Cast
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Scott Glenn
as Long John
Charles Dierkop
as General
James Iglehart
as Monk
Gilda Texter
as Astrid
Gary Littlejohn
as Axe
Gary Busey
as Henry
Janet Wood
as Vicki
Don Carerra
as Juicer
Brendan Kelly
as Brain
Dirty Denny
as Rings
Neva Davis
as Clean Shiela
Cherie Latimer
as Lucifer's Girl
Steve Slauson
as Magic
John Raymond Taylor
as Crab
Larry Tucker
as Lucifer
Crew
Director
- Joe Viola
Producer
- Jonathan Demme
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Angels Hard as They Come examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Joe Viola brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1971, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Angels Hard as They Come took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 391 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1971, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Angels Hard as They Come shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Running with Scissors, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Angels Hard as They Come offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Donnie Brasco and Birds of Passage explore similar territory, Angels Hard as They Come stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 1, 1971
- Runtime: 1h 25m
Where to Watch
