Classic Movie Pick: Overlooked Scorsese Film ‘After Hours’ Offers View Of New York At Night

Last week’s classic pick was one of actor Gene Hackman’s lesser-known films and we continue the theme this week with one of director Martin Scorsese’s lesser known, but critically acclaimed films that have nothing to do with the mafia, but everything to do with the streets of New York at night.

The film, 1986’s “After Hours,” lets us tag along on a night in the life of Paul Hackett, a computer programmer bored with the mundane as his day consists of work and going home to watch TV in his little apartment until he meets Marcy, a coffee shop waitress played by Rosanna Arquette. 

Paul convinces Marcy to give him her phone number and later that night, he decides to venture out into Manhattan for what will be the longest, strangest night of his life, especially after his $20 bill flies out of the cab and he is left in the city with no money and forced to rely on the help of strangers. 

“After Hours” can be exhausting to watch at times — in a good way of course — because we identify with Paul Hackett. Most of us have experienced times when all we wanted to do was get home and crawl into bed when it seems so far away. Griffin Dunne plays a perfect everyman who ventures out hoping to connect with Marcy and be a little less lonely in this huge city.

The film is brilliantly cast from top to bottom and includes the late Teri Garr, Catherine O’Hara, Cheech and Chong, Linda Fiorentino, and of course, a cameo by the director himself, Martin Scorsese. 

Scorsese masterfully creates an oddball world for his main character to tread through. In real life, Griffin Dunne is a product of New York society life and knows the world well, which allows him to play a very out of place but relatable access character in Paul Hackett. He is also credited as a producer on the film. His other notable film as an actor is “An American Werewolf in London.” He still acts and has built a career as a producer and director as well.

You probably know Martin Scorsese from such works as … well, being Martin Scorsese, one of Hollywood’s most legendary directors who has made more than 80 movies and is still turning out critically acclaimed films like 2023’s Oscar-nominated “Killers of the Flower Moon.” 

“After Hours” must’ve been a nice diversion for Scorsese who had already made “Taxi Driver” and “Mean Streets.” Griffin Dunne humorously wanders those same streets in “After Hours.” They aren’t as mean, just weirdly fun. “After Hours” will give you a good laugh. Hope you enjoy this week’s “Classic Movie Pick of the Week.”

Editor’s note: For more movie and entertainment talk, join Pete Schwaba weeknights from 6 p.m. to 8 p .m. for “Nite Lite” on the Civic Media radio network.