See No Evil, Hear No Evil

See No Evil, Hear No Evil is a 1989 American comedy film directed by Arthur Hiller and starring Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder as two men who become embroiled in a murder plot, with Joan Severance, Kevin Spacey, and Alan North in supporting roles, similar to other TriStar Pictures films like The Fisher King and Philadelphia. The film's script was written by Earl Barret, Arne Sultan, Marvin Worth, Eliot Wald, and Andrew Kurtzman, and features a score by Stuart Copeland, known for his work on The Rhythmatist and Talk Talk. The movie's themes of friendship and misadventure are reminiscent of other classic comedy duos like Laurel and Hardy and Abbott and Costello, who starred in films like Sons of the Desert and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. The film's release was followed by other notable comedy films of the late 1980s, including Coming to America and Twins, starring Eddie Murphy and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

● Plot

The plot of See No Evil, Hear No Evil revolves around Dave Lyons (played by Gene Wilder), a blind man who becomes friends with Wally Karue (played by Richard Pryor), a deaf man, after they meet at a New York City coffee shop, similar to the settings of other New York City-based films like Taxi Driver and The Godfather. The two men become embroiled in a murder plot involving a diamond necklace and a hitman (played by Kevin Spacey), leading to a series of comedic misadventures, including a chase through Central Park and a confrontation at the New York Public Library. Along the way, they encounter a range of characters, including a FBI agent (played by Alan North) and a nightclub singer (played by Joan Severance), who have appeared in other films like The Untouchables and No Way Out. The film's plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing until the very end, much like other classic mystery films like Chinatown and L.A. Confidential.

● Production

The production of See No Evil, Hear No Evil was led by Marvin Worth, who also co-wrote the script with Earl Barret, Arne Sultan, Eliot Wald, and Andrew Kurtzman. The film was directed by Arthur Hiller, known for his work on The Out-of-Towners and Silver Streak, and features a score by Stuart Copeland, who has also worked on films like Rumble Fish and Talk Talk. The movie was filmed on location in New York City and Los Angeles, with additional scenes shot at Paramount Studios and Warner Bros. Studios. The film's cast, including Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder, had previously appeared in other notable films like Stir Crazy and Young Frankenstein, and went on to appear in films like Harlem Nights and See No Evil, Hear No Evil 2.

● Cast

The cast of See No Evil, Hear No Evil includes Richard Pryor as Wally Karue, a deaf man who becomes friends with Dave Lyons (played by Gene Wilder), a blind man. The film also stars Joan Severance as Alicia, a nightclub singer, and Kevin Spacey as Kirgo, a hitman. Additional cast members include Alan North as Braddock, an FBI agent, and Anthony Zerbe as Sutherland, a diamond dealer. The film's cast has appeared in a range of other notable films, including The Usual Suspects and L.A. Confidential, and have worked with directors like Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.

● Release

See No Evil, Hear No Evil was released in 1989 by TriStar Pictures, and was a commercial success, grossing over $46 million at the box office. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the chemistry between Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder. The movie was released on VHS and DVD in the following years, and has since become a classic of the comedy genre, alongside other films like Ghostbusters and Beverly Hills Cop. The film's success can be attributed to the popularity of comedy films in the late 1980s, which included films like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

● Reception

The reception of See No Evil, Hear No Evil was generally positive, with many critics praising the chemistry between Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder. The film holds a 63% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 24 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10. The film's success can be attributed to the popularity of comedy films in the late 1980s, which included films like Coming to America and Twins. The film's themes of friendship and misadventure are reminiscent of other classic comedy duos like Laurel and Hardy and Abbott and Costello, who starred in films like Sons of the Desert and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.

● Legacy

The legacy of See No Evil, Hear No Evil can be seen in the many comedy films that have followed in its footsteps, including films like Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon. The film's success can be attributed to the popularity of comedy films in the late 1980s, which included films like Ghostbusters and Beverly Hills Cop. The film's themes of friendship and misadventure are reminiscent of other classic comedy duos like Laurel and Hardy and Abbott and Costello, who starred in films like Sons of the Desert and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. The film has also been recognized as a classic of the comedy genre, alongside other films like Airplane! and The Naked Gun. The film's influence can be seen in the work of other comedy directors like Mel Brooks and Eddie Murphy, who have gone on to create films like The Producers and The Nutty Professor.

Category:American comedy films