After Hours

After Hours

Year: 1985

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Martin Scorsese

ThrillerComedy

In the pulsating heart of New York City's nightlife, a whirlwind of passion and deception ensues as strangers' paths collide, leading to a maelstrom of unexpected events that will leave you breathless.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – After Hours (1985)
Explore the full timeline and setting of After Hours (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late Night, Early Morning

The events of the film take place over the course of one late-night adventure into the early morning. This timeframe accentuates the surreal and often bizarre occurrences that Paul Hackett encounters, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. The late-night atmosphere amplifies the sense of urgency and confusion that defines his journey.

Location

New York City, SoHo, Upper East Side

New York City, renowned for its vibrant culture and fast-paced lifestyle, serves as the backdrop for this chaotic story. SoHo, a trendy neighborhood known for its art galleries and boutiques, and the Upper East Side, home to upscale residences, highlight the diverse locales where Paul's misadventures unfold. The city's nightlife is portrayed through various settings, from coffee shops to nightclubs, reflecting both the allure and absurdity of urban existence.

🌆 City 🎨 Arts District 🏙️ Urban Life

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:06

Main Characters – After Hours (1985)
Meet the key characters of After Hours (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul Hackett (Griffin Dunne)

Paul is a timid computer consultant who longs for excitement beyond his monotonous life. His overwhelming desire to break free from boredom leads him into a night filled with unpredictable chaos and bizarre encounters. As events unfold, his character evolves from passive observer to a frantic participant in a surreal adventure.

🧑‍💻 Introverted 🎢 Adventurous 😟 Frantic

Marcy (Rosanna Arquette)

Marcy is a charismatic yet enigmatic woman whose personality is a whirlwind of contradictions. She draws Paul into her orbit with her charm, but her own struggles and erratic behavior reveal deeper issues beneath the surface. Her tragic fate serves as a turning point in Paul's night, highlighting the fragility of human connection.

😏 Charismatic 🌀 Unstable 💔 Tragic

Kiki (Linda Fiorentino)

Kiki is an artist who embodies the free-spirited, yet unpredictable nature of the night. Her playful and sexually charged demeanor contrasts with the tension that Paul experiences. While she initially seems inviting, her ties to the bizarre events of the night complicate Paul’s journey.

🎨 Artistic 💃 Sensual ⚡ Chaotic

Julie (Terri Garr)

Julie is a waitress who reflects the quirks of the city at night. While she appears friendly, her strange behavior and fixation on her job add to the film's absurdity. Through her interactions with Paul, she serves as both a refuge and a catalyst for further confusion.

🧑‍🍳 Quirky 🔄 Unpredictable 🏙️ City Dweller

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:06

Major Themes – After Hours (1985)
Explore the central themes of After Hours (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😵‍💫 Chaos

The chaotic nature of Paul’s night represents the unpredictability of life and the unforeseen consequences of seeking adventure. Each decision leads to a rapidly spiraling sequence of events, illustrating how quickly a mundane existence can devolve into pandemonium. This theme resonates with viewers through its exploration of societal norms and personal limits.

💔 Isolation

Paul’s loneliness is a central theme as he embarks on a quest for connection, only to find himself increasingly isolated. Despite being surrounded by people, his experiences highlight the emotional disconnect that can be prevalent in urban settings. The relationships he forms are fleeting, often leaving him in deeper solitude.

🎭 Identity

The film explores themes of identity, as Paul navigates various roles throughout the night. From a bored office worker to a perceived criminal, each interaction forces him to confront who he is versus how others perceive him. This theme resonates in the complexity of human behavior and the masks people wear in society.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:06

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