Angel Heart Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A private eye with a serious chicken phobia and an even worse smoking habit gets hired by the Devil (disguised as a smooth-talking lawyer) to find himself, which, surprise!, leads to murder, voodoo, and one seriously awkward family reunion.

🍿 Angel Heart: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Case Begins

In 1955, Brooklyn private investigator Harry Angel is hired by Louis Cyphre, a mysterious and wealthy man, to locate a singer named Johnny Favorite. Favorite owes Cyphre a debt, and Cyphre wants Angel to find him, dead or alive. The investigation starts in New York, where Angel begins interviewing people connected to Favorite’s past.

A Trail of Death

As Angel delves deeper into the case, he discovers that everyone he interviews ends up dead shortly after his visit. This pattern quickly makes him a suspect in the murders, increasing the pressure on him to solve the mystery. The deaths are brutal and often linked to occult practices, hinting at a darker force at play.

Journey to New Orleans

The investigation leads Angel to New Orleans, where he encounters voodoo and other occult practices linked to Johnny Favorite. He meets Epiphany Proudfoot, a young woman involved in voodoo rituals, who has a connection to the missing singer. The atmosphere becomes increasingly surreal and unsettling, blurring the line between reality and nightmare.

Unraveling the Truth

As Angel gets closer to the truth, he begins to experience fragmented memories and disturbing visions. He discovers that Johnny Favorite was involved in black magic and made a pact with the Devil to achieve fame. These revelations force Angel to confront his own identity and the true nature of his mission.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harry Angel (Mickey Rourke): A down-on-his-luck private investigator who slowly uncovers a dark truth about himself while searching for a missing singer.
• Louis Cyphre (Robert De Niro): A mysterious and unsettling man who hires Harry Angel to find Johnny Favorite, but is ultimately revealed to be Lucifer.
• Epiphany Proudfoot (Lisa Bonet): A young voodoo priestess who becomes entangled with Harry Angel and holds a crucial connection to the Johnny Favorite case.
• Margaret Krusemark (Charlotte Rampling): A wealthy and enigmatic woman with ties to Johnny Favorite and the occult, whom Harry Angel seeks out for information.
• Toots Sweet (Brownie McGhee): A blues musician and former associate of Johnny Favorite who is reluctant to share information with Harry Angel.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Louis Cyphre: “Alas… how terrible is wisdom when it brings no profit to the wise, Johnny?” – Cyphre says this to Angel, hinting at Johnny’s past and the consequences of his choices.
• Louis Cyphre: “They say there’s just enough religion in the world to make men hate each other, but not enough to make them love.” – Said during a conversation with Angel, reflecting Cyphre’s cynical view of humanity and religion.
• Louis Cyphre: “You know, in some cultures, they say the egg represents the soul.” – Spoken while eating an egg, Cypher uses it as a symbolic gesture to represent the trading of Johnny Favourite’s soul.
• Harry Angel: “I know who I am!” – Said by Harry Angel before the climax when he discovers the truth of his real identity.
• Louis Cyphre: “If you’re so clever, how come you’re dead?” – As the elevator descends, the quote taunts Angel as he is about to enter the depths of Hell for his sins.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $17,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,185,632
• Worldwide Gross: $17,185,954

💥 Angel Heart Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, Angel Heart messed with my head in the best possible way! Mickey Rourke is fantastic as the down-on-his-luck private investigator, and Robert De Niro just oozes evil. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, trying to figure out what was going on. The ending blew my mind – I definitely didn’t see that coming! Plus, the New Orleans setting added so much to the creepy atmosphere. This movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good psychological thriller.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir films”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological thrillers”
  • “Those who appreciate occult themes in cinema”
  • “Admirers of Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro’s acting”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Sexual content and nudity”
  • “Occult themes and disturbing imagery”
  • “Mature subject matter”

Professional Reviews

• FilmCritic.com: “Angel Heart’s blend of noir and the occult creates a truly unsettling atmosphere. Rourke’s performance is mesmerizing, and De Niro’s subtle menace is unforgettable. While the plot can be dense, the sheer artistry makes it a must-see.
• Variety: “A stylish thriller, Angel Heart is powered by strong performances from Rourke and De Niro. Parker creates an effective sense of dread, making this one of the more memorable genre films of the 1980s. The imagery and twists will stay with you long after the credits roll.
• RogerEbert.com: “Angel Heart creates a palpable sense of foreboding. Its combination of psychological horror and detective story is truly impressive. Some may find the graphic content off-putting, but it is essential to the themes explored in the film. It is a dark, stylish, and thought-provoking film.

Audience Reactions

The twist ending was both shocking and brilliantly executed, completely changing how you see the entire film.: Viewers were captivated by the film’s intense atmosphere, fantastic performances, and unforgettable twist ending.

Overall Consensus: Angel Heart is a dark and stylish thriller, highly praised for its atmosphere, acting, and mind-bending twist ending. It is a classic of the neo-noir genre. Not for everyone, but rewarding for those who appreciate complex storytelling.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alan Parker claims that Robert De Niro’s performance as Louis Cyphre was so eerie and realistic that he generally avoided him during his scenes, letting him direct himself.”
• “The controversial sex scene between Mickey Rourke and Lisa Bonet was slightly cut before release to avoid an X rating. The European theatrical version and US video version restore the missing footage.”
• “The spinning fans, recurring elevator imagery, and dripping water are visual motifs that symbolize Harry Angel’s descent into hell and his fragmented memories.”

🖥️ How to Watch Angel Heart?

Angel Heart is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services or cable providers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Angel Heart, you might like these similar films:

• The Ninth Gate (1999): A rare book dealer gets drawn into a Satanic conspiracy while authenticating a rare book rumored to summon the Devil.
• Se7en (1995): Two detectives track a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives.
• The Exorcist (1973): Deals with themes of demonic possession and the battle between good and evil, similar to the supernatural elements in ‘Angel Heart’.
• Jacob’s Ladder (1990): A Vietnam veteran tries to determine if his terrifying visions are real or the result of a psychological experiment.

🛒 Angel Heart Related Products

• Angel Heart [Blu-ray]: Experience Angel Heart in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Includes special features like interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Fallen Angel by William Hjortsberg: Delve deeper into the world of Angel Heart with the novel that inspired the film. Discover additional details and nuances not fully explored on screen.
• Angel Heart Movie Poster: Own a piece of film history with a reproduction of the original Angel Heart movie poster. Perfect for decorating a home theater or adding to a collection.
• Robert De Niro as Louis Cyphre Funko Pop!: Add a touch of sinister charm to your collection with a Funko Pop! figure of Robert De Niro as the unforgettable Louis Cyphre.

🎧 Soundtrack

Angel Heart features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Girl Of My Dreams” – performed by Glen Gray and his Casa Loma Orchestra
• “I’m in the Mood for Love” – performed by Julie London
• “Lonely Boy Blues” – performed by Trevor Jones

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Angel Heart–Robert Deniro at his best..Egg rolling scene..Mickey Rourke

Take a moment to witness Robert De Niro’s brilliance in this captivating scene from Angel Heart. His performance is absolutely mesmerizing!

✨ Rate