Tequila Sunrise **** (1988, Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Raul Julia, J T Walsh, Arliss Howard, Ayre Gross) – Classic Movie Review 7650

The intelligent and gripping 1988 romantic crime thriller Tequila Sunrise is written and directed by Robert Towne (who scripted Chinatown). It boasts a good Eighties cast, with three glossy and appealing stars: Mel Gibson as McKussic, an LA narcotics seller trying to go straight, Kurt Russell as his police friend Frescia, who is out to bust him, and Michelle Pfeiffer as the gorgeous restaurateur Jo Ann, caught in the middle.

Undervalued on release, Tequila Sunrise is a fascinating study in friendship and betrayal, with a subtle script, a fine visual style (Conrad L Hall was Oscar nominated for Best Cinematography) and production (designed by Richard Sylbert), and the alluring star trio at their best.

Cult director Budd Boetticher appears as the judge. Also in the cast are Raul Julia as the Mexican drug dealer Carlos, J T Walsh, Arliss Howard, Ayre Gross, Gabriel Damon, Daniel Zacapa [Garret Pearson], Eric Thiele, Tom Nolan, Ann Magnuson, Kenny Moore, Bob Swain, Jim Bentley, Eric Waterhouse, Dawn Martel and Geno Silva.

Richard Marx and Ross Vannelli write the much performed song ‘Surrender to Me’.

Tequila Sunrise is directed by Robert Towne, runs 116 minutes, is made by Cinema City Films, The Mount Company and Warner Bros, is released by Warner Bros, is written by Robert Towne, is shot by Conrad L Hall, is produced by Tom Shaw and Thom Mount, is scored by David Grusin and is designed by Richard Sylbert.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7650

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com