A disillusioned young writer living in New York City turns to drugs and drinking to block out the memories of his dead mother and estranged wife.A disillusioned young writer living in New York City turns to drugs and drinking to block out the memories of his dead mother and estranged wife.A disillusioned young writer living in New York City turns to drugs and drinking to block out the memories of his dead mother and estranged wife.
- Awards
- 2 nominations
Bernard Zette
- Stevie
- (as Zette)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn a 2011 interview with "The A. V. Club," David Hyde Pierce said that it cost him more to join the Screen Actors Guild (so that he could appear in this movie) than he was paid for his role, so he had to borrow the dues money from his agent. His character's name was "Bartender at Fashion Show", and his one line was, "Sorry, the bar is closed."
- GoofsDuring Jamie's story of his relationship with Amanda to Megan his wineglass goes from half-full to empty in less than two seconds, while he's speaking.
- Quotes
Ferret Man: Wanna buy a ferret?
Jamie Conway: No. No, thanks.
Ferret Man: Loose joints. Genuine Hawaiian sens. His name is Fred...
- Alternate versionsThe Indian television premiere was heavily edited by 12 minutes to reduce language, and heavy drug usage for a 'U' (unrestricted) certificate.
- SoundtracksLove Attack
Performed by Konk
Courtesy of Dog Brothers Records
Produced by Shannon Dawson & G. "Love" Jay
1986 Single
Words & Music by Shannon Dawson & G. "Love" Jay
Featured review
9 out of 10, what idiot could vote a 5??
This great film and novel adaptation is obviously underrated.
Although I have not read the book, (and nor should I to be able to personally judge this film), my guess is that probably most people are whining that the book was better. That's like saying that the car was better than the bike. They probably complain that the movie was not a precise enough adaptation. When will people realise that an exact adaptation will usually result in a boring and overly long film?. The movie definitely has the essential qualities for a good film with it's intelligent script, compelling drama, sober realism and superb acting.
This is Michael J Fox's best role and he does a great job. I think he's such an underrated actor, he made Family Ties what it was and will never be forgotten as Marty Mc Fly in Back to the Future, but this is his peak film.
I could very much symphatise and identify with the main character that slowly loses grip on reality, eventually spending most of his time in a drugged state of mind. Drugs are his only joy, until he's finally confronted by his caring brother and becomes at peace with reality in a moderately positive ending (which was criticised by some). His loneliness and desperation are depicted in a very convincing way, with his heartless girlfriend (Phoebe Cates) and harsh boss. My favorite scenes are the ones at work, where his incompetence becomes painfully evident.
Having recently watched Requiem for a Dream (also about drug addiction), I realize this movie's even better. 9 out of 10.
Although I have not read the book, (and nor should I to be able to personally judge this film), my guess is that probably most people are whining that the book was better. That's like saying that the car was better than the bike. They probably complain that the movie was not a precise enough adaptation. When will people realise that an exact adaptation will usually result in a boring and overly long film?. The movie definitely has the essential qualities for a good film with it's intelligent script, compelling drama, sober realism and superb acting.
This is Michael J Fox's best role and he does a great job. I think he's such an underrated actor, he made Family Ties what it was and will never be forgotten as Marty Mc Fly in Back to the Future, but this is his peak film.
I could very much symphatise and identify with the main character that slowly loses grip on reality, eventually spending most of his time in a drugged state of mind. Drugs are his only joy, until he's finally confronted by his caring brother and becomes at peace with reality in a moderately positive ending (which was criticised by some). His loneliness and desperation are depicted in a very convincing way, with his heartless girlfriend (Phoebe Cates) and harsh boss. My favorite scenes are the ones at work, where his incompetence becomes painfully evident.
Having recently watched Requiem for a Dream (also about drug addiction), I realize this movie's even better. 9 out of 10.
helpful•2020
- FlorisV
- Jun 26, 2003
- How long is Bright Lights, Big City?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Die grellen Lichter der Großstadt
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $25,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $16,118,077
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $5,126,791
- Apr 3, 1988
- Gross worldwide
- $16,118,077
- Runtime1 hour 47 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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Top Gap
By what name was Bright Lights, Big City (1988) officially released in India in English?
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