To Live and Die in L.A.: Neon-Soaked Nihilism That Still Rings True

Okay, I finally sat down and really watched William Friedkin's To Live and Die in L.A. (1985). I'd caught bits and pieces over the years, but never the whole thing in one go. And... wow. It's definitely got that 80s sheen – synth score, stylish violence, the whole nine yards – but it's more than just a stylistic exercise. It’s bleak. Like properly, deeply bleak. I think the whole concept of 'good guys' versus 'bad guys' getting completely blurred is done really well here. Willem Dafoe as Eric Masters is just perfect. Cold, calculating, and utterly devoid of moral compass. He's not some mustache-twirling villain; he's just a guy, a really talented guy, who happens to be making a killing (literally) printing fake money. And William Petersen as Richard Chance... well, he's supposed to be the hero but he's basically a psychopath with a badge. That car chase scene? Holy moly – it's one of the best ever, but it underlines just how far Chance is willing to go. When he torches that innocent woman's car... it's a real “uh oh, is this guy really the one we're rooting for?” moment. I'm still trying to figure out what the heck happened at the end there. I thought the ending was a bit too downbeat. Friedkin's direction is masterful, especially the way he captures the seediness of Los Angeles. It's not the glamorous Hollywood version; it's the underbelly, the places where the sun don't shine. And the pacing is relentless. Once it gets going, it doesn't let up. The use of Wang Chung's soundtrack works so well, too. It's a time capsule, but it also adds to the sense of unease and dread. Ultimately, To Live and Die in L.A. isn't just a good action thriller. It's a cynical commentary on law enforcement, morality, and the corrupting influence of money. It's a tough watch, for sure, but it's a rewarding one. Anyone have favorite scenes in the movie?