Into the night

In 1985 two leading directors of the time made films about an adventurous night of an otherwise quiet small town. One film was Scorsese's After Hours and the other John Landis' Into the night.

Landis had a strong run of mostly hits in the 80s, and he also signed on to direct the iconic video clip for Michael Jackson's Thriller (in 1983). The same year he made the classic Armchair for Two, but he also found himself in the worst position of his career and life when, on the set of the modular adaptation of the Twilight Zone, co-star Vic Morrow and two young actors were killed when a helicopter crashed into them. . The director was among the accused only to be acquitted later in the trial. The film with which he recovered is this one.

In the lead role Jeff Goldblum, who has just discovered that his wife is cheating on him and by chance, as it would happen to any of us, meets a stunning model (Michelle Pfeiffer, irresistible), who will help her escape from the dangerous gang that stalks her. The film is a comedy-noir hybrid, saved by its fun, sometimes outrageous humor and fine depiction of Los Angeles at night. Co-starring Kathryn Harrold, Irini Pappas (flawless and very charming), Richard Farnsworth (in a brief but touching performance), Bruce Mc Gill & David Bowie (as a hitman).

One of the features of the film, which later became a trademark of the director, are the cameos of many of his fellow directors, who apparently wanted to support Landis after his adventure (see related video in the comments - spoiler alert obviously). He plays one of the gang members, while the Frenchman Roger Vadim, who has a regular role, is especially funny. The music is written by Ira Newborn (Crazy Bullets) and features the great bluesman B.B. King.

Because of the weak script I recommend the film with some reservations, but it's a nice choice for a late night with company and in the mood for a bit of haval - and for film trivia, trying to identify one of the directors.