Movies NEED video essays like this so people discovering these films can understand the depth of craftsmanship and artistry that goes into making them. I've never seen Tequila Sunrise but now I have to.
Wow! Thanks Matt- too kind as always. Primary goal of this video was basically to proselytize on behalf of this movie and lead us into a new renaissance of vibes. Thank you!
I absolutely love this movie! Everything about it just says 80's but in a good way, especially David Sanborn's Sax playing throughout the film, its one that I return to again and again because of it as well its a good representation of the three leads!❤️😎👍
I remember loving the actors in this movie, everybody so immaculate. And Michelle Pfeiffer's cool delivery of the line, "All I see 'em do is eat." Real slick movie.
80s finest. One of these movies that you watch on your own every couple of years. Thought about TS just last week and now this morning this vid shows up 🫡 RIP Raul Julia
I can practically recite this movie line for line :) it's one of those movies that you can just get lost in. Particularly if you're of the era yourself :)
The beginning of the movie is really good, Mel Gibson's character seeing the leftovers of snacks and cigarettes hinted that cops had a stakeout for a while, the slow start with all the details really sets the tone. Everyone acted so well, the sax is on point and the love story is really intense because the girl actually has a relation first with the friend cop, she didn't know she was getting used and she gets hurt but then she realizes that Mel Gibson's character really has been in love with her for all that time. One of my favorite movies of all time and Raul Julia is brilliant.
I saw Tequila Sunrise about 15 years ago. I remember liking it but for some reason or another I never saw it again. I now want to revisit it, I do remember finding the plot a little overwritten but I loved the cast, music, cinematography and the character dynamics were also really engaging.
When it came out, critics, and many viewers, described it as boring and overacted. I could never understand that, I loved it and it has been an all time favorite. The smooth sensuality while always being tasteful, the characters with actual character, the Charade feeling and of course the actors. All playing well and damn, Pfeiffer, Gibson and Russel were so beautiful to look at...without being displayed like meat. The soundtrack a little bit too heavy on the Sax, but thats the 80th :D
Great deconstruction! I love this movie so much I had to go out and order rigatoni Quattro formaggi after several viewings. I didn’t know the stuff about the Towne/Nicholaon friendship. Just one quibble… it’s JT Walsh, not Bruce McGill!
Solid job with this, one of my favorite films, having seen it a dozen times. Nice to see someone singing the praises of a work as opposed to far too many who delight in mostly mocking a film when reviewing it. (As if they could do better. ) As for Raul Julia's "And no man should be judged for which way his dick points. That's like blaming a compass for pointing north!" I've always wondered if this amusingly vulgar gem was writer/director Robert Towne slipping in a pro-gay rights position. Remember, he's writing this circa 1986.
This is one I was disappointed by when I saw it because I love all the main actors. Your video definitely makes me want to rewatch it now. It may be a movie where it's best to just ride it's vibe more than focus so much on the plot, there are a few movies that are like this to me, 8 Million Ways to Die (1986) is one and might be a good one for a video. Btw, I'm new here (came cuz of Detective Wolfman) and I'm enjoying your presentation and your lighting is great.
Have thought about it! Even drew up a thumbnail for it- one of my favorites. I need to read the Marlowe book first and see a few more Altman movies. It’s a process!
@@FilmJournalDefinitely check out California Split if you haven't seen that. That is a good B side to TLG. As for Tequila Sunrise, I think I like your essay more than the movie itself. I really enjoy the first hour, but then it sort of goes off the rails a bit. I do love the 40's influence, and it can be visually great at times. And the score definitely works even if some may accuse of it being cheesy.
Saw it when it came out but was expecting an action film as I had seen Lethal weapon and mad Max so obviously was disappointed but my older self now sees how good it is.
Absolutely fantastic review and despite Roger Elbert’s claim the movie was disjointed in its plot I could not disagree more. The only confusion I experienced was Mac’s relative who served as an informant and then said to Mac while he was near the fork lift,(how many company owners are obsessively driving a fork lift?) don’t pass on a chance to make $500,000. Way to cover for your relative who employs you and appears to have his fingers in the drug trade by his interactions with Raul Julia’s character. And is the cousin trying to Get Mac’s love interest killed? Dumb ass informant got killed because the shrewd suave Latin dialect coming from Julia put two and two together and figured this guy was cooperating with the feds to stay out of the slammer and indirectly enrich his Mac and himself while potentially incriminating Mac. Also, he allegedly tipped off a federal agent about a party held for drug dealers. It was a birthday party for children and there were errors in logic here. No big deal. This movie was superbly acted with very very attractive characters….an “eighties” movie that told a story about love , in the end, Fresha had for Mac as a friend despite his desire to be with Michelle Pfeifer’s character and Pfeiffer realizing at one point this Mac fellow really did love her not just to save her life but the because he was in love her. Even if the U.S. attorney eventually forced her hand Mac wanted to be with Joanne and she knew it by his actions. If he ended up in jail so be it. And the scene where Freesh and Mac held guns on eachother? Freesia realized Mac wasn’t interested in money……he was trying to save Joanne. She said she loved him, Mac, on the boat , repeatedly, because she knew no matter what he would risk ruin to keep her alive. She knew he loved her. This is a a devilishly spot on creative and delicious review and the end….when this gorgeous girl, Joann dressed in her femme fatel 1940’ s like dress that hugged her body , faintly revealed its sculpted to perfection walk on the beach no doubt having spotted a boat and her lover drifting in the water ran….ran for intimacy, ran for love to emerge herself in the ocean to embrace the man she wanted to spend her life with, the waves crashing, the sun rising as mimicked in a Tequila drink, the out of nowhere character that always lends a helping hand when it’s needed most picked up Gibson or Mac several hours earlier in his boat after presumed dead in the fire, communicating with Freshia ….. and the sacrifice he made for his friend , (freesia) by saving his life and reuniting him with Joann speaks for the intense intimacy of these characters and Freshia’s desire to place the desperately needed closure on this love story between friends and a woman that was iirristable in countless ways able to fill that half empty glass in those who ever had the privilege of interacting with her. The ending credits and song were the perfect touch as well. Again this is a great film acted superbly in all its subtle nuances with all the touches of fine dining, drug dealers, beach homes, beautiful people, a popular drink, a TEQUILA SUNRISE and a drug dealer that we hope will go straight. An intelligent flick that only made me a tinge sad James Woods was not in there. NOT TO MENTION THIS SPOT ON REVIEW! Oh well….Woods was saved for AGAINST ALL ODDS AND THE GENERALS DAUGHTER.
Well I feel it’s not a great movie. It’s dull and kind of silly with the way the characters play mind games with each other. Very soap opera-esque. But there’s some good dialogue in there. And visually it’s great. It really transports you to another place.
@jasonboyett8867 George did such a brilliant job in bringing together the somewhat fragmented pieces of an otherwise intriguing film, that I can overlook the “McGill” faux pas. My guess is that he (@FilmJournal) may have had the quirky film, “Into the Night” (1985), in the backstreets of his mind at the time this narrative. [McGill (“Charlie”), a flaky Elvis impersonator by night (and total jerk by day), played needy Michelle Pfeiffer’s (“Diana”) older brother.] @FilmJournal, if you have not already considered lending your keen analytic insight to “Into the Night,” I highly implore you to do so. While the movie was more of a gratuitously fun romp, set against the darker, more sinister, undercurrent of very dangerous people (with a *gorgeous* young Pfeiffer as their primary target), one commonality it shares with “Sunrise” (other than Michelle) is the slick look-coupled with excellent casting. [There are so many cameos of well-known director/producers packed into the ride, that one just _has_ to know they were all having more fun than “a human being should be allowed to have” (to quote vintage David Letterman)!] Spoiler alert: Do not watch beyond minute marker 7 min, 27 seconds into the director’s (John Landis) casting narrative. Jeff Goldblum’s frenetic follow-through virtually gives away the ending! ua-cam.com/video/4qLuUDZbUZM/v-deo.html
One small point on which I disagree with you is that Mac is awkward. He's only awkward around Joanne because he is in love with her and he wants her to like him. Mac is a very keen observer of his surroundings and the humans in them. I just love this movie and I love your review.
This is my 'go to 80's comfort movie'. Thank you for the insight on this script. Gibson, Russell, and Julia were superb.
Of course! Glad you enjoyed it!
Movies NEED video essays like this so people discovering these films can understand the depth of craftsmanship and artistry that goes into making them. I've never seen Tequila Sunrise but now I have to.
Wow! Thanks Matt- too kind as always. Primary goal of this video was basically to proselytize on behalf of this movie and lead us into a new renaissance of vibes. Thank you!
@@FilmJournal Let the Renaissance begin! It's long overdue, and I'm ready for it. Keep these vids a-comin', buddy🤘
Great break down!
Great review, thanks for investing time to explain the many facets of this underrated movie gem.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I absolutely love this movie! Everything about it just says 80's but in a good way, especially David Sanborn's Sax playing throughout the film, its one that I return to again and again because of it as well its a good representation of the three leads!❤️😎👍
It's a classic!
@@FilmJournal AGREED!❤️😎👍
I kept waiting for Sanborn's name to get mentioned.
Thanks for the recommendation. It was great. You found so many little details, this movie felt full of them. It was so well written.
I remember loving the actors in this movie, everybody so immaculate. And Michelle Pfeiffer's cool delivery of the line, "All I see 'em do is eat." Real slick movie.
"Did you just call me slick?" Pfeiffer's character says to Gibsnon's. 😂
this channel deserves more subs!
Thanks brother!
Share with your friends! It really helps!
One of my favorites of all time and your review touches on some of the reasons why it's such a rewarding watch.
Excellent commentary, thank you
Absolutely! Glad you enjoyed it!
80s finest. One of these movies that you watch on your own every couple of years. Thought about TS just last week and now this morning this vid shows up 🫡 RIP Raul Julia
Glad it worked out! Great summer vibes movie
@@FilmJournal Top3 Mel Gibson guilty pleasure films:
1. Payback
2. Tequila Sunrise
3. Air America
This is one of my favorite movies and I have it on DVD and I also have the soundtrack as well. I adore Dave Grusin and David Sanborn.
Grusin gang forever
David Sanborn of Lethal Weapon fame. He also plays on _The Pros and Cons of Hitching_ by Roger Waters.
Though, I'm sure you know this.
Thanks for this review. In your last stanza, you articulated why I also find this movie appealing.
I actually love this movie. It’s not an action movie, it’s a film noir. I know it didn’t do well but I personally loved it.
…oh and it’s sexy AF
Exactly! Movies aren't really sexy anymore.
this is the sort of movie Lana Turner would have made in the 1940s
@@TheWaynos73 Is _this_ what you're talking about? ua-cam.com/video/F2LFzqlUqiI/v-deo.html
I can practically recite this movie line for line :) it's one of those movies that you can just get lost in. Particularly if you're of the era yourself :)
Never lived through the era but it paints a very rosy picture of it.
Tragic that movies like this dont get made anymore
You sold me on the movie, will watch it
Love the swing set sceen
Totally
Best in whole movie
My favorite ❤
Looks awesome thank you for showing me. Never heard of this movie before 😮
The beginning of the movie is really good, Mel Gibson's character seeing the leftovers of snacks and cigarettes hinted that cops had a stakeout for a while, the slow start with all the details really sets the tone.
Everyone acted so well, the sax is on point and the love story is really intense because the girl actually has a relation first with the friend cop, she didn't know she was getting used and she gets hurt but then she realizes that Mel Gibson's character really has been in love with her for all that time.
One of my favorite movies of all time and Raul Julia is brilliant.
great little noir romantic thriller - RARE to see this sort of film in the excess 1980s.
I saw Tequila Sunrise about 15 years ago. I remember liking it but for some reason or another I never saw it again. I now want to revisit it, I do remember finding the plot a little overwritten but I loved the cast, music, cinematography and the character dynamics were also really engaging.
Cool! That's great to hear that my video made you want to give it a second look. Thanks for watching!
Good review mate. I like your take on it.
Really appreciate that!
Brilliant review of a Brilliant movie. Well done. Carry on ... ^v^
Thanks so much for the kind words I'm glad you enjoyed it!
When it came out, critics, and many viewers, described it as boring and overacted. I could never understand that, I loved it and it has been an all time favorite. The smooth sensuality while always being tasteful, the characters with actual character, the Charade feeling and of course the actors. All playing well and damn, Pfeiffer, Gibson and Russel were so beautiful to look at...without being displayed like meat. The soundtrack a little bit too heavy on the Sax, but thats the 80th :D
Great deconstruction! I love this movie so much I had to go out and order rigatoni Quattro formaggi after several viewings. I didn’t know the stuff about the Towne/Nicholaon friendship. Just one quibble… it’s JT Walsh, not Bruce McGill!
Solid job with this, one of my favorite films, having seen it a dozen times. Nice to see someone singing the praises of a work as opposed to far too many who delight in mostly mocking a film when reviewing it. (As if they could do better. ) As for Raul Julia's "And no man should be judged for which way his dick points. That's like blaming a compass for pointing north!" I've always wondered if this amusingly vulgar gem was writer/director Robert Towne slipping in a pro-gay rights position. Remember, he's writing this circa 1986.
This is one I was disappointed by when I saw it because I love all the main actors. Your video definitely makes me want to rewatch it now. It may be a movie where it's best to just ride it's vibe more than focus so much on the plot, there are a few movies that are like this to me, 8 Million Ways to Die (1986) is one and might be a good one for a video. Btw, I'm new here (came cuz of Detective Wolfman) and I'm enjoying your presentation and your lighting is great.
Welcome! and thanks so much. Wolfman is the man- check out our Batman review! I'll check out 8 Million Ways!
if you enjoyed it, we need a retrospective of The Long Goodbye!
Have thought about it! Even drew up a thumbnail for it- one of my favorites. I need to read the Marlowe book first and see a few more Altman movies. It’s a process!
@@FilmJournalDefinitely check out California Split if you haven't seen that. That is a good B side to TLG.
As for Tequila Sunrise, I think I like your essay more than the movie itself. I really enjoy the first hour, but then it sort of goes off the rails a bit. I do love the 40's influence, and it can be visually great at times. And the score definitely works even if some may accuse of it being cheesy.
Hell yeah
Thanks King
Saw it when it came out but was expecting an action film as I had seen Lethal weapon and mad Max so obviously was disappointed but my older self now sees how good it is.
I could see that! 😂
You are right.
Many such cases!
Absolutely fantastic review and despite Roger Elbert’s claim the movie was disjointed in its plot I could not disagree more. The only confusion I experienced was Mac’s relative who served as an informant and then said to Mac while he was near the fork lift,(how many company owners are obsessively driving a fork lift?) don’t pass on a chance to make $500,000. Way to cover for your relative who employs you and appears to have his fingers in the drug trade by his interactions with Raul Julia’s character. And is the cousin trying to Get Mac’s love interest killed? Dumb ass informant got killed because the shrewd suave Latin dialect coming from Julia put two and two together and figured this guy was cooperating with the feds to stay out of the slammer and indirectly enrich his Mac and himself while potentially incriminating Mac. Also, he allegedly tipped off a federal agent about a party held for drug dealers. It was a birthday party for children and there were errors in logic here. No big deal. This movie was superbly acted with very very attractive characters….an “eighties” movie that told a story about love , in the end, Fresha had for Mac as a friend despite his desire to be with Michelle Pfeifer’s character and Pfeiffer realizing at one point this Mac fellow really did love her not just to save her life but the because he was in love her. Even if the U.S. attorney eventually forced her hand Mac wanted to be with Joanne and she knew it by his actions. If he ended up in jail so be it. And the scene where Freesh and Mac held guns on eachother? Freesia realized Mac wasn’t interested in money……he was trying to save Joanne. She said she loved him, Mac, on the boat , repeatedly, because she knew no matter what he would risk ruin to keep her alive. She knew he loved her.
This is a a devilishly spot on creative and delicious review and the end….when this gorgeous girl, Joann dressed in her femme fatel 1940’ s like dress that hugged her body , faintly revealed its sculpted to perfection walk on the beach no doubt having spotted a boat and her lover drifting in the water ran….ran for intimacy, ran for love to emerge herself in the ocean to embrace the man she wanted to spend her life with, the waves crashing, the sun rising as mimicked in a Tequila drink, the out of nowhere character that always lends a helping hand when it’s needed most picked up Gibson or Mac several hours earlier in his boat after presumed dead in the fire, communicating with Freshia ….. and the sacrifice he made for his friend , (freesia) by saving his life and reuniting him with Joann speaks for the intense intimacy of these characters and Freshia’s desire to place the desperately needed closure on this love story between friends and a woman that was iirristable in countless ways able to fill that half empty glass in those who ever had the privilege of interacting with her. The ending credits and song were the perfect touch as well. Again this is a great film acted superbly in all its subtle nuances with all the touches of fine dining, drug dealers, beach homes, beautiful people, a popular drink, a TEQUILA SUNRISE and a drug dealer that we hope will go straight. An intelligent flick that only made me a tinge sad James Woods was not in there. NOT TO MENTION THIS SPOT ON REVIEW! Oh well….Woods was saved for AGAINST ALL ODDS AND THE GENERALS DAUGHTER.
Michelle phieffer was just stunning and eternally elegant in this movie.
Gorgeous
She was apparently going through a divorce during filming and wasn’t particularly nice to be around Towne mentioned this.
Well I feel it’s not a great movie. It’s dull and kind of silly with the way the characters play mind games with each other. Very soap opera-esque. But there’s some good dialogue in there. And visually it’s great. It really transports you to another place.
Loved everything about this. But Raul Julia was the best part.
I agree- should have voted more time to his character c he is great in the film
That’s not Bruce Mcgill! It’s J T Walsh!!!
😭
@jasonboyett8867 George did such a brilliant job in bringing together the somewhat fragmented pieces of an otherwise intriguing film, that I can overlook the “McGill” faux pas. My guess is that he (@FilmJournal) may have had the quirky film, “Into the Night” (1985), in the backstreets of his mind at the time this narrative. [McGill (“Charlie”), a flaky Elvis impersonator by night (and total jerk by day), played needy Michelle Pfeiffer’s (“Diana”) older brother.]
@FilmJournal, if you have not already considered lending your keen analytic insight to “Into the Night,” I highly implore you to do so. While the movie was more of a gratuitously fun romp, set against the darker, more sinister, undercurrent of very dangerous people (with a *gorgeous* young Pfeiffer as their primary target), one commonality it shares with “Sunrise” (other than Michelle) is the slick look-coupled with excellent casting. [There are so many cameos of well-known director/producers packed into the ride, that one just _has_ to know they were all having more fun than “a human being should be allowed to have” (to quote vintage David Letterman)!]
Spoiler alert: Do not watch beyond minute marker 7 min, 27 seconds into the director’s (John Landis) casting narrative. Jeff Goldblum’s frenetic follow-through virtually gives away the ending! ua-cam.com/video/4qLuUDZbUZM/v-deo.html
What's that Tarantino bit about Top Gun having a homoerotic subtext?
Destiny turns on the Radio- never seen it!
One small point on which I disagree with you is that Mac is awkward. He's only awkward around Joanne because he is in love with her and he wants her to like him. Mac is a very keen observer of his surroundings and the humans in them. I just love this movie and I love your review.
Wow! Thanks so much I really appreciate that and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
JT Walsh, not Bruce McGill. 😉
I absolutely adore this film. One of my all-time favs. 😍 Wonderfully sexy and slick.
Totally!