Into the Night

Into the Night is an intriguing thriller that expertly blends elements of black comedy, suspense, and drama. Directed by John Landis and released in 1985, the film has a unique take on the quintessential Los Angeles noir style, showcasing the city's dark underbelly through a series of unexpected and captivating turns.

The film features an all-star cast led by the dynamic pairing of Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer. Goldblum plays Ed Okin, a mild-mannered and depressed aerospace engineer who can't sleep due to his disintegrating marriage and monotonous job. On the advice of his friend, he decides to alleviate his insomnia by taking a late-night drive around Los Angeles, the city of angels shrouded in the mystery of night.

Parallel to this, Into the Night introduces the character of Diana, portrayed by Pfeiffer - an enigmatic woman with a charming façade who is unwittingly embroiled in a dangerous smuggling operation involving precious gems. From their chance encounter, the narrative dives into an adrenaline-fueled roller coaster ride as Ed’s mundane life takes a 180-degree turn. Suddenly, he's co-piloting Diana's wild cohort in a high-stakes underworld chase. Despite the chaos and danger, a bond forms between the duo, piquing a heightened sense of intrigue and drama.

Into the Night captures the essence of a noir film with its contrasting imagery of the glitzy yet dark Los Angeles after dark, which complements the complicated and intense circumstances the film's protagonists find themselves in. The film's use of nightscapes to heighten the tension and create the perfect backdrop for the characters' complex labyrinth through crime-ridden streets is a sight to behold in and of itself.

Excellently scored by Blues Brothers' Ira Newborn, the movie offers an appealing soundtrack that reinforces the high energy and emotionally charged narrative of the film. Meanwhile, the screenplay benefits from Ron Koslow's dialogue, which is packed with wit, cynicism, and humor appropriate for the film's dark yet comedic undertone.

Notably, Into the Night is also filled with cameo appearances by numerous directors such as David Cronenberg, Jim Henson, and even the film's own director Landis amongst others, giving film buffs plenty of Easter eggs to revel in. These cameos, seemingly innocent and vibrant against the chaotic backdrop, further amplify the absurdity and thrill of the characters' misadventures.

The performances in Into the Night are exceptional, with Goldblum excellently conveying the quiet desperation and astounded confusion of an ordinary man plunged into extraordinary circumstances. Meanwhile, Pfeiffer's performance as the bubbly yet mysterious seductress is equally commendable, and the chemistry between the two leads is part of what makes the movie so engaging.

In a nutshell, Into the Night is a criminally overlooked gem in the pantheon of '80s cinema. A roller coaster ride through LA's after-hours landscape, this film delivers an entertaining and thrilling journey where danger lurks around every corner. With an outstanding cast, cameo-filled narrative, hauntingly beautiful cinematography, and an edgy, suspenseful story interspersed with witty humor, Into the Night perfectly encapsulates a captivating journey from dull routine into unpredictable chaos. It's definitely a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and black comedies.