Based on the novel Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp, Die Hard changed the action-movie game, ushering in an era of non-buff, conflicted Everyman heroes and erudite, uber-clever charismatic villains. The film that catapulted Bruce Willis from comedic television star (Moonlighting) to A-List Hollywood actor, Die Hard finds NYPD detective John McClane (Willis) arriving in Los Angeles on Christmas Eve looking to make up with his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) at a party held by her employers in a magnificent architectural marvel of a skyscraper, which serves as a character within the film all by itself. Unfortunately the building is laid siege by terrorism, ultimately pitting emotionally embattled McClane against lead villain Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman in a film-career-making performance). A supporting cast of great character actors and the exciting cinematography by Jan de Bont (veteran of Verhoeven films and future successful action director) help to make Die Hard one of the most influential action films of all time.