The 1980s were a great time for movies. The rise of the blockbuster led to bigger budgets and over-the-top thrilling action. While Steven Spielberg was making movies for the whole family to enjoy, directors like Brian De Palma and William Friedkin were narrowing in on the gritty world of crime.
The 80s gave us some of the most enduring and classic crime movies of all time, which are endlessly rewatchable. They were stylized while also feeling incredibly realistic. You can get lost in some of these movies and forget you’re even watching actors. That’s what makes it so fun to see photos of everyone palling around on set, having a grand old time.
Check out this gallery of behind-the-scenes photos snapped on the sets of the most iconic crime movies of the 1980s.
1
Preparing to shoot a scene for Angel Heart (1987)
2
Al Pacino and William Friedkin behind the scenes of Cruising (1980)
3
David Lynch smashing a television on the set of Blue Velvet (1986)
4
Behind the scenes of a scene with John Lithgow in Blow Out (1981)
5
Behind the scenes of Michael Mann’s debut film, Thief (1981)
6
Ridley Scott directing Michael Douglas behind the scenes of Black Rain (1989)
7
Cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld strapped to a camera rig on the set of Blood Simple (1984). He would later go on to direct the Men in Black and Addams Family movies.
8
Harrison Ford behind the scenes of Witness (1985)
9
Brian De Palma poses for a picture on the set of The Untouchables (1987)
10
William Friedkin wearing a shirt for his movie The Exorcist on set for To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)
11
Shooting at Coney Island for Angel Heart (1987)
12
Brian De Palma directing F. Murray Abraham on set of Scarface (1983)
13
Actors goofing off on the set of Manhunter (1986)
14
Michael Mann drawing a tattoo on Tom Noonan for Manhunter (1986)
15
David Lynch and Kyle MacLachlan behind the scenes of Blue Velvet (1986)
16
Behind the scenes of the gangster falling off the building scene in The Untouchables (1987)
17
Behind the scenes of Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
18
Kevin Costner talking to Brian De Palma behind the scenes of The Untouchables (1987)
19
Sergio Leone pouring fake blood on a body for Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
20
Robert De Niro on set for Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
21
Brian De Palma, Al Pacino, and Steven Bauer behind the scenes of Scarface (1983)
22
Brian De Palma looking through the eyepiece of a camera on set of Scarface (1983)
