1980s: Blockbusters and a lot of great gems (Part Two)
Created: January 2007
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Rumble Fish (1983)
Produced, directed, and co-written by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the novel by S.E. Hinton. Set in an unnamed industrial town, the film centers on the relationship between The Motorcycle Boy, a revered former gang leader, and his younger brother, Rusty James, who can neither live up to his brother’s reputation nor live it down. The movie is notable for its avant-garde style, shot on stark high-contrast black-and-white film, using a spherical cinematographic process, which was inspired by Orson Welles and German cinema of the 1920s. Coppola devised a mainly percussive soundtrack to symbolize the idea of time running out, but he realized that he needed help from a professional musician. Stewart Copeland, drummer of the musical group The Police, improvised a rhythm track and Coppola soon realized that he was a far superior composer and let him take over. Coppola enlisted a large group of young, up-and-coming male actors for the film, including Matt Dillon, Chris Penn, Nicolas Cage, Lawrence Fishburne, and Mickey Rourke.
Produced, directed, and co-written by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the novel by S.E. Hinton. Set in an unnamed industrial town, the film centers on the relationship between The Motorcycle Boy, a revered former gang leader, and his younger brother, Rusty James, who can neither live up to his brother’s reputation nor live it down. The movie is notable for its avant-garde style, shot on stark high-contrast black-and-white film, using a spherical cinematographic process, which was inspired by Orson Welles and German cinema of the 1920s. Coppola devised a mainly percussive soundtrack to symbolize the idea of time running out, but he realized that he needed help from a professional musician. Stewart Copeland, drummer of the musical group The Police, improvised a rhythm track and Coppola soon realized that he was a far superior composer and let him take over. Coppola enlisted a large group of young, up-and-coming male actors for the film, including Matt Dillon, Chris Penn, Nicolas Cage, Lawrence Fishburne, and Mickey Rourke.
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The Right Stuff (1983)
An adaptation of the 1979 book by Tom Wolfe with the same name, and also based on interviews and research conducted by Wolfe. Directed by Philip Kaufman, it tells the story of seven brave austronats, “The Mercury Seven”, men named Shepard, Grissom, Glenn, Carpenter, Schirra, Cooper, and Slayton, who were the first Americans to ride a primitive spacecraft solo into a new frontier. Preceeding them in the history books was the legendary Chuck Yeager, who far removed from the media spotlight that would focus on the spaceman a decade later, became the first man to break the sound barrier piloting the fabled X-1. His fate was in contrast to the “Mercury Seven”, but he was considered by many test pilots to be the best of them all. NASA officials decided to use military pilots with a college-degree, and as such Yeager was never selected to be a pilot because he gained his commission as a cadet in World War II. The story focuses more on the space race than space exploration in general. The Soviet Union's early space efforts are mentioned only as a backdrop, as the movie focuses entirely on the US Space Program. Emphasis is given on the personal stories of the astronauts and their wives rather than the technical aspects of space travel and the flights themselves. The movie stars Sam Shepard, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, Lance Henriksen among others, and the real Chuck Yeager in a camo appearance. The movie was nominated for eight Oscars and won four.
An adaptation of the 1979 book by Tom Wolfe with the same name, and also based on interviews and research conducted by Wolfe. Directed by Philip Kaufman, it tells the story of seven brave austronats, “The Mercury Seven”, men named Shepard, Grissom, Glenn, Carpenter, Schirra, Cooper, and Slayton, who were the first Americans to ride a primitive spacecraft solo into a new frontier. Preceeding them in the history books was the legendary Chuck Yeager, who far removed from the media spotlight that would focus on the spaceman a decade later, became the first man to break the sound barrier piloting the fabled X-1. His fate was in contrast to the “Mercury Seven”, but he was considered by many test pilots to be the best of them all. NASA officials decided to use military pilots with a college-degree, and as such Yeager was never selected to be a pilot because he gained his commission as a cadet in World War II. The story focuses more on the space race than space exploration in general. The Soviet Union's early space efforts are mentioned only as a backdrop, as the movie focuses entirely on the US Space Program. Emphasis is given on the personal stories of the astronauts and their wives rather than the technical aspects of space travel and the flights themselves. The movie stars Sam Shepard, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, Lance Henriksen among others, and the real Chuck Yeager in a camo appearance. The movie was nominated for eight Oscars and won four.
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The Terminator (1984)
James Cameron’s exciting, well-paced science-fiction action movie with adventure story elements. In a post-apocalyptic 2029 Los Angeles, an indestructible cyborg is sent back to the present 1984 to eliminate a woman, Sarah Connor, who will one day be the mother of a son who will lead a rebellion against the evil cyborg leaders of Earth’s future. A member of the human resistance movement of the future is teleported back by Sarah’s son in order to save Sarah’s life and ensure the conception and delivery of a son, who becomes the leader of the resistance and his future boss. Stan Winston’s special Terminator and visual effects vividly and effectively presents a realistic stop-motion animation as the Terminator is transformed into a mechanical exoskeleton when his flesh and blood is stripped away during the course of his mission. The low-budget film grossed almost $40 million and made Schwarzenegger’s phrase “I’ll be back” popular, and launched both Arnold Schwarzenegger’s and James Cameron’s careers into future stardom.
James Cameron’s exciting, well-paced science-fiction action movie with adventure story elements. In a post-apocalyptic 2029 Los Angeles, an indestructible cyborg is sent back to the present 1984 to eliminate a woman, Sarah Connor, who will one day be the mother of a son who will lead a rebellion against the evil cyborg leaders of Earth’s future. A member of the human resistance movement of the future is teleported back by Sarah’s son in order to save Sarah’s life and ensure the conception and delivery of a son, who becomes the leader of the resistance and his future boss. Stan Winston’s special Terminator and visual effects vividly and effectively presents a realistic stop-motion animation as the Terminator is transformed into a mechanical exoskeleton when his flesh and blood is stripped away during the course of his mission. The low-budget film grossed almost $40 million and made Schwarzenegger’s phrase “I’ll be back” popular, and launched both Arnold Schwarzenegger’s and James Cameron’s careers into future stardom.
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Ghostbusters (1984)
A science-fiction comedy film about three eccentric New York City parapsychologists. After they are fired from the university they work at, they decide to start their own business investigating paranormal activity and capturing ghosts. Starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver and more, it grossed approximately $240 million in the US and over $50 million abroad during its theatrical run, making it the most successful film of that year and the most succesful comedy of the 1980s. The film also made the catchphrase “Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!” or just “Who you gonna call?” popular.
A science-fiction comedy film about three eccentric New York City parapsychologists. After they are fired from the university they work at, they decide to start their own business investigating paranormal activity and capturing ghosts. Starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver and more, it grossed approximately $240 million in the US and over $50 million abroad during its theatrical run, making it the most successful film of that year and the most succesful comedy of the 1980s. The film also made the catchphrase “Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!” or just “Who you gonna call?” popular.
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The Killing Fields (1984)
A remarkable and deeply affecting film based upon a true story of friendship, loyalty and the horrors of war and survival, while following the historical events surrounding the US evacuation from Vietnam in 1975. It is director Roland Joffe’s first feature film and chronicles unforgettable scenes of suffering endured during the Cambodian bloodbath that killed three million people. New York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg, played by Waterston, is covering the secret US bombing campaign in Cambodia along with cameraman Al Rockoff, played by Malkovich, and reporter Jon Swain, played by Julian Sands. A Cambodian doctor, in his film debut, was an actual survivor of the Cambodian holocaust. The film was nominated for seven Oscars and won three.
A remarkable and deeply affecting film based upon a true story of friendship, loyalty and the horrors of war and survival, while following the historical events surrounding the US evacuation from Vietnam in 1975. It is director Roland Joffe’s first feature film and chronicles unforgettable scenes of suffering endured during the Cambodian bloodbath that killed three million people. New York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg, played by Waterston, is covering the secret US bombing campaign in Cambodia along with cameraman Al Rockoff, played by Malkovich, and reporter Jon Swain, played by Julian Sands. A Cambodian doctor, in his film debut, was an actual survivor of the Cambodian holocaust. The film was nominated for seven Oscars and won three.
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Brazil (1985)
A dystopic fantasy black comedy feature film directed and co-written by Terry Gilliam which combines elements from other Orwellian movies, starring Jonathan Pryce, Michael Palin, Ian Holm, Robert De Niro and more. The complex plot, set in a decayed metropolis controlled by a fascist government, revolves around an unambitious urban worker named Sam Lowry who works at the Ministry of Information. A chain of events is set in motion by a clerical error, which condemns an innocent man and causes Sam to meet his dream girl, who happens to be a suspected terrorist. The film has a large cult following and is visually imaginative and eccentric in design, with nice sets and production design. The movie satirizes modern technological society, and one can see various propaganda in the form of signs, billboards, posters and other things throughout the movie.
A dystopic fantasy black comedy feature film directed and co-written by Terry Gilliam which combines elements from other Orwellian movies, starring Jonathan Pryce, Michael Palin, Ian Holm, Robert De Niro and more. The complex plot, set in a decayed metropolis controlled by a fascist government, revolves around an unambitious urban worker named Sam Lowry who works at the Ministry of Information. A chain of events is set in motion by a clerical error, which condemns an innocent man and causes Sam to meet his dream girl, who happens to be a suspected terrorist. The film has a large cult following and is visually imaginative and eccentric in design, with nice sets and production design. The movie satirizes modern technological society, and one can see various propaganda in the form of signs, billboards, posters and other things throughout the movie.
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The Breakfast Club (1985)
Directed and written by John Hughes, it is widely regarded as the definite teen film. Five students at a suburban Chicago high school report for Saturday detention. They each represent a different clique; the snobby girl, the prankster, the nerd, the future criminal, and the shy student. They are handed an assignment from the principal, who leaves them unattended. One of the students disregards the assignment and starts mocking the other students. As the hours pass, they dance, fight, and smoke weed. Gradually they realize that they are all deeper than their stereotypes and start to bond with each other. The movie was very popular, and its iconic status resulted in numerous references in music, film, and television.
Directed and written by John Hughes, it is widely regarded as the definite teen film. Five students at a suburban Chicago high school report for Saturday detention. They each represent a different clique; the snobby girl, the prankster, the nerd, the future criminal, and the shy student. They are handed an assignment from the principal, who leaves them unattended. One of the students disregards the assignment and starts mocking the other students. As the hours pass, they dance, fight, and smoke weed. Gradually they realize that they are all deeper than their stereotypes and start to bond with each other. The movie was very popular, and its iconic status resulted in numerous references in music, film, and television.
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The Color Purple (1985)
Based on the Pulitzer Price-winning novel of the same name by Alice Walker and directed by Steven Spielberg. It takes place in the South States during the early 1900s and tells the story of the life of a poor African-American girl named Cecilie, who is abused when she is young. She is forced to marry a man in town, who frequently beats and rapes her and forces her to do chores in the house. She becomes friends with his ex-lover and another girl who has been abused, and together they find the strength to realize they are worthy of love. The movie shows the problems faced by African-American women during the early 1900s, such as poverty, racism, and discrimination. The film was nominated for eleven Oscars.
Based on the Pulitzer Price-winning novel of the same name by Alice Walker and directed by Steven Spielberg. It takes place in the South States during the early 1900s and tells the story of the life of a poor African-American girl named Cecilie, who is abused when she is young. She is forced to marry a man in town, who frequently beats and rapes her and forces her to do chores in the house. She becomes friends with his ex-lover and another girl who has been abused, and together they find the strength to realize they are worthy of love. The movie shows the problems faced by African-American women during the early 1900s, such as poverty, racism, and discrimination. The film was nominated for eleven Oscars.
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Platoon (1986)
A vietnam war film written and directed by Oliver Stone, starring Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, and Forest Whitaker. A young US Army soldier arrives in Vietnam with several other replacements. Along with a fellow soldier he joins an experienced infantry platoon that has suffered many losses in recent combat operations. However, his enthusiasm quickly disappears as he goes on endless patrols all day and is assigned to dig foxholes and do other low-life duties. The story is loosely based on Stone’s experiences as an Army combat infantryman in Vietnam, and is devoted to the effect of the war on the common soldier. The film was nominated for eight Oscars and won four.
A vietnam war film written and directed by Oliver Stone, starring Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, and Forest Whitaker. A young US Army soldier arrives in Vietnam with several other replacements. Along with a fellow soldier he joins an experienced infantry platoon that has suffered many losses in recent combat operations. However, his enthusiasm quickly disappears as he goes on endless patrols all day and is assigned to dig foxholes and do other low-life duties. The story is loosely based on Stone’s experiences as an Army combat infantryman in Vietnam, and is devoted to the effect of the war on the common soldier. The film was nominated for eight Oscars and won four.
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Blue Velvet (1986)
Screen-writer and director David Lynch’s bizarre cult film. An innocent, small-town college student discovers a severed ear and suddenly finds himself embroiled in the dark side of town. He witnesses a sexually-depraved, blackmailing relationship between a fearsome, nitrous-oxide sniffing kidnapper and an abused mother who works as a nightclub singer while hiding in a closet. The movie is a unique look at sex, violence, crime, and power under the peaceful exterior of the small-town. Beneath the everyday life lurks prostitution, unrestrained violence, and perversity. The controversial film was ridiculed when it was first release, but it also won critical praise and achieved a nomination for Best Director for Lynch.
Screen-writer and director David Lynch’s bizarre cult film. An innocent, small-town college student discovers a severed ear and suddenly finds himself embroiled in the dark side of town. He witnesses a sexually-depraved, blackmailing relationship between a fearsome, nitrous-oxide sniffing kidnapper and an abused mother who works as a nightclub singer while hiding in a closet. The movie is a unique look at sex, violence, crime, and power under the peaceful exterior of the small-town. Beneath the everyday life lurks prostitution, unrestrained violence, and perversity. The controversial film was ridiculed when it was first release, but it also won critical praise and achieved a nomination for Best Director for Lynch.
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The Mission (1986)
An underrated epic feature film directed by Roland Joffè, written by Robert Bolt, and starring Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, and Liam Neeson. The film is set during the Jesuit Reductions, a programme by which Jesuit missionaries set up missions independent of the Spanish state to teach Christanity to the natives. The movie tells the story of a Spanish Jesuit priest, Gabriel, who enters the South American jungle to build a mission and convert a community of Guarani indians. He is later joined by former slavetrader Mendoza, who sees the mission as a place of salvation and forgiveness for his murder of his brother. Together they try to defend the community against the cruelty of Portuguese colonials who are trying to enslave the indians. The music was scored by renowned composer Ennio Morricone, and is considered to be among his best film scores. The film was nominated for seven Oscars, but won only one for Best Cinematography.
An underrated epic feature film directed by Roland Joffè, written by Robert Bolt, and starring Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, and Liam Neeson. The film is set during the Jesuit Reductions, a programme by which Jesuit missionaries set up missions independent of the Spanish state to teach Christanity to the natives. The movie tells the story of a Spanish Jesuit priest, Gabriel, who enters the South American jungle to build a mission and convert a community of Guarani indians. He is later joined by former slavetrader Mendoza, who sees the mission as a place of salvation and forgiveness for his murder of his brother. Together they try to defend the community against the cruelty of Portuguese colonials who are trying to enslave the indians. The music was scored by renowned composer Ennio Morricone, and is considered to be among his best film scores. The film was nominated for seven Oscars, but won only one for Best Cinematography.