Fear City (1984)

71% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
30% of users liked it
(1,522 ratings)

To paraphrase 1930s wit Wilson Mizner, Fear City is like a trip through a sewer in a glass-bottom boat. In exploitation-flick fashion, the film exposes the seedy "nether world" of contemporary Manhattan. Unsavory Matt (Tom Berenger) and Nick (Jack Scalia) run a topless bar/booking agency, in direct… More To paraphrase 1930s wit Wilson Mizner, Fear City is like a trip through a sewer in a glass-bottom boat. In exploitation-flick fashion, the film exposes the seedy "nether world" of contemporary Manhattan. Unsavory Matt (Tom Berenger) and Nick (Jack Scalia) run a topless bar/booking agency, in direct competition with equally scuzzy Goldstein (Jan Murray). It's hard to imagine anyone lower than these low-lives until we're apprised of a serial killer who dutifully keeps a record of his murders in a diary. The killer's victims are all exotic dancers and hookers, prompting Matt to suspect that Goldstein is behind the crimes, and vice versa. Once they've decided that it's better to unite against a common enemy than to throw volleys at each other, Matt and Goldstein arrange between themselves to insure the safety of the women in their employ. Meanwhile, Matt's ex-girlfriend Loretta (Melanie Griffith), saddened by the murder of her lesbian lover Leila (Rae Dawn Chong), resumes her drug habit, while a dispirited Matt begins harking back to his own sordid past. The one redeeming aspect of Fear City is the ultimate triumph over the odds by Loretta, who by process of elimination emerges as the most likeable character in the bunch. For a film of this nature, Fear City boasts an unexpectedly strong cast, including the aforementioned actors and Billy Dee Williams, Rosanno Brazzi, Joe Santos and Michael V. Gazzo. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 36 min.
Directed By: Abel Ferrara
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1984 Wide
On DVD: Nov 28, 2000
Studio: HBO Video

Critic Reviews

Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Ferrara lets his presence be known by lingering on the more gruesome moments, when lesser directors would shy away.
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness
Has a bitterness and cynicism that's grimily, perversely romantic.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
A city that comes alive with vibrant performances and engaging characters
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Hit-or-miss cult director Abel Ferrara missed by a city mile on this one.

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Highlighted in the book "Bad Movies We Love" which is just the place for it and an apt description.Super cheesy mid 80's crime drama played straight but good for many unintentional laughs. Cast full of B actors this "suspense" thriller is full of dialogue that… More
Highlighted in the book "Bad Movies We Love" which is just the place for it and an apt description.Super cheesy mid 80's crime drama played straight but good for many unintentional laughs. Cast full of B actors this "suspense" thriller is full of dialogue that will have you laughing out loud especially since it is said in deadly earnest. Berenger is a decent actor and gives the best performance, not that the bar has been set too high here. Melaine is horrendously bad. The opening and closing title sequences including the music are classic examples of 80's techno-pop excess, that does however contribute to the squalid, trash wallow feeling of the entire enterprise. This is only for when you're in the mood for a guilty pleasure viewing experience.
Dean M

Above average thriller about a psychopath killing prostitutes in New York City. Some good performances and action sequences still can't save this one.
Christopher B

Ferrara sleaze, plain and simple, but what great sleaze it is! Two co-owners of a strip bar decide to hunt down a serial killer who's been offing their employees. This is great stuff for those who are grindhouse fans, and I don't mean that friggin' Rodreguez and… More
Ferrara sleaze, plain and simple, but what great sleaze it is! Two co-owners of a strip bar decide to hunt down a serial killer who's been offing their employees. This is great stuff for those who are grindhouse fans, and I don't mean that friggin' Rodreguez and Tarantino shitheap.

Cast

            Tom Berenger as Matt Rossi

            Billy Dee Williams as Al Wheeler

            Jack Scalia as Nicky Piacenza

            Melanie Griffith as Loretta

            Rossano Brazzi as Carmine

            Rae Dawn Chong as Liela

            Joe Santos as Frank

            Jan Murray as Goldstein

            Ola Ray as Honey

            Maria Conchita Alonso as Silver

            Vinny Argiro as Bruno

            Jim Boeke as Architect

            Kendall Carly Browne as Nurse

            Emilia Crow as Bibi

            Daniel Faraldo as Sanchez

            Juan Fernández as Jorge

            Michael Vincente Gazzo as Mike

            Tracy Griffith as Sandra Cook

            Bill Henderson as Nicky's Doctor

            Brent Jennings as Hawker

            Janet Julian as Ruby

            Ben Kronen as Club Announcer

            Linda Lee as Metropolis Dancer

            Emilia Lesniak as Bibi

            Madison Mason as Leila's Doctor

            Robert Miano as Hitman

            Joe Palese as Tony

            Victor Rivers as Jimmy

            Frank Ronzio as Harry

            John Roselius as Rossi's Manager

            Carl Strano as Priest

            Justin Derosa as Policeman

            Lori Eastside as Goldy's Girl

            Barbara Andrews as Waitress

            Sidney Filson as Stunt Player

            John Foster as Pazzo

            Daryle Ann Lindley as Stunt Player

            Peter Mele as Hitman

            Bob Yothers as Sergeant

            Pat Banta as Stunt Player

            Peter Gumeny as Customer

            Nina Jones as Dixie

            Michael Joy as Metropole Dancer

            Joe Shea as Salvi

            Frank Sivero as Mobster

            William Kennedy as Hawker
See full cast