The only thing I heard about "Tequila Sunrise" back in the '80s was that it had a sexy hot tub scene. Does it ever.
But the movie is more than that. It's the story of friendship and betrayal with some stunning cinematic moments.
Mac Mckussic (Mel Gibson) is a drug dealer trying to go straight. His friend Nick Drescia (Kurt Russell) is the cop investigating him.
Both Mac and Nick are attracted to Jo Ann (Michelle Pfeiffer), the owner of an Italian restaurant. What Nick wants from her, though, is information about Mac's plans. He wants to know more about Mac's drug dealing plans and his connections with a major Mexican dealer, Carlos, whom the police believe is coming to town to meet with Mac.
"Tequila Sunrise" isn't heavy on action, which I suppose is one criticism, and it has some complicated subplots. And I'm not really sure you'd call it a noir - noirish maybe. What makes it interesting are the performances of Gibson, Pfeiffer, Russell -- and their beautiful looks -- and Raul Julia and J.T. Walsh, both marvelous.
Someone described this as a chick flick. It's not hard-hitting like director Towne's classic Chinatown. It draws on some old themes - a love triangle, loyalty, friendship -- and it succeeds on that level. Comparing it to Chinatown won't get you anywhere.
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