We have already reviewed my all-time favourite noir, The Grifters (1990), the film adaptation of Jim Thompson’s 1963 novel.
Thompson’s 1955 novel, After Dark, My Sweet, has also been eponymously adapted to the screen; curiously, also in 1990. Again, this is a fantastic neo-noir adaptation of a classic tale.
Jason Patric, Rachel Ward and the inimitable Bruce Dern run circles around each other in this fascinating story of lust, love, manipulation and crime. Everything you want from a sleazy noir is here, and the direction and acting are pitch-perfect.
A special mention to Patric; he is a revelation!
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You can find more information on this U.S. movie on Wikipedia and IMDb.
As always, we recommend you don’t ruin any surprises by reading spoilers or watching trailers. I know some of you cannot resist… but the following trailer basically lays out the whole story for you from beginning to end:
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Title: After Dark, My Sweet (1990)
Language: English
Direction: James Foley
Screenplay: James Foley, Robert Redlin
Based on: After Dark, My Sweet; the 1955 novel by Jim Thompson
Cinematography: Mark Plummer
Editing: Howard E. Smith
Score: Maurice Jarre
Stars: Jason Patric, Rachel Ward, Bruce Dern, George Dickerson
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Wonderful Cinema 
As a huge Rachel Ward fan, I’m surprised that I missed this one. I must find it and check it out! Thanks for this.
It’s a great one, Jeff. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Whoa! This looks good. I started watching the trailer and had to stop it. I’ll be looking for it on Netflix. Thanks for the recommendation.
Do return and let us know what you thought of it, Deborah!
Never heard of this but it sounds interesting.
Most of the films I watch I’ve never heard of before. It adds a bit of excitement to feel as if you’ve found a gem.
Have seen it once and it sure is interesting.
Thanks for stopping by, Kimberly!
You are welcome 🙂
Reblogged this on jwheel6789 and commented:
The best Jim Thompson film. Paranoid and bleak.
Seems like an interesting piece of neo-noir. I should chk it out.
Definitely do, Nuwan! And watch The Grifters (1990), too – it’s even better!