Gene Hackman leads the cast of Night Moves, a film directed by Arthur Penn and penned by Alan Sharp. Also appearing are Jennifer Warren, Susan Clark, James Woods, Melanie Griffith, Edward Binns, Harris Yulin, Kenneth Mars and Janet Ward. Michael Small composed the music, with cinematography by Bruce Surtees. Los Angeles private detective Harry Moseby (Hackman), a former football player, is hired by an older actress to find her daughter Delly Grastner (Griffith), who’s living in Florida and receiving trust fund money. Dealing with problems of his own—his wife has been unfaithful—Harry throws himself into the case. But things aren't straightforward, and he soon finds himself entangled in a complicated situation. It sounds depressing, or maybe that's just how it's presented. The setting is often bright and sunny, but that’s about all that’s positive about this excellent neo-noir film. Night Moves pays homage to the classic detective films of the past, featuring characters who are either untrustworthy or flawed. Harry Moseby finds himself in a sad world beyond his control, though he doesn't realize it at first. As the central mystery becomes clearer, a sense of bleakness and 1970s cynicism permeates everything, leading to a suitably dark and ambiguous ending. Harry says if you call him Harry again he’ll make you eat that cat! Alan Sharp’s screenplay (also known for Ulzana's Raid) is as sharp as it should be. The dialogue is often tough or filled with cleverness, and the conversations carry an undercurrent of sadness or desperation. Whether it’s about a significant chess move, sexual experiences, or the difficulties of childhood and poor parenting, Sharp’s writing gives us interesting characters in a tense thriller. Listen Delly, I know this doesn't make much sense when you are sixteen. Don't worry. When you get to be forty, it isn't any better. Arthur Penn skillfully puts everything together, eliciting a strong performance from Hackman and good work from the supporting cast. He blends action with a feeling of growing unease. There’s nudity in the film, but Penn uses it purposefully, as a representation of dangerous fantasies or damaged minds. Michael Small's jazzy score complements the mood well, and Bruce Surtees’ Technicolor photography enhances both the interior and exterior scenes. Night Moves is a biting and bitter neo-noir that should be seen. 9/10

Source on TMDB