Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- witty
- sardonic
- paranoid
- late night mystery viewing
- neo-noir double feature
What critics said
Critics generally found the film an entertaining, literate neo-noir thriller, though its execution divided reviewers.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Dexter Cornell begins by reporting his poisoning and recounts the investigation undertaken before the toxin kills him.
The English-professor protagonist, cynical investigation, murder plot, and period urban atmosphere update classic noir conventions.
Cornell’s university life, stolen manuscript, literature colleagues, and relationships connect his intellectual world to the murders.
Cornell knows he has been poisoned and has limited time to identify the murderer, creating persistent dread and momentum.
Films like D.O.A., and why
D.O.A.
shares a poisoned protagonist, a race against time, and a witty neo-noir mystery structure
The Big Sleep
shares an investigative noir atmosphere, morally compromised characters, and escalating murder mystery
Double Indemnity
shares a doomed protagonist, fatalistic suspense, and classic film noir influence
The Last Seduction
shares a time-limited investigation, corrosive paranoia, and a stylish neo-noir tone
Movie Details
- Directors
- Annabel Jankel, Rocky Morton
- Release Date
- 1988-03-18
- Runtime
- 96 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (232)
Cast
- Dennis Quaid
- Meg Ryan
- Charlotte Rampling
- Daniel Stern
- Jane Kaczmarek
- Christopher Neame
- Robin Johnson
- Robert Knepper
- Jay Patterson
- Brion James
Common questions
- What is D.O.A. about?
- A poisoned English professor races through a labyrinth of murder, betrayal, and academic intrigue to identify his killer before time runs out.
- What is D.O.A. like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of D.O.A. as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is D.O.A. violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in D.O.A. as moderate.
- What did critics think of D.O.A.?
- Critics generally found the film an entertaining, literate neo-noir thriller, though its execution divided reviewers.
- Which films are like D.O.A.?
- Films with a similar feel include D.O.A., The Big Sleep, Double Indemnity, and The Last Seduction.
- How long is D.O.A.?
- D.O.A. runs 96 minutes.
