DCSIMG
 
 

To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)
Member Rating:  
William Friedkin's crime thriller, based on a book by U.S. Secret Service agent Gerald Petievich, concerns an arrogant Secret Service official who wants to get his man at any price. Willem Dafoe plays Eric Masters, an ultra-smooth counterfeiter who has managed to sidestep the police for years. He is so up-front about his dealings, in fact, that when some undercover agents try to make a deal with him at his health club, Eric tells them, "I've been coming to this gym three times a week for five years. I'm an easy guy to find. People know they can trust me." But when young and eager Secret Service agent Richard Chance (William L. Petersen) finds out that his partner has been cold-bloodedly murdered by Eric, he trains his relentlessness upon capturing Eric -- whether it means robbery, murder, or exploiting his friends and associates. As Chance erases the dividing line between good and evil, he drags his new partner John Vukovich (John Pankow) and Ruth Lanier (Darlanne Fluegel), an ex-con, down into the maelstrom with him. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
William PetersenWillem Dafoe, (more)
Director(s):
William Friedkin
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of To Live and Die in L.A.

William Friedkin's crime thriller, based on a book by U.S. Secret Service agent Gerald Petievich, concerns an arrogant Secret Service official who wants to get his man at any price. Willem Dafoe plays Eric Masters, an ultra-smooth counterfeiter who has managed to sidestep the police for years. He is so up-front about his dealings, in fact, that when some undercover agents try to make a deal with him at his health club, Eric tells them, "I've been coming to this gym three times a week for five years. I'm an easy guy to find. People know they can trust me." But when young and eager Secret Service agent Richard Chance (William L. Petersen) finds out that his partner has been cold-bloodedly murdered by Eric, he trains his relentlessness upon capturing Eric -- whether it means robbery, murder, or exploiting his friends and associates. As Chance erases the dividing line between good and evil, he drags his new partner John Vukovich (John Pankow) and Ruth Lanier (Darlanne Fluegel), an ex-con, down into the maelstrom with him. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
116 mins

Complete Cast of To Live and Die in L.A.


Director(s):
William Friedkin
Writer(s):
Gerald PetievichWilliam Friedkin
Producer(s):
Irving H. Levin
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Violence, Not For Children, Profanity, Graphic Violence, Nudity)
Categories:
Mystery & Suspense
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Looking for special editions of To Live and Die in L.A.?
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

BY MAIL

 
Buy New  $10.99
 

IN-STORE

 

ON DEMAND

Blockbuster Instant Video

Watch thousands of movies instantly on your TV, tablet, mobile phone or computer with no monthly subscription. You pay only for what you watch.
 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
     
    Kent S.

    I hadn't seen this movie since it first came out back in 1985. I distinctly remember coming out of the dingy theatre in Winter Park, Florida thinking "holy cow!". Well, the same can be said today. This movie is non-stop in your face action. It stars some folks who went on to greater fame in other roles and, after seeing this movie again, I can see why. (Except for the character Jane Leaves plays; who'd athunk she'd go from that role to Frasier!) While long, it does keep you riveted. This is one of those movies where the original soundtrack fits very nicely into the movie. I remember buying this record (yes, that was the only thing available "back then") and listening to the soundtrack time and time again. It's just too bad that Wang Chung is better known for that ubiquitious "Everybody Wang Chung Tonight"; I still throw up a bit in my mouth when I hear that song. In any event, check this movie out...with the volume on as high as you can safely go!!

    Yes   |   No

     
    Michael J A.

    One word: intense. This is a very good movie, especially so if you're a William Petersen fan. He was also excellent in "Manhunter".

    Yes   |   No

     
    Brian M.

    Very good movie!! Strong performances,gritty,artistic,and about a dozen or so more adjectives that will still fall short of adequate praise. Violent but realistic with a shock or two thrown in the mix.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 23 Reviews