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro in great shape. Journalists from the BBC noted that the intrigue persists throughout the film. Also, their opinion radically contradicted the assessment of critics, because journalists indicated that the game of Rourke in this film is capable of captivating every spectator. Robert De Niro, Charlotte Rampling and the rest of the cast have played excellently in this picture, of course, if you believe rave reviews. It is best to watch the movie yourself and make up your own personal opinion of it. This film has received the status of a cult, so it is necessary to watch it for every connoisseur of cinematic art.
Fans of the original source claim that the book is so good that the film can not be compared, but Rourke’s game distinguishes “Heart of an Angel” from other mystical films. No matter how beautiful the “Heart of an Angel” was, the reviews about it during the release on large screens left much to be desired.