MovieChat Forums > To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) Discussion > Why did Chance's retiring partner go it ...

Why did Chance's retiring partner go it alone to Masters' lair?

posted 14 years ago by mcintyro
16 replies | jump to latest

It's funny, I have watched this film numerous times and it does get better with each viewing.

Chance always refers highly of his on the verge of retiring partner, but the guy doesn't really seem to give a *beep* about Chance, other than what's job related (pulling the terrorist off the roof at the hotel).

When Chance gives him the fishing pole it seems as if the guy couldn't care less if he ever saw Chance again. I thought the parter harbored a dark secret that was never explored. Or else, he was being realistic that his life was starting to begin or get better after retirement. Whereas, Chance lived for the job as a secret service agent. Chance NEVER wanted to retire.

Chance doesn't understand why they guy went it alone to Masters' lair at the beginning and I don't either. Was it because he thought Chance might get them BOTH killed by his hot dog antics? You'd of thought the guy would have done all he could to ensure he had a marginally safe 3 days before retirement.

[–] wrfarley 14 years ago

Or did Jimmy Hart want to rip off Masters and maybe retire with a little extra "cash."

[–] Mr-Fusion 14 years ago

Hart's visit to Masters' print shop smells suspicious from the start.

Upon arriving, he has a look around, then starts digging through the garbage. Anyone who's ever seen a cop show knows that if he's looking for evidence, he's not operating with a warrant (illegal search and seizure). There goes the idea of Hart trying to take down Masters by himself. So maybe he's looking for something to blackmail Masters with. Maybe the two of them had a deal and he's trying to screw Masters.

Either way, it's not on the up-and-up.

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[–] chas77 14 years ago

That's an interesting theory. But the problem is, there is nothing else in the film to really back it up. Hart seems like an up-and-up guy and there is no dialogue or explanation anywhere that would suggest otherwise. As far as Chance was concerned it was being "in the wrong place at the wrong time"...

I get the feeling he may have been tired of Chance's antics. He needed a break from the guy and thought this wouldn't end up going down the way it did. I read something somewhere where 90% of the time these guys chase down leads that don't pan out, just sitting in your car, drinking coffee, watching for something that doesn't happen.

[–] nutsberryfarm 10 years ago

he's arrogant and old. deadly combo...for him.

Season's Greetings!

[–] mcintyro 14 years ago

Yeah, it's thanks guys. It's never really explained in this good film. Also, I have not read any threads about Hart.

I can't fully believe he's just ready to retire. I, myself, thinks now that I have read the replies that maybe Jimmy Hart wanted more from risking his life for so long and for so little money that he might have wanted to blackmail Masters for monetary gain.

Masters didn't seem to recognize the guy. And his cohort really seemed to hate Hart (spitting after shooting him). Maybe it disgusted him that, cop or no cop, what Hart was doing was that of a rat.

[–] Doom 14 years ago

To get killed. To setup the rest of the film.

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[–] kenny-164 14 years ago

I don't think the part about Hart going alone is so hard to understand. He takes the time and care to scope the place out beforehand, with binoculars and as he approaches, still sees no sign that anyone is on the property. That's why he thinks it's safe to go in. Remember seeing this scene for the first time - we are surprised when we see Masters peering out from the trailer.

If there's anything difficult about the scene it is that there's no vehicle showing someone is there, and why is Masters hiding in the trailer? That Masters and the other guy are in effect expecting a visit from the cops is the harder thing to understand than why Hart when in by himself. Cops routinely stake out places solo.

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] Ronin008 10 years ago

That's brilliant, genius. Why aren't you writing scripts for Hollwyood instead we have hacks like the Coen brothers? Damn, such talent wasted on an internet forum.

I like the theory that he was dirty as well.

[–] FAnconia 14 years ago

Some field guys stay in the game. They don't want to be behind a desk, and maybe they have no other options.

I feel like I'm over-matched

[–] Noir-It-All 12 years ago

Hart didn't seem to know that Masters parks his car in the building where he works.

"Two more swords and I'll be Queen of the Monkey People." Roseanne

[–] 12 years ago

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[–] mpdc_jonathan 10 years ago

DOOM actually has the answer to your question. Hart getting killed is nothing more than a vehicle for the story to move Chance and Vukovich together as partners. The movie is based off a book (in the book Hart is not killed) where the two characters who are different (Do you think the author chose the last name Chance by accident?) work together and cross the line in bringing down Masters.

The screen writers had to figure out a way to get Chance and Vukovich together as new partners and, in my opinion sort of threw together the Hart murder as Chances motivation.

His getting killed doesn't make a lot of sense because he simply needed to be killed to move the story on and stay within budget.

[–] Gary-161 10 years ago

>>His getting killed doesn't make a lot of sense because he simply needed to be killed to move the story on and stay within budget.

All three characters have a death wish. Hart because he's retiring and only has fishing to look forward to apparently. Masters because of some weird existential cynicism and Chance...well, he's the hot dog. He likes taking chances.

I thought that was implied quite heavily.

[–] daverindone 8 years ago

I always took it that Hart figured it was going to be a quick evidence grab, just in-out-done and possibly had some intel that Masters would be out of town (for Christmas as it was 12/23, I'm still not sure of counterfeiters tookt ime off) so it would be easier to go it alone. Personally, I've gone out for "simple" errands at time that end up being a sh!tshow.

[–] schumithecat 10 years ago

it moved the plot. you're correct in real life it would not be a good idea to check out a clue re: a dangerous armed criminal's suspected lair by yourself.