Independent Films, Film Profiles

Tequila Sunrise (film)

Tequila Sunrise is a 1988 crime thriller movie written and directed by Oscar-winner Robert Towne. It stars Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Kurt Russell. The supporting cast includes Raul Julia, J.T. Walsh, Arliss Howard, Arye Gross, and Gabriel Damon. Russell modeled the look of his character of "Frescia" on hall of fame basketball coach Pat Riley, with his slick back hair and tailored suits. Towne initially wanted to cast Riley in the role, but then settled on using just his look for the character.The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Damon was nominated for the "Best Young Actor Supporting Role in a Motion Picture" Young Artist Award and cinematographer Conrad L. Hall won an American Society of Cinematographers award for "Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Theatrical Releases".The soundtrack features jazz cuts by Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour and David Sanborn. There also are songs by The Church ("Unsubstantiated"), Crowded House ("Recurring Dream") and Bobby Darin's "Beyond the Sea." The duet "Surrender To Me" sung by Cheap Trick's Robin Zander and Heart's Ann Wilson reached the Billboard Top 10.Tequila Sunrise was made for under $20 million and grossed a reported $100 million worldwide.Dale "Mac" McKussic (Mel Gibson) is a former drug dealer trying to go straight. His close friend Nick Frescia (Kurt Russell) is now a cop, head of narcotics for L.A. County, who, in spite of their friendship, is duty-bound to bring Mac to justice if he is selling drugs again, as Agent Hal McGuire (J.T. Walsh) of the Drug Enforcement Agency believes to be the case.Mac is attracted to Jo Ann (Michelle Pfeiffer), the owner of a stylish restaurant. Nick gets close to Jo Ann by attempting to learn more about Mac's plans and in particular his connections with the Mexican drug kingpin Carlos, whom the DEA agents believe is coming to town. Jo Ann falls for Nick's charms and a love affair begins. Nick's friendship with Mac is endangered as McGuire and a top Mexico cop (Raul Julia) set a trap for Mac and the mysterious Carlos.