To Live and Die in L.A. (1985), directed by William Friedkin, is one of the most stylish neo-noir crime thrillers of the 80s—gritty, tense, and soaked in moral ambiguity. Below is a fully detailed, spoiler-rich exploration of the film.
Detailed Summary
Opening: The Dangerous Life of Secret Service Agents
The film introduces Secret Service agents Richard Chance and Jimmy Hart, specialists in counterfeit investigations. Their target is Eric Masters, an elusive, brilliant, and brutally violent counterfeiter. Early on, Masters murders Agent Hart, setting the emotional and narrative engine of the story in motion. Chance vows revenge, and this obsessive pursuit becomes the film’s primary force.
Vukovich and Chance Team Up
Chance is assigned a new, straight-laced partner, John Vukovich. Chance quickly drags Vukovich into morally questionable tactics, pushing the boundaries of the law. Their hunt for Masters becomes more personal and reckless—Chance wants justice, but increasingly he wants vengeance. Vukovich, meanwhile, becomes the audience surrogate, torn between legality and loyalty.
The Heist Setup: Crossing the Line
To catch Masters, they need evidence and leverage. Chance decides to fund an undercover buy using stolen money, something explicitly illegal. Vukovich resists but is reluctantly pulled in. When their planned robbery goes wrong, they end up killing an undercover FBI agent—one of the film’s pivotal shocks.
This moment marks the point of no return, blurring the line between criminals and pursuers.
Masters Closes In
Masters becomes suspicious of Chance’s tactics and intentions. In classic neo-noir fashion, the tensions of obsession, deception, and betrayal tighten until they finally explode.
Movie Ending
The climax arrives when Chance and Vukovich attempt to arrest Masters during a volatile transaction. In a brutally sudden and shocking moment, Chance is shot in the face and killed—one of the most unexpected protagonist deaths in 1980s cinema.
Friedkin intentionally subverts the “untouchable hero” trope; the film’s final act becomes Vukovich’s story.
After Chance’s death:
- Vukovich continues the mission, driven by shock, rage, and a strange sense of obligation.
- He confronts Masters during an escape attempt. In the violent showdown, Vukovich kills Masters, ending the dangerous counterfeiting operation.
- However, the victory feels hollow.
The final scenes show Vukovich adopting Chance’s aggressive, morally compromised behavior, even speaking to others in the same manipulative tone Chance used. The message becomes clear:
the corruption Chance embraced has now been passed on—becoming Vukovich’s new identity.
The ending is intentionally bleak, cyclical, and morally unsettling.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. The film has no post-credits scene.
Type of Movie
The film is a neo-noir crime thriller with heavy psychological tension, stylized action, and an emphasis on moral decay within law enforcement.
Cast
- William Petersen as Richard Chance
- Willem Dafoe as Eric Masters
- John Pankow as John Vukovich
- Dean Stockwell as Bob Grimes
- Darlanne Fluegel as Ruth
- Debra Feuer as Bianca
- John Turturro as Carl Cody
Film Music and Composer
The soundtrack is composed and performed by Wang Chung, whose electronic, pulsating music gives the movie its distinctive 80s tone. The opening theme and chase sequence cues are considered iconic.
The music itself becomes an essential storytelling element, shaping the anxious, feverish atmosphere.
Filming Locations
Most of the film was shot on location in Los Angeles, using industrial districts, freeways, and real government buildings. These gritty settings reinforce the film’s themes:
- Downtown L.A. warehouses — perfect backdrop for the counterfeiting operation
- L.A. river basin — setting for the legendary car chase
- Federal buildings in L.A. — grounding the story in realism
Friedkin wanted a city that felt alive, unstable, and morally grey, and Los Angeles perfectly matched that vision.
Awards and Nominations
While not a major awards contender, the film received critical praise for:
- Innovative cinematography
- Willem Dafoe’s performance
- The groundbreaking car chase sequence
It later became a cult classic and is now considered one of the defining neo-noirs of the 1980s.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Friedkin demanded realism; many scenes were filmed with real counterfeit printers and experts.
- The iconic car chase, filmed in reverse traffic, was done mostly without CGI or controlled streets.
- Petersen and Dafoe performed many of their own stunts.
- Friedkin allowed actors to improvise dialogue, particularly in tense moments.
- The studio initially opposed killing Chance but Friedkin insisted—it was key to the film’s theme of moral corruption.
Inspirations and References
- Inspired by the novel of the same name by Gerald Petievich, a former Secret Service agent.
- Petievich’s real-life knowledge of counterfeit rings heavily shaped the plot and procedures.
- Friedkin drew influence from classic noir films where detectives become morally compromised.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- Early drafts had Chance survive, but Friedkin rejected this to maintain thematic integrity.
- Deleted scenes include extended counterfeit-lab sequences showing more detailed creation of fake bills.
- Some character backstory scenes were removed to keep pacing tight and suspenseful.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Since the film is based on Gerald Petievich’s novel, key differences include:
- The book is more procedural, focusing heavily on Secret Service technique.
- The film amplifies style, color, and psychological tension.
- Masters is less flamboyant in the book; Friedkin leaned into aesthetic villainy.
- The ending is even bleaker in print, with less emotional closure.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The shocking early murder of Agent Hart.
- The failed heist and accidental killing of an undercover agent.
- The intense freeway car chase (often considered one of the best ever filmed).
- Chance’s sudden death.
- Vukovich confronting Masters in the finale.
Iconic Quotes
- “I want Masters. That’s all I care about.” — Chance
- “You’re working with a dead man.”
- “You’re either on the bus or off the bus.” — Chance to Vukovich
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Several counterfeit bills used in the film were so realistic that the production had to destroy them under Secret Service supervision.
- Masters’ artwork is based on real avant-garde L.A. artists from the 80s.
- The color red subtly marks scenes where moral lines are crossed.
Trivia
- Willem Dafoe’s role solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s best villains.
- Friedkin reused editing and pacing techniques from The French Connection.
- The car chase was shot over six weeks.
Why Watch?
Because it’s one of the sharpest, boldest neo-noirs of its era, with a level of grit, style, and psychological complexity that still feels modern. The film explores corruption, obsession, and the thin line between cop and criminal, all wrapped in bold stylistic choices and unforgettable action.
Director’s Other Movies
- The French Connection (1971)
- The Exorcist (1973)
- Sorcerer (1977)
- Cruising (1980)
- Bug (2006)
