Twenty-five years after its release, Mike Figgis’s Internal Affairs continues to resonate as a gripping and stylish neo-noir. The film, starring Richard Gere as a decorated NYPD detective entangled in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a corrupt internal affairs investigator (Andy Garcia), remains a benchmark in the cop thriller genre.
Gere delivers a career-best performance as Dennis Peck, a charismatic but morally compromised Los Angeles cop who excels at his job while running a widespread web of corruption.
Garcia, in a chilling turn, portrays Raymond Avilla, a relentless internal affairs investigator who is obsessed with bringing Peck down.
Richard Gere and Andy Garcia in Internal Affairs (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast, including Nancy Travis as Avilla’s wife, Laurie Metcalf as Avilla’s partner, Annabella Sciorra as Peck’s wife, William Baldwin as Peck’s partner, and Michael Beach as a fellow detective caught in the crossfire, further elevates the film.
Figgis’ Masterpiece
Figgis’s direction is masterful, crafting a film that is both stylish and gritty. The film’s atmospheric cinematography, sharp dialogue, and pulsating score create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. Internal Affairs is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, leaving you pondering the complexities of morality and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Reception for Internal Affairs
Internal Affairs grossed $5.04 million in its opening weekend, finishing in the No. 4 spot at the domestic box office, trailing Born on the Fourth of July ($8.02 million) starring Tom Cruise, The War of the Roses starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner and Tango & Cash starring Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell.
The film would gross $27.7 million in its theatrical run.
Janet Maslin in her The New York Times review, said, “Internal Affairs is, for the dim movie season that is traditionally January, an unusually bright light.”
Legacy
While the film may not have been a box office smash, it has garnered a dedicated cult following over the years. Its influence can be seen in numerous films that followed, solidifying its place as a modern classic.
On this 25th anniversary, Internal Affairs deserves to be revisited and rediscovered. It’s a reminder of the power of strong performances, compelling storytelling, and a director’s vision.
