Detailed Summary
The Ordinary Night Begins
Paul Hackett (Griffin Dunne) is a word processor living a mundane life in New York City. One evening, after a dull day at work, Paul meets Marcy (Rosanna Arquette) in a cafe. They hit it off, and Marcy invites Paul to her Soho apartment later that night. What begins as a casual night out spirals into a surreal adventure.
The Night Turns Bizarre
Paul’s attempt to visit Marcy becomes a nightmare. He loses all his money when it flies out of a cab window, leaving him stranded in downtown Manhattan without a way to get back home. Once he reaches Marcy’s loft, he finds her to be odd and unpredictable, which only adds to the discomfort and anxiety of his evening.
A String of Chaotic Encounters
Paul’s night gets progressively weirder as he interacts with a series of eccentric characters, including Marcy’s roommate Kiki (Linda Fiorentino), an aggressive bartender named Tom (John Heard), and a quirky waitress named Julie (Teri Garr). Each encounter pushes Paul further into confusion and desperation.
The Neighborhood Turns Against Him
As the night continues, Paul inadvertently becomes the target of a mob led by local residents who mistakenly believe he’s a burglar plaguing the neighborhood. The already bizarre night takes a darkly comedic turn as Paul tries to escape the increasingly hostile streets.
The Climax and Escape
In a frantic final chase, Paul is caught and encased in a plaster sculpture by a couple of eccentric artists. In a twist of fate, the sculpture is loaded onto a truck that drives through the city, eventually depositing Paul—still in the sculpture—back at his office building just as the sun rises. The sculpture breaks apart, and Paul, looking disheveled and exhausted, sits back at his desk, returning to the mundane reality of his day job.
Movie Ending
The film ends on a cynical note as Paul, after a night of surreal adventures, finds himself right back where he started—at his desk, staring blankly at his computer screen. The endless cycle of mundane life is humorously contrasted with the chaos of his night, leaving the viewer with a sense of dark irony.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “After Hours” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This is a black comedy that veers into absurdist and surreal territory, reflecting the style of 1980s indie cinema with a unique mix of humor and anxiety.
Cast
- Griffin Dunne as Paul Hackett
- Rosanna Arquette as Marcy Franklin
- Linda Fiorentino as Kiki Bridges
- Teri Garr as Julie
- John Heard as Tom Schorr
- Catherine O’Hara as Gail
- Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong as the Burglars
Film Music and Composer
Howard Shore composed the score, skillfully blending eerie and whimsical tones to match the film’s bizarre atmosphere. His music enhances the increasingly absurd situations Paul faces.
Filming Locations
- Soho, New York City: Most of the film was shot in Soho, showcasing the gritty, edgy atmosphere of downtown Manhattan in the mid-1980s. The winding streets and shadowy alleys heighten Paul’s escalating feeling of being trapped in a nightmare.
Awards and Nominations
- Cannes Film Festival: Martin Scorsese won the Best Director award.
- Independent Spirit Awards: Nominated for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Male Lead (Griffin Dunne).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Martin Scorsese took on this film after the delays in the production of “The Last Temptation of Christ.”
- Griffin Dunne reportedly became so deeply absorbed in his character’s anxiety that it continued to affect him even when he was off set.
- Kafkaesque stories and the works of Luis Buñuel influenced the creators to adopt a fast-paced and surreal tone.
Inspirations and References
- Kafka and Surrealism: The film’s narrative is reminiscent of Franz Kafka’s absurd and nightmarish tales where ordinary situations spiral out of control.
- Luis Buñuel: Buñuel’s surrealist style strongly influenced Scorsese, evident in the strange interactions and eerie atmosphere throughout the film.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes for “After Hours.” The final cut is tightly paced and aligns with the absurdist vision Scorsese intended.
Book Adaptations and Differences
“After Hours” is an original screenplay by Joseph Minion, not based on a book, but its influences from literature and surrealist cinema are evident.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Paul Losing His Money in the Cab: A pivotal moment that sets the stage for his increasingly desperate night.
- Marcy’s Strange Behavior: The unsettling conversations with Marcy that hint at something off-kilter beneath her cheerful demeanor.
- Paul Encased in Plaster: The bizarre climax where Paul is literally trapped in his nightmare.
Iconic Quotes
- “I just wanted to leave, you know. My apartment. Maybe meet a nice girl. And now I gotta die for it?!”
- “Different rules apply when it gets this late. You know what I mean? It’s like, after hours.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The plaster sculpture Paul is encased in is shaped like a figure reminiscent of Edward Munch’s “The Scream,” symbolizing Paul’s inner turmoil.
- There’s a subtle motif of time running out throughout the film, with clocks constantly appearing in the background.
Trivia
- The film was shot mostly at night over the course of eight weeks, giving it an authentic feel of a late-night odyssey.
- The screenplay was originally titled Lies.
- The club “Club Berlin,” where Paul seeks refuge, is based on actual 1980s New York underground clubs.
Why Watch?
“After Hours” is a masterful blend of dark comedy, surrealism, and anxiety. It’s a film for those who enjoy watching ordinary life unravel in unpredictable and absurd ways, offering a unique exploration of the chaos that can lie beneath the surface of everyday existence.
Director’s Other Movies
- Taxi Driver (1976)
- Raging Bull (1980)
- Goodfellas (1990)
- The King of Comedy (1982)
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Into the Night (1985)
- The King of Comedy (1982)
- Brazil (1985)
- Something Wild (1986)
- American Psycho (2000)
