Fanatical 80's

One of the greatest components of studying film is that you get to look to the past for the inspirations of the present and how the history of film has shaped and created pop culture. No other era does this better than the 80’s were films became more than just a trip to the cinemas but an experience of Action, Horror, Comedy and Sci-Fi. Introducing the world to teen angst dramas such as Sixteen Candles, the existence of aliens with ET and the hot but knowledgeable teacher DR. Jones in what has come to be one of the most likable and profitable franchises, Indiana Jones. There stand a long list of these films which can easily be named and you have either seen or heard of the film. So let’s explore the era of shoulder pads, bad hair styles and what is sure to be the best movies soundtracks ever.

Successful films off the 80’s includes the 1984 release of Ghostbusters with its very catchy theme song and the disbelief in their action to rid the city of ghosts and creatures of the nether realm. ET was a show stopper when it was released in 1982 breaking through the barriers of science fiction and getting nine Oscar nominations and won four and despite its aging still remains a timeless and classic family orientated film which is filled with great messages about friendship and the want to go home. Finding its way into 1985 is the hugely popular drama The Breakfast Club which serves the importance of breaking down the pessimistic views overshadowing cliques and the need for popularity. The plot although simple follows a group of teens belonging to different divisions in the school and their experience in detention where we see them try to understand the others in a way they have not allowed themselves previous. Following on from The Breakfast club with its 1986 release is Ferris Buller’s Day Off which is just a genius movie with great humour, sensitivity and the best enactment of twist and shout seen since the Beatles. These films are a limited bunch of films that helped define independent years within the 80’s.

Some of the most recommended films of the 80’s include The Princess Bride which was released in 1987 and is told through a grandfather reading to his sick grandson. The film takes the audience on a journey of true love between Buttercup and Wesley who tells his love for Buttercup through these words “as you wish”. There love knows no bounds and even though their ripped apart by circumstances not under their control they proceed through the inevitable fate of not finding their better half to conquer a kingdom and regale their lost love. That same year saw the release of Dirty Dancing which cemented the statement “no one puts baby in the corner”, it see’s the evolutions of a timid teenager into a sexy dancer, however there are serious scenes and storylines such as improper abortion surgery and the restrictions parents place on their children that isolate them from experiencing life. The following year saw the release of the revolutionary film Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the film crossed traditional animation with real animation and scenes of film noir. The intrigue can be seen in the seductiveness of Jessica Rabbit wnho although is a human cartoon is married to Roger but is still ogled by the real life male population including Marvin with whom she plays “patty cake”.

To start the decade the Blues Brothers were introduced along with Jack Nicholson in The Shining. The Blues Brothers Jake and Elwood were characters created to repent for their sins by keeping the orphanage in which they grew up open however they were usually in jail or ended up in jail through their good willed intentions. As they wrecked police cars and instigated high speed chases they continued with the same excuse “were on a mission from god”, despite their indiscretions they always find an interval to entertain with a song whether it be Aretha Franklin or the legendary Ray Charles, sadly losing Jim Belushi put a halt to the brotherly aspect but a third instalment was made in 2001. Also released was The Shining which is scary as hell but is payed homage to in the Simpsons, telling the story of a man who becomes disgruntled whilst being a caretaker and turning a bit nutty on his family. Jack Nicholson who plays the main character is haunting particularly in the scene where he chops through the door declaring “here’s Johnny”, the saying which is in recognition of Johnny Carson has become synonymous with the film and one of the beloved one liners that great films provide audiences with.

The end of the decade saw the release of a truly great movie in Dead Poets Society starring Robin Williams as a teacher who dares to teach against the norm. In 1989 the story of a relationship between a group of boys and their teacher was told and their bond celebrated in one line “my captain’s captain” which in the end scene when their teacher is being kicked out they stand on their desks and say the oath showing their thanks. It also has a suicide scene where a young man kills himself after performing in a play for which he is given a standing ovation but does not gain his father’s respect and answers the only way he knows how.

There are many great films in the 80’s but a stand out for me is a movie starring River Phoenix called Stand by Me. Stand By Me is a tale of friendship and overcoming the stereotypical boundaries placed on a person. River Phoenix plays Chris Chambers a boy who has alcoholic parents and is judged accordingly and through this part River excelled and prospered in the film industry before he died of a concoction of drugs outside the Viper room. An excellent piece of work from a man taken too soon and feverish tale about growing up and learning and how true friendship knows no bounds.

The 80's was a true movement in film allowing exlposions of animation and sexual intimidation . Providing a foundation for which teens could celebrate their individuality and adhere to the styles of leading ladies. Breaking down the norm became a hot topic as nerds got the guy, an alien and human can be friends and friendship is more important than previously understood.