White Heat

Friday, August 1 - Sunday, August 3, 2014

High-definition digital projection

“Raoul Walsh’s heroes had a knack for going too far, but none went further than James Cagney in this roaring 1949 gangster piece. Cagney is a psychotic punk who sleeps in his mother’s lap between jobs; otherwise, he’s continually in motion, blasting away at cops and bystanders. Pure id, he could be the most unbalanced hero in film noir, yet Walsh’s swift, pounding direction keeps you cheering for him up to the famous ending, which finds Cagney shouting “Top of the world, ma!” as the world he ignited goes up in flames. His own energy does him in: he can’t contain it, and he finally explodes—the film leaves you drained and weirdly exhilarated. With Edmond O’Brien, Margaret Wycherly, and Virginia Mayo.” – Dave Kehr

• Country USA
• Year 1949
• Running Time 114 minutes
• Director Raoul Walsh

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.