_To Live and Die in L.A._ is a sharp, cynical thriller where style trumps sentiment. Friedkin pairs bold visuals with a pulsing Tangerine Dream score, driving a fast, morally murky plot. Corruption spreads, rules bend, and no one stays clean. The car chase is a highlight—second only to _The French Connection_. Boldly killing off the lead mid-film, it bridges classic noir and modern thrillers. In this world, survival means faking it better than the rest.
When his longtime partner on the force is killed, reckless U.S. Secret Service agent Richard Chance vows revenge, setting out to nab dangerous counterfeit artist Eric Masters.
Quick Stats
7.1
TMDB Rating
804
Votes
1h 56m
Runtime
$6.0M
Budget
$17.3M
Box Office
288%
Return
Key Crew
DirectorWilliam Friedkin
WriterGerald Petievich
CinematographyRobby Müller
ComposerJean-Louis Ducarme
EditorM. Scott Smith
Production DesignRichard K. Hummel
Produced by
SLM Production GroupNew Century ProductionsUnited Artists
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Critics & Reviews
1 featuredCast
William L. Petersen
Richard Chance
Willem Dafoe
Rick Masters
John Pankow
John Vukovich
Debra Feuer
Bianca Torres
John Turturro
Carl Cody
Dean Stockwell
Bob Grimes
Darlanne Fluegel
Ruth Lanier
Michael Greene
Jim Hart
Steve James
Jeff Rice
Robert Downey Sr.
Thomas Bateman
Christopher Allport
Max Waxman
Valentin de Vargas
Judge Filo Cedillo
J
Jack Hoar
Jack
Dwier Brown
Doctor
M
Michael Chong
Thomas Ling
