The Morning After

The Morning After is a 1986 noir crime thriller film directed by Sidney Lumet and written by James Cresson. It stars Academy Award-winning actress Jane Fonda alongside esteemed actors Jeff Bridges and Raul Julia.

Jane Fonda portrays the character of Alex Sternbergen, an alcoholic, washed-up, former film actress who's trying to cope with her fading career and allure. Despite enjoying fame and success as a movie star early on in her life, Alex finds herself in a downward spiral of excess and despair as doors to glamour slam shut. Having turned to alcohol to numb her disillusionment with life, Alex spirally sinks into unending debauchery. Mystery unfurls as Alex wakes up one day dirty drunk next to a murdered man with no memory of what happened the previous night.

Fascinatingly layered yet purely tragic, Fonda's character requires a deep emotional investment which she delivers flawlessly. With her performance, she manages to create an empathetic character out of an otherwise hateful personality. From her vulnerability to her wishful desire for resurrection, each emotion is portrayed vividly in her commendable portrayal. For her performance in this film, Jane Fonda earned her seventh nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.

Jeff Bridges steps into the shoes of Turner Kendall, an ex-cop who gets caught up in Alex's life and ends up getting embroiled in her chaotic mess. As they get tangled in the web of murder mysteries, their relationship further complicates, and Bridges showcases great skill in portraying his role with charm and ease. His character provides much-needed balance, imbuing rationality, calmness, and compassionate strength set against Alex's erratic, dramatic, vulnerable edges.

Raul Julia portrays Joaquin Manero, Alex's estranged husband and renowned hairdresser, whose complexities add another layer to the suspense of the film. Julia effectively portrays the intriguing persona that keeps the audience guessing about his role in the unsettling chaos. Joaquin's layered character and its role in the plot viscously thickens the cloud of suspense, making the film a captivating watch.

In this intriguing thriller, the city of Los Angeles plays a crucial role as it forms the backdrop to this mystery. The film masterfully uses the cityscape to create a sense of despair and desolation, mirroring Alex's personal turmoil. Its fractured streets, ramshackle homes, and dingy bars are in stark contrast to the artificial glamour of Hollywood, effectively highlighting the disparity between Alex’s past life and her present situation.

Directed by Sidney Lumet, renowned for his thought-provoking narratives and complex characters, The Morning After doesn't disappoint. Known for his intense dramas like Serpico and Network, Lumet brings sophistication to the crime thriller genre. The Morning After is an emotionally charged exploration of the human psyche and a captivating puzzle of intrigue and deceit.

The screenplay for The Morning After has been skillfully penned by James Cresson. With its brilliant plot twists and engaging dialogues, the film keeps the audience captivated, making Cresson's skill shine throughout the movie. The plot slowly unravels, keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats as they piece together the mystery along with the characters.

Overall, The Morning After is a complex venture, seeped in suspense and human drama. The central characters' lives are inextricably intertwined amidst an intriguing murder mystery, and the film delves deep into their psyches and their problems, predominantly Alex's addiction woes. Aided by exceptional performances by its lead cast, especially Fonda’s outstanding portrayal of a flawed woman seeking redemption, The Morning After offers an enriching experience for lovers of suspense, drama and beautiful characterisation. Lumet's strong direction and Cresson's absorbing script make this a worthwhile viewing experience.