Angel Heart (1987)

Introduction
"Angel Heart" is a 1987 American neo-noir psychological scary and secret movie directed and composed by Alan Parker. The movie features Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, and Lisa Bonet in leading functions. Adjusted from William Hjortsberg's 1978 novel "Falling Angel", the film integrates aspects of film noir, horror, and hardboiled detective fiction.

Plot
The story is set in 1955 and follows the life of Harry Angel (Mickey Rourke), a New York-based private detective who is employed by the mysterious Louis Cyphre (Robert De Niro). Cyphre's odd job for Angel is to locate a missing out on individual called Johnny Favorite, a one-time popular vocalist who disappeared mysteriously throughout World War II. Angel's investigation leads him to New Orleans, plunging him into the dark and spooky scene of the southern swamps.

Examination and Revelation
As Angel dives deeper into the secret of Johnny's disappearance, he satisfies several people connected to Johnny, including the intriguing and stunning Epiphany Proudfoot (Lisa Bonet), Johnny's illegitimate daughter. Nevertheless, each person he fulfills meets a gruesome and typically inexplicably scary end.

Angel discovers that Johnny had actually promised his soul to Cyphre, who is revealed to be the Devil, in exchange for stardom. The complicated loops and puzzling layers begin to unravel, and Angel is deeply disturbed to discover the truth of his own identity.

The Twist
Towards the climax of the story, Angel is faced with the shocking fact; he himself is Johnny Favorite. Johnny had moved his soul into Angel's body throughout a routine in a desperate attempt to avert the devil's claim over his soul. This is why everybody who knew Johnny's real identity was inexplicably killed- to remove anybody who could reveal this to Angel (Johnny) and thus prevent the Devil from claiming his due.

Conclusion
The film concludes with the Devil (Cyphre) lastly declaring what is owed to him. Angel is detained for the murder of individuals he satisfied throughout his investigation, murders that he dedicated unwittingly. As authorities take Angel away, he peers into the rear-view mirror to see Cyphre vanishing, having successfully declared the soul he came to harvest.

Important Reception
"Angel Heart" is praised for its engaging story, special mix of genres, and striking efficiencies, particularly by Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro. Alan Parker's masterful direction and strong usage of meaning were applauded despite the fact that the film's explicit scenes and graphic violence were controversial upon its release.

Significance
The film is substantial for its mixing of noir investigator thriller with supernatural horror, driven by strong efficiencies and the outstanding direction. Alan Parker explained "Angel Heart" as a film about "the search for the human soul". The strong usage of religious and occult significance, a layered narrative secret, and profound expedition of identity contribute to making "Angel Heart" a cult classic.

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