This is one of the most underrated films of the 80s. A lot of critics hated it and audiences pretty much stayed away from it, and about the only thing it's remembered for is the catchy soundtrack by Wang Chung and the awesome car chase. This is a film that I hope, along with Michael Cimino's YEAR OF THE DRAGON, a similar film that came out the same year, will be reevaluated in the years to come. Similar to THE FRENCH CONNECTION, TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. is not a ripoff or imitation, but a new film made in a different style. William Petersen plays a Secret Service agent out to get a slick counterfeiter played by Willem Dafoe. They are very good at their professions, and they have interesting hobbies when they're not working; Petersen bungee-jumps off bridges, Dafoe is an artist who burns his paintings after he completes them. They each also have a girlfriend who are both informants. The movie has an interesting way of presenting Los Angeles; it is seen a decadent wasteland, full of sleazy lowlifes who are out to make a fast buck at any cost. What is noteworthy is that there are no good or decent characters in the film, except for Petersen's partner who is ambushed early in the film. Subsequently, the line between good and bad disappears during the film, as in the scene where Petersen and his new partner played by John Pankow kidnap a man who might be a jewel smuggler. Petersen's superiors are seen as burned-out bureaucrats who couldn't care less. In fact, Dafoe's corrupt lawyer played by Dean Stockwell shows more compassion. The cinematography by Robby Muller and Wang Chung's music really enhance the film, especially during the opening credits and a sequence which shows Dafoe making counterfeit bills. There is also a most unexpected development near the end of the film that would never happen in a more mainstream action thriller. The film also features some good performances is small parts from actors like John Turturro and Steve James. All in all, this is well worth watching.
Review of To Live and Die in L.A.
