Los Angeles Overnight, Film Noir Carnage

Shooting a Film Noir film in 2017 has challenges, many seemingly insurmountable. For one, Los Angeles has changed. The connotations for 1940s L.A. are different than the ones from 2017 L.A. CGI, color, and IMAX are thought to be in high demand, and the moody, dark-lit shots that made "Kiss Me Deadly" famous are eschewed.  Enter Guy J. Jackson (writer) and Michael Chrisoulakis (director) and their creation, 2017's "Los Angeles Overnight." Like the down-and-out private eye, we meet an actress wannabee who doesn't seem to have a prayer in the big city.  Oh yes!  The city!  Though in color, the scenes of L.A. are non-glamorous and enhance the moodiness and desperation of the plight of some very interesting sorts.

In perfect Coen brothers style, lots of plot devices are thrown at us...and yes...they will converge.  An inept robbery of a malicious crime-lord starts our story.  Enter the hard working Priscilla (Arielle Brachfield). The pretty redhead can't land an acting part and waits tables at a failing diner.  With money problems accumulating, she catches a dark break...or is it?  She overhears the masterminds (I use the term loosely) chatting, and figures out where their stash is.  In desperation, Priscilla seduces the hunk mechanic Benny (Azim Rizk) to assist her in absconding with the stolen loot.

Uh oh, Priscilla isn't a criminal, and getting away with this theft probably won't happen.  With a new BF and no more money problems, and inspiration from a hypnotist (Peter Bogdanovich), our budding actress flowers.  Her career takes a right turn and her new attitude is attractive to movie makers. Eek! Here comes Wooks (Julian Bane), the aforementioned crime-lord. He wants his cash back and kills lots of people to get it.  His homicidal goons lead him on a trail that may take him to Priscilla. But before that can happen, lots of blood will be spilled.  However evil Wooks is, look out for his wife, Abelie (Ashley Park).  She is stunning, and makes a perfect Film Noir femme fatale.

The seediness and desperation of those 1940s Film Noir films is captured perfectly in "Los Angeles Overnight." Once again the city of angels puts forth a dark, crime drama that were that genre for almost two decades.  Ralph Meeker, Alan Ladd, and Veronica Lake would be proud at what Mr. Chrisoulakis and Mr. Jackson have delivered. So if you like your films dark and moody, with lots of carnage...definitely take in "Los Angeles Overnight." Look for this film on Video on Demand this November.
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