Fear City

Fear City is a 1984 American neo-noir thriller film directed by Abel Ferrara. The screenplay was written by Nicholas St. John, a longtime collaborator of the director; the music was composed by Dick Halligan of the band Blood, Sweat & Tears. The film's title refers to the "Fear City" brochures distributed by the New York Police Department to warn of the danger of crime in the city.

The events unfold in Manhattan's nightlife. Matt Rossi, a former professional boxer still haunted by the accidental death of an opponent in the ring, and his partner run a talent agency that places dancers in clubs. Business comes to a standstill when the company's dancers begin to be targeted by an unknown assailant. While the detective investigating the murders openly displays his contempt for the profession and the environment, Rossi sets out to get his revenge.

The film, after 20th Century Fox withdrew from distribution, went to an independent distributor, and scenes of violence and nudity were shortened due to restrictive ratings from the censorship board. It premiered in France on July 18, 1984, and arrived in the US in early 1985. Critics gave mixed reviews; while the pacing and visual language were praised, the film was criticized for its weak character depth. Ferrara considered the film a disappointment in his career.