In conversation with ... director Alan Parker on Angel Heart | BFI

Director Alan Parker joins the BFI's Justin Johnson to talk about Angel Heart, his 1987 neo-noir horror about a New York City PI (Mickey Rourke), hired by the shady Louis Cyphre (Robert De Niro) to track down a missing crooner called Johnny Favourite. Angel Heart also starred Lisa Bonet and Charlotte Rampling.
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[@mrp3263]

Nobody mentions the sensitivity and genuine compassion of Rourke's performance. It's actually quite heartbreaking.

[@hahokakajoofficial7843]

true

[@bingo1319]

Agreed

[@mandyinseattle]

💯% No ego, just vulnerability and acting

[@melissas9245]

He did that with every role in the 1980s. His disappointment in the industry as a true artist (his acting in the 1980s was pure art) is heartbreaking. Mickey was amazing in Bar fly as well. He was one of the greatest method actors of the last 50 years.

[@giovanna722]

I thought Mickey Rourke was terrific. Sensitive and sexy. Found de Niro's performance one dimensional.

[@warborn_inc.]

Angel Heart is an absolute masterpiece of film making.

[@chiefscheider]

@Inge Fossen She was on the show until '91. AH was released in '87. Did the Cos not see or hear about it for awhile? 😄

[@tcehaus2600]

It fucking is lad! I like your moxie.

[@mandyinseattle]

It really is. When it first came out I had to see it twice to make out the parts I was unable to watch the first time, which contained a lot of clues. When here I am 35 years later mesmerized again. The music is terrific

[@antihero76]

It’s not

[@daviddemaria3982]

​@@mandyinseattleit is a fantastic movie for multiple viewings. Similar to The Prestige in that regard.

[@danielsantis5857]

Mickey should have won an Oscar for Angel Heart ,his best performance ever ,even better than the Wrestler

[@davidrobinson2776]

Mickey’s every movement is almost hypnotic in Angel Heart. He was Harry Angel in that film. De Niro could easily have stolen every scene but Mickey took that performance to a different level. Every single line was delivered as if he was living the role.

[@theincorruptiblefellini743]

Absolutely. Mickey's best performance (along with The Pope of Greenwich Village). The movie got disregarded for some reason. Unfortunately many people have never seen it. It's a cult classic!

[@humanentity2214]

Robert De Niro in < 15 minutes of screen time was more impressive.

[@jeebuschabatty4455]

@@humanentity2214 disagree tbh. I thought rourke had the better of him in every scene they shared.

[@humanentity2214]

@@jeebuschabatty4455 we are all entitled to our opinion. Great movie nonetheless.

[@michelelongo8257]

Rourke was shining like gold in this movie, probably his best performance as an actor.

[@davidrobinson2776]

Mickey Rourke showed the world the best acting performance since Brando, Dean and Clift. He was charisma on legs and you couldn’t take your eyes off him.

[@melissas9245]

Thank you for saying this. No one hardly agrees but I love Mickey compared to big actors like De Niro. Mickey only wanted respect as a serious actor who dedicated his self to any role. De Niro was a dick to Rourke on set & that was why they didn’t get along. If you ask me the hate they have with each other makes this movie even more amazing. The best role De Niro has ever played is the devil in Angel heart. All the press about Mickey being difficult really shows ya that it was prima Donna Bob that ruined the movie’s legacy. But no one will agree with me because Hollywood has to make mediocre actors hyped like De Niro.

[@georgebeech-bank]

RIP Alan Parker (1944-2020), he was a great director who couldn't be pigeonholed to just one genre. The man made a kids gangster musical, then went onto do Midnight Express, Fame, Birdy, Angel Heart and Mississippi Burning. He was simply versatile.

[@paulaharrisbaca4851]

I think he just loved the America he saw in the Hollywood films of his childhood and how he saw the USA of those times. I know many 1940's-1960's British films gave me a certain idea of Britain....and as an American I got a version of New York from the 1950's-70's films of the time....

[@user-xf2no9dn8e]

Это был тот режиссер который чувствовал потенциал Микки и тот режиссер, который был нужен ему: мягкая сила + уважение + доброжелательность ) этот фильм шедевр!!!!!❤

[@fgoindarkg]

Not to mention The Wall and The Commitments.

[@geoffhoutman1557]

I credit Alan with keeping the Musical genre alive all those years. Top bloke

[@apartment213]

Angel Heart is one of the best movie of all time. Mickey was fantastic.

[@johnjhope]

Mickey's best performance in my view. Great movie all 'round.

[@pninnabokov3734]

I had noticed DeNiro's nails growing with each appearance. I love that sort of detail. One of my favorite films.

[@capoislamort100]

One of the Greatest films ever made!

[@ilcontedimontecristo1368]

Angel Heart is such a great movie that i find myself obsessed over it. I really loved this film. God bless Parker, he was one of the best director ever lived.

[@thecinematicmind]

RIP Sir Alan Parker 1944-2020 A true film great.

[@andrewboylan3753]

I love finding so many people who agree with me that Angel Heart is the best movie ever made.

[@mandyinseattle]

The only scary movie I ever really enjoyed and respect.

[@LetsPlayPC]

If Alan Parker had his first or second choice to play Harry Angel, this movie would have been mostly forgotten. Mickey Rourke makes this movie what it is.

[@salimcardine]

He's an excellent actor, everybody remembers 9 and a half week and the year of the dragon Sin city I haven't seen the wrestler yet. He was close to what Brando was but been so notorious brings a burden to what people expect you to do. As a surprise for every one he was good at boxing. Johnny handsome is also an interesting movie. The audience mixes sometime reallity and fiction and have the wrong idea and for actors like Rourke or Brando for instance it's not that easy to find good film makers like Alan Parker. Besides you cannot always play the rebel, only if you stay young in your spirit maybe

[@capoislamort100]

Salim Cardine he had a painful childhood, as did Marlon-which probably sparked his creativity

[@salimcardine]

@@capoislamort100 Probably is not an answer

[@capoislamort100]

Salim Cardine what do you mean that’s not an answer-I’m only saying that great actors always draw from their traumatic experiences to give a good performance, that’s all I’m saying

[@jjosport]

The scene where the cop asks Rourke if this is his card and hands it to him. Rourke looks at the card, pulls out his glasses and looks again. Puts his glasses away and hands the card back and never answers the cop. Outstanding.

[@jorgeblast9756]

one of the best movies ever made, more you watch it.. more details you discover

[@elliemccarthy3487]

It was a incredible film , we were so excited to view it at the cinema & it had a huge impact, it’s still stands as a classic

[@surgeland9084]

A very underrated and fascinating director. Not many people could direct Bugsy Malone, Fame, Pink Floyd - The Wall, and The Commitments in the span of just 15 years.

[@PeliculaCinema]

Thank you, Sir Alan for your marvellous work over the decades! You're a maestro, too! (14 February 1944 - 31 July 2020)

[@thereflection7225]

This is the only film in my opinion that can match the 1973 horror masterpiece "The Exorcist" in terms of superior acting, incredible storyline, and just the overall brilliance of its' production.

[@blackpeter70]

Bloody great item. After having been a champion for the film since it's release in '87, I'm very glad, and validated, to see the film getting the recognition and reverence it richly deserves. Everyone involved in the film's making was at the absolute top of their game, and does it ever show. Thank you, Alan Parker, and Rest In Peace.

[@mohanicus]

one of my favourite films of all time...fantastic story and top notch acting from rourke and de Niro

[@karl246111]

Greatest film of late 20c... All great films just seem to be accidents that never happen twice. Mickey Rourke Is the angel of heart of the 20c. Denero was acted off the screen by Rourke. Total being in the heart of this horror story.

[@portiamatthews9654]

This movie will be a cult classic because it has all of the needed elements of a great movie. It's a awesome movie.

[@Maurits-PK]

When it played in the cinemas I saw it three times. I couldn't believe how I was tricked into not seeing the end coming. It is one of the most awesome movies ever. The soundtrack is amazing as well.

[@kassios]

I was too young to watch it back then in the cinemas. This is one (if not the one) of my favourite films. Care to suggest any other films you enjoyed as much as Angel's heart?

[@trenchcoats4life891]

@@kassios I'm not them but I recommend The Ninth Gate. I watched it first then was recommended Angel Heart because of the satanic undertones. The Ninth Gate is one of my all time favorite movies.

[@kassios]

@@trenchcoats4life891 thank u for the suggestion! Looks very interesting.

[@trenchcoats4life891]

@@kassios if you watch it, I would be very interested in seeing what you think. If you remember, be sure to come back here and let me know your thoughts. And just because, here are a couple others I highly recommend: Blade Runner 2049 Zodiac Se7en The Night House They really are nothing like Angel Heart or The Ninth Gate but I do think you will enjoy them. The Night House is a sweet psychological horror film that came out in 2021.

[@SuperDLemon]

I am the co-author of THE FILMS OF ALAN PARKER, the definitive book on his films, and had the pleasure to speak with Sir Alan Parker by phone in his London office who provided wonderful material for the book.

[@FrancescoNappi97]

R.I.P. Alan Parker, great director.

[@farzadbavarsad6364]

Alan Parker's best film pure Quality ☘👍👋☘

[@beanmchne]

A perfect film imo. Its arguably Sir Alan Parkers best film, and he made so many great films.

[@anthonyferguson4678]

My favourite horror film of all time. I watch it over and over. Great acting, great cinematography.

[@spikehofmann]

The movie was better than he book. Much kudos to Al Parker for making it so. Performance of a lifetime from Rourke. Brando as Lou Cyphre?

[@classicartfoundation639]

Parker has a knack of making movies better than books! He done the same with Midnight Express

[@sonyabelmontfarenheght1189]

Its Robert De Niro

[@salimcardine]

@@sonyabelmontfarenheght1189 he's good to

[@chiefscheider]

@@sonyabelmontfarenheght1189 Alan Parker originally wanted Brando as Cyphre and Nicholson as Harry

[@theincorruptiblefellini743]

You can't compare them really. The original book was actually very good. The adapted script took up the best parts of it and they sure did a magnificent job.

[@27JOHNNEIL]

Brilliant movie, rest in peace Sir Alan Parker

[@Tokolos]

Angel Heart, Shoot the Moon, Midnight Express: Superb.

[@ravishingravi]

Pink floyd the wall

[@roedalacket]

And Mississippi Burning and The Commitments. Spectacular director.

[@Wildcock23]

Oh don’t forget “Birdy”!

[@truthwinsuk2555]

Great movie, Mickey Rourke was ABSOLUTELY brilliant, and de Niro was sublime as the devil.

[@mattcastellanos2178]

Great film with outstanding performances. I read that Rourke never forgave De Niro, (whom he idolized) for his aloof attitude onset, but in this interview Parker reveals the respect De Niro had for Rourke performance. Rourke should bury the hatchet with De Niro.

[@daviddemaria3982]

DeNiro was probably method acting to retain that air of superiority over Rourke's character. Mickey should understand that.

[@mattcastellanos2178]

Right, De Niro is known for that - wore the same silk underwear as Al Capone in the Untouchables. Whatever the case, Rourke took it personally and still hasn't let it go.@@daviddemaria3982

[@adagiobreeze8493]

Mickey Rourke was overwhelmingly handsome in this movie

[@leostawicki7283]

Angel Heart is one Great film......Parker`s Best....The setting, The music...The acting and directing...

[@cv9047]

Everything was put together so methodically. It's a masterpiece for sure.

[@TheDwarfShortage]

Had a ticket for this Q&A but was feeling sick the night of the show so didn't go. Really wish I'd strapped on a pair of balls and went to listen to this great man talk about this amazing film. RIP sir

[@jezwotton2126]

Went and saw it with my wife ,followed by a fascinating q & a. Alan was stopping and chatting/signing autographs afterwards - proper gent. The only thing that would have improved the evening would have been Mickey chatting - unlikely, as bfi is strictly 'non smoking '

[@user-xf2no9dn8e]

😂 про Микки точно! Но как его не хватает) я с ужасом думаю о скором уходе всех наших любимых актеров (

[@SuchetB]

Alan Parker - Genius - He’s done such wonderful and amazing work.

[@paulaharrisbaca4851]

Music from this and Mississippi Burning were both outstanding

[@biffmercury]

Both films were scored by Trevor Jones (Cliffhanger, The Dark Crystal).

[@bingo1319]

Love this film. Haunting music.

[@MsKK909]

This is my favorite Rourke movie, but also my favorite DeNero movie as well…… IMO, DeNero devolved into being type cast…..he played the that same character over and over….I got bored with him. But not with Rourke. He was a different character every time I saw him. Absolutely mesmerizing actor! “Angel Heart” is a masterpiece.m

[@noelwilson5960]

Phenomenal film and Alan Parker had the finest crew and talent possible.

[@MrSnout5]

Enjoyable conversation with Alan Parker. It's a shame there was no mention of the other great actor in the movie, Charlotte Rampling.

[@Chocobear555]

I truly don't picture Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brandon in the roles of Harry Angel and "Louis Cyphre." Mickey and Robert are perfect for those roles.

[@daviddemaria3982]

Brando would have ruined it for me

[@Ruhel74]

Angel Heart - the movie I’ve watched about 200 times, absolutely love it. My favourite film

[@1qwasz12]

This is Alan Parker's best film.

[@KaMui1987]

Can't say if it's his best. Mississippi Burning and Midnight Express were also brilliant!

[@salimcardine]

I agree because the esthetics matters are well done, Le diable se cache ds les détails.

[@salimcardine]

@@KaMui1987 they were good to mississipi burning for the pressure shown on black people and two great actors and Midnight Express the true story of many youngsters that make misstakes, justice and religion God forgives

[@salimcardine]

@Yan You mean god doesn't forgive in that movie?

[@salimcardine]

@Yan Thank u for your answer

[@mandyinseattle]

This is fascinating to listen to the director's stories of one of the most brilliant movies of all time.

[@gordontli]

If ever there is a movie that could dethrone Vertigo as the greatest film of all time - it would be Angel Heart.

[@rustyjames1727]

Peak Rourke.

[@salimcardine]

Rusty James was good to

[@paulaharrisbaca4851]

At 6:27 wouldn't you LOVE to see the takes or the rehearsals and outtakes when the two actors were sparring???

[@m.g4441]

One of my top ten film mentors and heroes.

[@MissPerriwinkle]

one of my alltime fave movies.....congrats to u sir .

[@humanentity2214]

Brilliant movie, watched it last night. De Niro , even though in it for 15 minutes was awesome.

[@mattystuart2992]

Fantastic Film, Rourke and De Niro 5 star performances, and Alan Parker cemented himself as elite

[@debratanner8519]

I love this film is so powerfull cool stylish dark its such brilliant film I never forget first time I saw it it afected my whole out look in every thing brilliant

[@chiefscheider]

I love it too. It has an atmosphere unlike any film I've ever seen. Very unsettling

[@user-xf2no9dn8e]

Вы мои единомышленники! Обожаю этот фильм - самый мощнейший с Микки, атмосфера, музыка, декорации, игра - супер!!!!!❤ Но ещё это произведение которое не только завораживает,но и заставляет думать о своих поступках каждый день - без морализаторства, не для Бога, для себя - не делать зла, не продавать душу - не это ли главное, для чего мы рождены ? Это фундаментальная тема для человечества! Это то, почему вся актерская карьера Микки пошла под откос - он не хотел продаваться, он был принципиальным , и его уничтожила система...но он остался собой и странно, где были все его друзья ?! - где были все в те трудные времена... Я рада, что сегодня Микки может зарабатывать актерской игрой и не бедствует, его мощь и характер - всё ещё при нем, все кто любил его молодым по настоящему, любят его и сейчас.спасибо Алану - Микки был лучший выбор для этого фильма!❤

[@rjg7112]

Where I go whenever I want heaping helpings of film noir. Definitely one of the great American noir films.

[@KidFresh71]

What a master filmmaker. Pity his films really weren't really appreciated enough upon their release, but glad they are rightfully being acknowledged as classics now.

[@kalilou2]

Brilliant film

[@laprincipessamary]

Che la terra ti sia lieve Alan Parker!!!

[@jenny6253]

I’m going to have to try and find this movie to watch. I’m very intrigued

[@daviddemaria3982]

Well I wish I could watch this film again for the 1st time. Although repeated viewings are just as good.

[@paulaharrisbaca4851]

DeNiro and Rourke are both Noo Yawk boys, mebbe that's why they woiks so well togedder.

[@Dominion-1]

Wow, I thought this guy was *"Roger Ebert"* before he began to talk.

[@plasticweapon]

don't ever make that mistake again.

[@jadzia2098]

I recall seeing it when it came out in the teather. Really liked it.

[@user-vp4dv5hg9o]

Спасибо за такие глубокие и в то же время увлекательные фильмы! Thanks for such deep and at the same time captivating films! Это такая редкость сейчас! This kind of films is a rare thing today! "Angel Heart", "Birdy", "Midnight Express" and "Mississippi burning" - the main films of Sir Alan Parker for me! Земля пухом! R.I.P.

[@reddragonmartialartsfitnes6279]

R.I.P Alan Parker

[@drivingintothedesertuntilt3202]

fame was one of the best movies ever made, absolute genius

[@tiffanymariezaccagnino2599]

That movie was excellent!

[@chrishayes4323]

Best movie that improved on the book since Blade Runner. Neither of those books impressed me at all, although I should say that I read them after I'd watched both films multiple times.

[@user-xf2no9dn8e]

Книга слишком запутанная, а в фильме все четко и логично - когда в конце оглядываешься назад. Но: именно в книге основные идеи, герои, детективная линия - автор книги все сложил вместе, но слишком затянул и запутал финал. Однако, огромное спасибо ему за идею! Там всё более зловеще и кроваво, на большой экран это бы не пропустили, но в фильме ужаса достаточно, все сделано для того, чтобы зритель домыслил сам.... Второй раз читать книгу не захотелось, а фильм пересматриваю и всматриваюсь как в драгоценность, музыка, звуковые эффекты, динамика сцен, настроение, погода - как это все можно было снять настолько гениально! Этот дождь, эта жара , где Микки играет платком перед детворой в деревне - это аутентично для Микки, так же почти, как он стреляет окурками - так неподражаемо умеет только он ( в других фильмах). Он настолько слился с персонажем, который вполне примитивен и предсказуем, но почему-то вызывает сочувствие и симпатию , пока мы не понимаем какое это реальное чудовище....

[@TimothyJonSarris]

If Rourke had known how much De Niro respected his talent, would he still be so negative about his experience with the older actor?

[@DMalltheway]

Because that older actor blocked him from doing a role in The Irishman and before that he never said anything bad about De Niro.

[@CS-rk6fu]

RIP SIR.

[@valensinn2395]

Would love to see the duel

[@FranticAnimations]

RIP!

[@thetrojanhorse.1320]

I’m really intrigued by the one person who didn’t like this video? I just do not understand what there is to not like about it. I guess this is proof that some people will always be unhappy with everything? haha this is a brilliant interview with wonderful insight.

[@diegovenegas2625]

Angel heart its like rosmary baby but more dark...great masterpiece

[@bookskamaki]

He should ask him to explain some scenes. The scenario had some serious holes.

[@swamplifecontrol]

Yes - It's a great movie - Funny how it brought out the best ever (most horrifying) performances from from both Deniro, and Rourke. So how did Parker even know way back then, the basics of the human ritual sacrifice / FAME barter ? Just got "inspired" we are told, and yet we're now finding out more and more about the reality that H'wood's been hiding for years. See also the Johnny Depp adrenochrome scene in 'Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas'.

[@daviddemaria3982]

How? Ask the book author.

[@yubz1496]

Great movie

[@kellymarx1461]

grandiose film🤞

[@vova47]

Great film and good insight into egomaniac DeNiro, who was brilliant in this role but has lost it since.

[@jeffreym4273]

Incredible movie...Really one of the best ever. Hilarious the ridiculous DeNiro story given his behavior lately. I always thought he was a bit weak actually- 'Do you have any ID, stuff like that'. Stuff like that? Hard to believe that was in the script.

[@salimcardine]

Yes De Niro is good to, very clever actor

[@nicholasjanke3476]

I always thought it might have been a neat scene showing Johnny Favourite conjuring up the demon in his living room-a one second clip.

[@salimcardine]

Great movie, frantic

[@salimcardine]

Frantic is a good movie to, frightning when I saw it

[@leostawicki7283]

The suits Mickey had were from Pope of Greenwich Village...which were not needed...

[@suziemalloy7216]

I want to have an Angel Heart party🎉

[@vrod2144]

I wish I could see those photos 20:00

[@jameskenney9192]

Has Parker ever discussed the meaning of the film's opening sequence?

[@MrKg1991]

James Kenney damn the film was so good and the ending so astonishing that I forgot about the opening, wonder what that was about?

[@RollingOrmond]

@Yan I thought it was Louis Cypher had just killed a homeless person.

[@salimcardine]

@Yan The cat and the dog that find the body one by it's nose the other that sneaks around (the cat) both are just animals and the body is one sole taken by the evil

[@nicholasjanke3476]

I think the dead lady in the opening scene is supposed to have been another of Johnny Favourite's/Harry Angel's victims from perhaps another ritual he performed. Mabey he had a woman killed in another ritual just before he took on the Cypher case, but repressed the memory as usual.

[@globalnomad1221]

Mickey didn't realize, he would be going to hell soon enough....

[@environmentart]

fan = prince of the air

[@3ertin]

Angel Heart does have a strong fanbase for some reason. Eventhough it has many flaws.

[@pauldockree9915]

New Orleans

[@elliotagain7731]

Somebody deep fake change it to Nicholson and Brando lol i am like 666 🤘

[@pillowboy7995]

I got a thing about chickens

[@0Chujo0]

i don't like messy account

[@lazylefthand]

So both johnny favorite and harry angels souls belong to the devil? Harry shouldn't have went to mardi gras...

[@fgoindarkg]

No. Cyphre called out to Harry. Rourke's voice answers: "Johnny". Harry had accepted the role of Johnny. Too bad. It was the devil's greatest trick.

[@cattuslavandula]

Mickey Rourke was flipping amazing in Angel Heart. I can't begin to imagine Jack Nicholson in the role. Yuck.

[@kingoftheseamusic]

Tom Waits could have played the Angel character

[@salimcardine]

in a remake?

[@9964jjc]

No mention of Sophocles? Disappointing. Wrong director.? Green eyes?

[@fredfat1606]

angel stomach

[@classicartfoundation639]

Brilliant film but Di Nero wasn't necessary, Rourke carried it off enough himself

[@salimcardine]

he was good at playing what everyone pictures at for the devil. Once you loose your sole you're his but Rourke shows he can fight evil

[@chiefscheider]

@@salimcardine Don't you hate losing your sole? You gotta buy another pair of shoes

[@humanentity2214]

I disagree. De Niro's performance won't be forgotten, even though he hardly even got < 15 minutes of screen time. It was pure acting even with very limited dialogue. I was left even more impressed that a mighty actor like De Niro accepted such a small part and still made it a gem.

[@chrisoleary9876]

The guy on the right can't fit in his chair..what a blubbery mess! 😅

[@mcleanedwards7748]

Boring