Revisiting ‘Angel Heart’ (1987): The Intersection of Film Noir and Supernatural Horror

Over the years I’ve developed quite a fondness for Alan Parker’s film “Angel Heart.” This 1987 neo-noir supernatural thriller stands as one of those rare gems that somehow manages to become more intriguing and layered with each viewing. After recently revisiting it, I want to share my appreciation for this often-overlooked masterpiece. It is one of the few films that expertly blends hardboiled detective fiction with occult horror. If that sound like something you’re into, then hopefully you’ll find something in this post to tickle your fancy.

A Personal Connection

I first encountered “Angel Heart” during my formative years, probably too young to fully grasp its complexities, but old enough to be permanently marked by its atmospheric dread and shocking revelations. Watching it again recently, I was struck by how well it has aged – its flavors have only become more complex and interesting with time.

The Source Material

Before unpacking the film itself, it’s worth noting that “Angel Heart” is based on William Hjortsberg’s novel “Falling Angel.” As someone who’s sampled both, I can make the somewhat controversial statement that this is one of those rare instances where the film actually surpasses its source material. While Hjortsberg’s novel is a solid piece of supernatural noir, Parker’s adaptation elevates the material through its visual storytelling, atmospheric direction, and powerful performances.

The Plot (MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD)

For those who haven’t experienced this dark journey yet, you might want to skip this section and come back after watching the film.

In 1955, New York City private investigator Harry Angel (Mickey Rourke) is hired by Louis Cyphre (Robert De Niro), a mysterious and refined man, to locate Johnny Favorite, a once-famous singer who disappeared after suffering severe injuries during World War II. Cyphre claims that Favorite owes him a debt tied to a contract and suspects that the private hospital where Favorite was treated has falsified records about his condition.

The Investigation Begins

Harry visits the hospital and discovers that Johnny Favorite was secretly removed years earlier by Dr. Albert Fowler, who was bribed by a man and woman. After interrogating Fowler and locking him in a room to force him through morphine withdrawal, Harry returns to find Fowler dead from an apparent suicide. Disturbed but incentivized by Cyphre’s increased payment, Harry continues his search.

New Orleans and the Occult

Harry follows leads to New Orleans, where he learns more about Johnny’s past. He meets Margaret Krusemark, Johnny’s former wealthy fiancée, who cryptically claims that Johnny is “dead to her.” He also discovers that Johnny had an affair with Evangeline Proudfoot, now deceased, but survived by her daughter Epiphany (Lisa Bonet), who practices voodoo rituals. Harry begins questioning Epiphany but gets little information.

As Harry digs deeper, he encounters Toots Sweet, a musician who knew Johnny. After a tense confrontation, Toots directs Harry back to Margaret. The next morning, Toots is found brutally murdered. Later, Harry finds Margaret dead as well, her heart removed in a ritualistic manner. The police begin suspecting Harry’s involvement in the murders.

Revelations About Johnny Favorite

Harry confronts Ethan Krusemark, Margaret’s father and a powerful Louisiana patriarch. Ethan reveals that Johnny was not just a singer but also a powerful occultist who sold his soul to Satan for fame. To escape his pact with the devil, Johnny performed a dark ritual: he kidnapped a soldier of the same age and appearance as himself and consumed the soldier’s heart in order to steal his soul and assume his identity. However, before fully completing his plan, Johnny was drafted into the war and severely injured, leaving him with amnesia.

Ethan admits that he and Margaret helped remove Johnny from the hospital but abandoned him in Times Square on New Year’s Eve 1943. While hearing this story, Harry experiences nausea and confusion. When he returns to confront Ethan, he finds him drowned in a pot of boiling gumbo.

The Shocking Truth

At Margaret’s home, Harry discovers dog tags belonging to “Harold Angel.” He realizes with horror that he is not Harold Angel at all—he is Johnny Favorite. The ritual worked so well that Johnny completely forgot his true identity and lived as Harry Angel for years.

Louis Cyphre reappears and reveals himself as Lucifer (“Louis Cyphre” being a homophone for “Lucifer”). Cyphre explains that all the murders—Fowler, Toots Sweet, Margaret Krusemark, Ethan Krusemark, and even Epiphany—were committed by Harry/Johnny under Lucifer’s influence to eliminate anyone who knew about his past. As Harry looks into a mirror, he recalls committing these murders in graphic detail.

Final Moments

Harry returns to find Epiphany dead with his dog tags around her neck and his gun as the murder weapon. The police arrive and accuse him of her murder. When they say he will “burn for this,” Harry replies grimly: “Yeah. In Hell.” The film ends with Harry descending into an elevator—a symbolic descent into eternal damnation—while Cyphre claims his soul.

Technical Brilliance

The film’s technical aspects deserve special mention. Michael Seresin’s cinematography is nothing short of magnificent, creating a sultry, oppressive atmosphere that perfectly captures both the noir elements of 1950s New York and the humid, supernatural-tinged atmosphere of New Orleans. The transition between these two worlds is handled masterfully, with the film’s visual palette shifting from classic noir shadows to an increasingly nightmarish Southern Gothic aesthetic.

Performances That Haunt

Mickey Rourke, in what I consider one of his career-best performances, brings a perfect combination of world-weary cynicism and vulnerable confusion to Harry Angel. His transformation from cocky private eye to a man unraveling at the seams is completely convincing and deeply unsettling.

Robert De Niro’s portrayal of Louis Cyphre is a masterclass in understated menace. With perfectly manicured nails, slicked-back hair, and a quiet intensity, he creates one of cinema’s most memorable devils without ever resorting to scenery-chewing theatrics.

Lisa Bonet’s controversial performance as Epiphany Proudfoot deserves special mention. While the explicit nature of her scenes caused quite a stir at the time, her portrayal of a young voodoo practitioner adds crucial authenticity to the film’s exploration of New Orleans spirituality.

Why It Works

What makes “Angel Heart” so effective is its perfect fusion of genres. It starts as a straightforward noir detective story before gradually introducing supernatural elements, building to a crescendo of psychological horror that questions the nature of identity and damnation. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the horror to build organically rather than relying on cheap jump scares.

While “Angel Heart” may not have been a commercial success upon its initial release, its influence on both horror and noir genres is undeniable. The film’s unique blend of supernatural horror with detective noir has inspired countless works since, and its psychological complexity continues to reward repeat viewings.

The Wrap-Up

Revisiting “Angel Heart” after all these years, I’m struck by how well it holds up. Its themes of identity, damnation, and the price of ambition feel as relevant today as they did in 1987. While some might find its pace slow by modern standards, patient viewers will be rewarded with one of the most thought-provoking and atmospheric horror films ever made.

For those who haven’t seen it, I envy you the experience of watching it for the first time. For those who have, it’s probably time for a rewatch. Just remember to pay attention to the eggs – they’re never just eggs.

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Have you seen “Angel Heart”? What did you think about its blend of noir and supernatural horror? Let me know in the comments below!