r/Letterboxd – Film Raffle

Recommended by Killian

Neo-Noir is just that one genre that's effortlessly cool.
From the sun-bleached streets of Los Angeles, to the outrageous 80's hairstyles and the new-wave pop soundtrack, To Live And Die In L.A. embodies everything there is to love about 80's neo-noir.

Stylistically, what Friedkin does with this film is simliar to a ton of Michael Mann's filmography, and I can see some direct parallels with this and Miami Vice. Friedkin's attention to detail is apparent throughout - with one of my favourite scenes showcasing the meticulous way in which Dafoe's character produces his counterfeit cash. Young Dafoe is a dream to watch on screen; his portrayal of the artist-come-smarmy counterfeiter was a surefire way to establish himself as a versatile figurehead in American cinema.