Angel Heart

| 1987

Directed by: Alan Parker

Main Plot

Angel Heart follows private investigator Harry Angel, who is hired to locate a missing singer named Johnny Favorite. Set in the 1980s, the story begins as Angel delves into the dark and mysterious world of jazz and voodoo in New Orleans. As he investigates, he uncovers a series of gruesome murders linked to his case, leading him deeper into a web of deception and supernatural elements. The investigation takes a toll on Angel's psyche as he encounters various characters, including a voodoo priestess and a mysterious woman, who reveal unsettling truths about his own past. As the plot unfolds, Angel grapples with themes of identity, fate, and the battle between good and evil, ultimately confronting the chilling reality of his own connection to the case. The film blends noir elements with horror, creating a tense atmosphere filled with intrigue and suspense.

Characters

  • Harry Angel, a private investigator, is hired to track down a missing person, leading him into a dark, supernatural mystery involving identity and soul-searching.
  • Louis Cyphre, played by Robert De Niro, is a mysterious client who hires a private detective to find a missing person, leading to dark and supernatural revelations.
  • Lisa Bonet plays Epiphany Proudfoot, a young woman who helps the protagonist uncover dark secrets about his past and his connection to her deceased father.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Angel Heart, the protagonist, private investigator Harry Angel, uncovers a shocking truth about his identity and the nature of his mission. Throughout the film, Angel has been searching for a missing singer, but as the investigation unfolds, he experiences a series of violent and surreal events that lead him to question his own sanity. The climax reveals that Angel is, in fact, the missing singer, Johnny Favorite, who had made a pact with the devil to gain fame and fortune. To fulfill this pact, he had to sacrifice his own soul, leading to a split personality. The murders that Angel has been investigating are actually the result of his own actions, as he subconsciously eliminates those who threaten to expose his true identity. In the final moments, Angel confronts the reality of his past and the consequences of his choices. The film concludes with him accepting his fate, trapped in a cycle of violence and despair, as he realizes he cannot escape the darkness within himself. This resolution ties back to the overarching themes of identity, morality, and the struggle between good and evil, leaving the audience with a haunting sense of inevitability.

Alan Parker Horror Mystery Thriller Mickey Rourke Robert De Niro Lisa Bonet