In the vast landscape of cinema, some films shine brightly upon release, while others languish in obscurity before finding their audience. After Dark, My Sweet directed by James Foley and starring Jason Patric is one such film. Released in 1990, it initially failed to make a splash at the box office but has since garnered a cult following and critical acclaim.
The journey of this film is as compelling as the story it tells. It began with Patric’s first starring role in 1986, a film produced by Mel Brooks‘s Brooksfilms a company known for its string of successful and now-classic films. However, Patric’s first venture, Solarbabies was a misstep. Shot in Spain, Patric quickly realized the film was a disaster, leaving him disillusioned and considering quitting the business.
From Disappointment to Discovery
Patric’s career took a turn for the better with his next film, Joel Schumacher‘s The Lost Boys. This success led him to work with Kevin Reynolds on The Beast a film that, despite being dumped by the studio, caught the attention of Foley. The two connected over a shared vision and a script that would become After Dark, My Sweet.
Foley, known for his directorial debut Reckless and the crime film At Close Range had faced his own setbacks. His romantic comedy Who’s That Girl starring Madonna bombed with critics and audiences, leaving him at a crossroads. The meeting between Foley and Patric was serendipitous, leading to a collaboration that would define their careers.
A Film Ahead of Its Time
After Dark, My Sweet is an adaptation of Jim Thompson‘s crime novel. Patric immersed himself in the role of Kid Collins, an ex-boxer entangled in a kidnapping plot. His performance, along with the film’s ambiguity and complexity, made it a hit with critics like Roger Ebert who declared it one of the best films of 1990.
Despite its critical success, the film was not financially successful. However, it gave Patric the kind of career he wanted, at least for a while. He went on to star in a string of ambitious films, including RushGeronimoSleepersYour Friends & Neighbors and Narc.
The Resurgence of a Cult Classic
In recent years, After Dark, My Sweet has seen a resurgence. It has had excellent physical media releases, and Patric has screened his personal 35mm print at various locations, including Vidiots in Los Angeles and the Roxy Cinema in New York. These screenings have drawn sold-out crowds, a testament to the film’s enduring appeal.
Patric emphasizes the importance of experiencing the film on the big screen, where Foley’s directorial skills can be fully appreciated. The film’s beautifully shot scenes and subjective filmmaking style make it a unique and immersive experience. Although it wasn’t popular in its moment, its reputation has grown over the decades, much like the other films Patric has starred in.
As Patric reflects on his career, he acknowledges that he was often targeted as being dark. However, he believes that movies should last and be discovered later when the initial detritus is gone. After Dark, My Sweet is a prime example of this belief, a film that has found its audience and continues to captivate viewers.
