Cast
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Burt Reynolds
as Tony Church
Liza Minnelli
as Della Roberts
James Remar
as Dancer
Richard Masur
as Roger
Dionne Warwick
as Beth
Bernie Casey
as Lemar
Robby Benson
as Pitts
John Stanton
as Alexander
John P. Ryan
as Wieser
Larry Dolgin
as Capt. James
Roslyn Alexander
as Miss Barley
Cyrus Elias
as Victor
Ned Schmidtke
as Lindy
Rick LeFevour
as Young Cop
Mary Ann Thebus
as Woman in Mercedes
Crew
Director
- Jerry London
Writer
- Michael Blodgett
- Dennis Shryack
Producer
- Raymond Wagner
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Comedy/Crime/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Rent-a-Cop distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Jerry London 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1987, 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 Rent-a-Cop took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 372 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 2153 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Rent-a-Cop shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Underworld, which focuses more on action than character development, Rent-a-Cop offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Strange Days and Beverly Hills Cop III explore similar territory, Rent-a-Cop 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: November 28, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 32m
