DIE HARD (1988)

Film of the Day #237 - 25 Days of Christmas Movies #16

DIE HARD
1988 • John McTiernan

Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedlia, Reginald VelJohnson, Paul Gleason, William Atherton, Alexander Godunov, De'voreaux White, Clarence Gilyard, Hart Bochner, James Shigeta, Al Leong, Robert Davi, Grand L. Bush
Screenplay: HJeb Stuart, Steven E. de Souza; Based on Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp
Cinematography: Jan De Bont
Music: Michael Kamen
Producers: Joel Silver, Lawrence Gordon

20th Century Fox

Now I have a machine gun. Ho Ho Ho.

Yes, it’s a Christmas movie. Get over it. New York City cop John McClane heads to Los Angeles to visit his estranged wife and children in time for the holidays.  But shortly after he arrives at his wife’s high-rise office building a group of terrorists invade, killing and wreaking havoc on the holy night of Christmas Eve.  It’s up to McClane to take down the terrorists by himself…

In the heart of 1988 emerged a cinematic gem that would set new standards for action films - Die Hard. By 1988 John McTiernan had directed an action classic in Predator.  Could he repeat the same success with Die Hard?  The short answer? Yes.  Not only was Die Hard more financially successful (quite a feat for the director’s third film), but it exceeded the sci-fi/horror shoot ‘em up’s action-packed scenes.  McTiernan is one of the best action directors of all time, having also gone on to helm The Hunt for Red October, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and The Thomas Crown Affair 1999 remake.  When it comes to action, this guy knows what he’s doing.  Die Hard is jam-packed with amazing sequences… from John McClane’s escape in the elevator shaft to the destruction of an LAPD SWAT tank (“The quarterback is toast!”) and of course, McClane jumping off the top of a 40-story building to escape an exploding helicopter.  All of it looks as good in 2023 as it did in 1988.

Die Hard isn't just a film; it's a revolution in the action genre. Its influence over the years is undeniable, shaping the way action movies are made. This original classic isn't just a pioneer; it's the epitome of what an action thriller should be. The film's impact is felt in the very DNA of modern action cinema, and it's no surprise considering it's one of the best action thrillers ever made. From its tight screenplay to its unforgettable characters, every element of Die Hard has contributed to its enduring legacy, proving that it's more than just a movie; it's an institution.

One of the aspects that immediately strikes you is its astounding cinematography, which is not just visually appealing but downright inventive and colorful. Each frame is meticulously crafted, making every explosion and fight scene pop with vibrant intensity. The color palette not only adds to the film's aesthetic appeal but also immerses the audience in the heart-pounding narrative.

Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza pen an extremely tight and well-put-together screenplay… a rarity for any action movie.  From the opening scene, it sets up and foreshadows future events.  A businessman tells McClane to take off his shoes and make “fists with his toes” to relax.  Later, when McClane is doing just that, the terrorists attack and he has no time to put on his shoes.  This leads him to spend the ENTIRE MOVIE barefoot, which proves disastrous when he has to escape the bad guys by running through shattered glass.  There are other little moments just like this in the film.  The entire movie from start to finish makes sense, with each event (big or small) having an impact on the next.  Stuart/de Souza’s gift of writing also serves them well in the dialogue department.  Not only do they sprinkle great lines throughout the script (“Yippee-Kay-Yay Motherfucker”), but the radio conversations between McClane and his only ally, Sgt. Al Powell, are captivating. They also heavily rely on (gasp!) character development.  McClane is a fully realized character.  Now, in the future sequels, he does become more of a caricature, but in the original, he is a desperate man, determined not only to defeat the bad guys but also to reunite and reconcile with his wife.  Powell (Reginald VelJohnson) also has a nice little story arc that climaxes nicely at the end of the film (no spoilers here.)  

What truly sets Die Hard apart from its contemporaries is the vulnerability of its hero, John McClane. In a time dominated by larger-than-life action heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Jean-Claude Van Damme, McClane stood out. He wasn't invincible; he could get hurt, physically and emotionally. His genuine concern for his wife, and his gritty determination in the face of danger, all made him remarkably human. This vulnerability made the stakes feel real, pulling the audience deeper into the narrative. In an era where action heroes were often seen as indestructible, McClane's vulnerabilities made him relatable, making Die Hard a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

In 1988, Bruce Willis was mostly known for his work on the television show “Moonlighting.” And while the show was a good launch pad for his career, Die Hard was his star-making performance.  And it’s easy to see why.  He’s completely believable as the badass New York cop who will stop at nothing to take down the invading terrorists.  He has built his entire career around the John McClane character since then, much like Samuel L. Jackson has built his career on the Jules persona from Pulp Fiction.  Bruce Willis cements himself as one of the greatest action movie heroes ever.

And of course, who can forget the great Hans Gruber?  Excellently written, but even more excellently acted. Modern audiences probably most recognize Alan Rickman as the despicable Professor Snape from the Harry Potter franchise.  While he’s a veteran actor, American audiences first noticed him as the delightfully villainous Hans Gruber in Die Hard (and then in a movie-stealing performance as the Sherrif of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves). Gruber is the smooth-talking, calculating, and evil terrorist (or is he?) that has taken over Nakotomi Tower. He is the European villain template for all the future 80s and 90s action movies (good and bad) that came down the pike. But none of them could match Rickman’s phenomenal performance. He is absolutely the Lex Luthor to McClane’s Superman… relying on intellect instead of brawn.  He, by far, has the best lines in the film and Rickman just plays him to perfection.  Gruber just oozes evil and it’s so much fun to watch.

Die Hard is a great alternative to the sugary-sweet Christmas movies that come around every December (not that there’s anything wrong with that), but it just may be the greatest action movie of all time.

Welcome to the party, pal!

Notable Accomplishments

• Academy Award Nominee – Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing

• Academy Award Nominee – Best Effects, Visual Effects

• Academy Award Nominee – Best Film Editing

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