Stallone’s Forgotten Thriller: Nighthawks, the Film Ahead of Its Time

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  • ‘Nighthawks’ Is an Exciting, Fast-Paced Action Thriller with a Terrifying Villain
  • ‘Nighthawks’ Redefined the Buddy-Cop Genre
  • Sylvester Stallone’s Action-Hero Persona Originated With ‘Nighthawks’

Following Sylvester Stallone’s astronomical success with the release of Rocky and its sequel Rocky II in 1979, his control extended to nearly every facet of his subsequent films where he starred. This increased control was particularly noticeable during the production of the 1981 thriller film Nighthawks. Originally, Stallone had only been contracted to act in Nighthawks, but as the project faced difficulties, he stepped up to direct the movie, edit it, and even rewrite its script.

Instead of embodying the one-man wrecking crew characters that gradually became synonymous with my screen presence, I, Sylvester Stallone, delve into a different role in “Nighthawks”. Here, as Detective Deke DaSilva, I’m part of a New York anti-terrorism unit tasked with thwarting an international terrorist bent on exploding bombs across the city. Unlike my previous roles, Deke is less about raw violence and more about strategic thinking, making him a cop whose intelligence outshines his propensity for violence. With a beard and glasses adorning my face, I find myself resembling Al Pacino’s Frank Serpico rather than John Rambo.

Although Sylvester Stallone was involved, the movie “Nighthawks” underperformed at the box office, earning less than $15 million domestically and being considered a failure compared to other films. The low box-office earnings of “Nighthawks” can be attributed to the fact that the idea of urban terrorism happening in the U.S. in 1981 was not convincing to audiences, as significant acts of terror such as the World Trade Center bombing (1993), 9/11, and the Boston Marathon bombing hadn’t occurred yet.

‘Nighthawks’ Is an Exciting, Fast-Paced Action Thriller with a Terrifying Villain

Similar to Michael Mann’s “Heat”, the film “Nighthawks” switches perspectives between its protagonist, Sylvester Stallone’s Deke DaSilva, and his adversary, the international terrorist known as Wulfgar, played by Rutger Hauer. In the initial appearance of Wulfgar, he nonchalantly enters a London department store, where he covertly places an explosive device that detonates, causing a devastating explosion that appears to claim the lives of everyone present, including several young children.

In much the same vein as Heath Ledger’s portrayal of The Joker in The Dark Knight, it appears that Wulfgar’s primary objective is to instigate chaos. Following the department store massacre, which led his fellow terrorists to shun him, he found refuge in Paris, where he forged an alliance with a woman called Shakka, underwent facial reconstruction surgery, and eventually moved on to New York City, where he detonated multiple explosives within the Wall Street district.

DaSilva finds himself troubled by Wulfgar’s apparent lack of drive or reason. When he hijacks a tram carrying important foreign dignitaries, DaSilva watches in dismay from a police helicopter as Wulfgar carries out the cold-blooded murder of a French ambassador’s wife and hurls her body into a river. This brutal act forces the authorities to yield to his demand for a bus to transport Wulfgar and the remaining hostages to an airport and a waiting plane. However, DaSilva realizes that he may not make it through this confrontation, suggesting that he is ready to sacrifice himself for his vague terrorist ideology.

‘Nighthawks’ Redefined the Buddy-Cop Genre

Initially, I had envisioned myself penning a review for the screenplay of “Nighthawks,” which was initially conceived as the blueprint for “The French Connection III,” a follow-up to the 1971 action-thriller “The French Connection.” In this sequel, the iconic character Popeye Doyle, portrayed by Gene Hackman, was set to be paired with a quick-witted cop, played by none other than the hilarious Richard Pryor. However, when Hackman decided against reprising his role as Doyle, the script underwent a metamorphosis and evolved into “Nighthawks.

Instead of Nighthawks being commonly recognized, along with 48 Hrs. and Lethal Weapon, as pioneers of the modern buddy-cop genre, it is notable that Nighthawks broke the mold by eliminating the humorous banter typical of the genre. Instead, it drew from the raw, realistic crime thrillers of the 1970s New York, such as Dog Day Afternoon, Mean Streets, and Serpico, to infuse its buddy-cop narrative with a gritty realism.

In “Nighthawks,” a more gritty take on the genre is showcased through the authentic friendship between Sylvester Stallone’s character, Deke DaSilva, and his partner Fox, portrayed by Billy Dee Williams. Unlike the playful banter that characterizes many contemporary buddy-cop duos, DaSilva and Fox in this film share a bond of mutual support, yet they are both focused on completing their mission.

As a film enthusiast, I must say that the gritty action-thriller “Nighthawks” doesn’t rely on typical buddy-cop banter. Instead, it delves deep into the complex dynamics between characters. When DaSilva and Fox fail to apprehend their target, the ruthless terrorist Wulfgar, following an intense chase sequence, it’s not just about missing a chance to shoot him down. It’s about a near-miss that could have cost an innocent life as hostage was at stake.

In the aftermath, Fox, who bears the physical scars of Wulgar’s attack, voices his frustration towards DaSilva for not pulling the trigger. This tension between them adds another layer to their pursuit, making it a gripping tale of duty, morality, and the thin line between justice and vengeance.

Sylvester Stallone’s Action-Hero Persona Originated With ‘Nighthawks’

In the movie “Nighthawks,” Sylvester Stallone’s character Deke DaSilva signified his inaugural leading role in a significant action film, serving as a more subdued counterpart to the over-the-top persona he developed throughout the 1980s and beyond. This shift started with Stallone’s introduction as John Rambo in the 1982 thriller “First Blood.” Unlike the heroic caricature that later defined his action-hero image, Stallone portrays DaSilva as a complex, reluctant hero who lacks a natural knack for violence and instead relies on psychological tactics to combat the terrorist Wulfgar.

In a more understated manner, DaSilva’s behavior hints at his hidden apprehension towards Wulfgar, whose cunning and unforeseeable actions make him unlike the flamboyant villains from Stallone’s action movies like “Cliffhanger,” “Cobra,” and “Demolition Man.” Wulfgar’s extreme strategies appear credible, even more so in hindsight. Unlike those scenes that provoke excitement, the demise of Wulfgar brings about a sense of anxious relief for DaSilva and viewers alike. You can rent “Nighthawks” on Apple TV, Prime Video, or Google Play.

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2025-01-26 03:34