After Hours (1985)
In this episode, Big D and a very high Gene Lyons break down After Hours’ absurd twists, New York’s bygone grit, and whether Griffin Dunne is the last true everyman leading man. Along the way, they debate Paul’s romantic prospects, the dangers of pre-cell phone nightlife, and whether David Lynch is actually a genius or just weird for weird’s sake.
Join us as we uncover After Hours’ hidden brilliance, discuss why Gene should never be left alone with a paper-mâché kit, and witness the power of 5mg gummies on podcasting.
Plot Summary:
In the 1985 dark comedy After Hours, directed by Martin Scorsese, Griffin Dunne stars as Paul Hackett, a mild-mannered word processor whose seemingly ordinary night in New York City spirals into a surreal nightmare of bizarre encounters, escalating misfortunes, and a desperate struggle to get home.
Paul’s misadventure begins when he meets the alluring and eccentric Marcy (Rosanna Arquette) at a diner. She invites him to her SoHo apartment, setting off a chain of increasingly absurd and dangerous events. Over the course of the night, Paul encounters a cast of oddball characters, including Marcy’s unpredictable roommate Kiki (Linda Fiorentino), a suspicious bartender (John Heard), a quirky ice cream truck driver (Catherine O’Hara), and a vengeful mob convinced he’s a criminal.
As Paul stumbles from one misfortune to another—losing his money, dodging violent locals, and getting mistaken for a burglar—his frustration turns to panic. Trapped in a maze of misunderstandings and bad luck, he desperately tries to make it back uptown before dawn, but the city seems determined to keep him locked in its surreal, nocturnal grip.
After Hours is a fast-paced, anxiety-fueled comedy that perfectly captures the unpredictability of city life. Scorsese’s frenetic direction, combined with a sharp script and a mix of humor and tension, turns a simple night out into a hilariously nightmarish odyssey.
Join our podcast review as we dive into this cult classic, exploring its offbeat humor, unforgettable characters, and whether its tale of urban paranoia and misadventure still resonates today.
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