Rating of
3/4
"Angel Heart" by Yojimbo
Yojimbo - wrote on 12/15/11
Down at heel private eye Harry Angel is employed to track down an old time crooner and becomes embroiled in a world of black magic and murder. Allan Parker's tribute to Film Noir makes great use of the local colour of Harlem and the Louisiana Bayou to create a dark, brooding atmosphere in this beautifully shot supernatural thriller. Mickey Rourke puts in a good performance as the gumshoe who is seemingly out of his depth in this shadowy world and a fine supporting cast all play their part along with some intense sound design to create a suitably otherworldly and Hellish feel. The plot is perhaps a little thin as none of the supporting characters actually live long enough to conjure any really meaningful interaction with the protagonist leaving it feeling a little episodic, but the sense of dread and foreboding is tangible. A great lesson in how to create tension and atmosphere even if the story is a little lacking.
