Fear City (1984)
Abel Ferrara's razor-edged 1984 thriller plunges into the neon-soaked underworld of Manhattan's strip clubs as a serial killer terrorizes the city's showgirls.
Fear City - Movie Information
- Original Title: Fear City
- Release Year: 1984
- Directed by: Abel Ferrara
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime, Mystery, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 18, 1984 (Germany - 16), February 16, 1985 (United States - R), November 6, 1985 (United Kingdom), July 18, 1984 (France)
- Alternative Titles: 橫掃罪惡城 (HK), Manhattan, zwei Uhr nachts (DE), New York, 2 heures du matin (FR)
- Production Companies: Castle Hill Productions, Rebecca Productions, Zupnik-Curtis Enterprises, 20th Century Fox
- Production Countries: United States of America
Fear City - Plot
Strippers in Manhattan are being stalked and murdered by a psycho. A hard-nosed police detective and a conflicted ex-boxer-turned-private-eye, hired by the strip club owners, set out to find him before he strikes again.
Fear City - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension of Fear City unfold:
No showgirl is safe on the streets of... Fear City.
Where to Watch Fear City
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Fear City - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Abel Ferrara
Main Cast
- Tom Berenger
- Billy Dee Williams
- Jack Scalia
- Melanie Griffith
- Rossano Brazzi
- Rae Dawn Chong
- Joe Santos
- Michael V. Gazzo
- Jan Murray
- Janet Julian
Writers
- Nicholas St. John
Producers
- Bruce Cohn Curtis
Fear City - FAQs
Where can you stream Fear City (1984)?
Fear City (1984) is available to stream on several platforms in the US, including Amazon Prime Video, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Plex, and Kanopy for free. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video. Check JustWatch for the most current regional availability.
What is Fear City (1984) about?
Fear City follows a serial killer preying on strippers in Manhattan's seedy Times Square underworld. A tenacious police detective and a guilt-ridden ex-boxer working as a talent agent for strip clubs join forces to track down the killer before he claims another victim.
Is Fear City based on a true story?
Fear City is not based on a specific true story. Screenwriter Nicholas St. John crafted an original screenplay drawing on the gritty atmosphere of 1980s Times Square and New York City's exploitation-era crime culture, rather than adapting any documented real-life case.
Who are the main actors in Fear City?
Fear City stars Tom Berenger as ex-boxer Matt Rossi, Billy Dee Williams as detective Al Wheeler, Jack Scalia as Nicky Parzeno, and Melanie Griffith as Loretta. Supporting roles are filled by Rae Dawn Chong, Rossano Brazzi, Joe Santos, Michael V. Gazzo, Jan Murray, and Janet Julian.
What is the age rating for Fear City?
Fear City is rated R in the United States. The film contains strong violence, sexual content, nudity, and adult themes tied to its story of a serial killer stalking Manhattan strip club performers, making it suitable for mature audiences only.
Who directed Fear City and what is his style?
Fear City was directed by Abel Ferrara, a filmmaker known for his raw, uncompromising approach to urban crime and moral decay. Ferrara brings his signature gritty realism to this 1984 thriller, capturing the sleazy neon-soaked atmosphere of pre-gentrification Times Square with visceral intensity.
How long is Fear City (1984)?
Fear City has a runtime of 95 minutes, or 1 hour and 35 minutes. The film moves at a taut pace, balancing its serial killer thriller plot with character-driven drama set against the backdrop of Manhattan's nightclub and strip club scene in the early 1980s.
What movies are similar to Fear City?
If you enjoyed Fear City, you may also like Striking Distance (1993), Taking Lives (2004), Collateral (2004), and Changing Lanes (2002). Fans of 1980s crime thrillers set in gritty urban environments might also appreciate 48 Hrs. (1982) and Cobra (1986) for a similar atmosphere.
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