Watch Bright Lights, Big City
- R
- 1988
- 1 hr 47 min
-
5.7 (9,103)
Bright Lights, Big City is a drama film directed by James Bridges and released in 1988. It is based on Jay McInerney's best-selling novel of the same name. The movie follows the life of Jamie Conway (Michael J. Fox), a young writer who lives in New York City and is struggling to cope with his newfound fame and the recent death of his mother.
The movie begins with Jamie's wife Amanda (Phoebe Cates) leaving him, which sends him spiraling into a world of drugs, alcohol, and parties. Although he is supposed to be working at a prominent magazine, Jamie spends most of his time partying with his friend Tad Allagash (Kiefer Sutherland) and other acquaintances. Tad is a bad influence on Jamie, and he does everything he can to try and get Jamie to forget about his troubled past.
Throughout the movie, Jamie reflects on the life he once had with Amanda, who had aspirations of being an actress but ended up working as a model instead. Jamie had a promising writing career and was on the brink of success, but he failed to support Amanda in her aspirations, which ultimately led to her leaving him.
As Jamie's drug habit worsens and he begins to alienate everyone around him, including his colleagues at the magazine, he is forced to confront the reality of his situation. He eventually reaches a breaking point when he realizes that he needs to get his life back on track before it's too late.
The movie has a dark and gritty feel, which accurately portrays the struggles that many young people face in New York City. The performances by the lead actors are excellent, particularly Michael J. Fox, who delivers a powerful performance as the troubled Jamie. Kiefer Sutherland also shines as the charismatic Tad Allagash, who serves as Jamie's confidant and partner in crime.
The movie incorporates elements of both drama and comedy, which helps to balance out the heavy themes and makes it more accessible to a wide audience. The soundtrack, which includes songs by artists such as Prince and Lou Reed, also adds to the overall atmosphere of the movie.
Bright Lights, Big City is a classic movie that has stood the test of time. It is a poignant reminder of the dangers of excess and the importance of staying true to oneself. The movie is a must-see for anyone who appreciates great storytelling, exceptional acting, and an unforgettable soundtrack.
Bright Lights, Big City is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 51.