The 1980’s were marked by a worldwide technological boom, a powerful North American economy, the fall of Communism, and numerous new entries into the canon of Film History. Always a reflection of their times, the following movies represent the major film triumphs of the decade…
A Christmas Story (1983)
Bob Clark’s definitive modern Christmas classic is as close to a cinematic Norman Rockwell painting as is humanly possible. The tale of Ralphie Parker’s quest to obtain the legendary “official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock” provides a quirky framework for the idyllic memories of the perfect holiday season. Amidst the unending advisory that Ralphie will shoot his eye out, the film is the ultimate holiday comfort food, a portrait of a nostalgically simpler time.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
John Hughes’ light-hearted examination of the trials and tribulations of teenagers in America stands as one of the most popular teen films of all time, managing over the years to transcend age barriers altogether. The story of a mixed group of high school students forced into an uneasy interaction in weekend detention deals frankly with the less-than-stellar realities of fitting in during adolescence. It is funny, raunchy, and honest, with a great 80’s soundtrack to boot. A showcase for several young stars of the day (members of the famous Brat Pack), it set the stage for teen comedies for years to come.
Blue Velvet (1986)
David Lynch’s look at the underbelly of America is deeply symbolic, erotic, and disturbing. Modern Film Noir, with a solid detective story and even the requisite Femme Fatale, the film is an expressionist work that flirts with horror elements while exploring sexual taboos such as sadism. It is a beautifully shot exterior to the ugly underlying subject matter, perfectly complementing the theme of the film. Lynch’s contributions during the 80’s would pave the way for avant-garde films from directors interested in operating at the very edge of the mainstream.
The Color Purple (1985)
The film is Steven Spielberg’s return to form, and a clear indicator of the quality and pensiveness of his future works. Leaving behind the cute aliens and the daredevil archaeologists, Spielberg takes a look at rural life in Black America, crafting a film that is necessarily tragic, yet somehow remains hopeful and, at times, even funny. The performances from Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, and Oprah Winfrey are spectacular, and the film’s poignant story echoes even today.
Frantic (1988)
Roman Polanski’s espionage thriller set in the shady back alleys of Paris is a masterpiece of intrigue worthy of Hitchcock, leaving the viewer to wonder if they’ve truly understood all of the details. With a dynamite performance by Harrison Ford, the film is a brilliant marriage of plot and character, and serves as the template for films that deal with ordinary people forced into a world they don’t understand and with which they have trouble interacting. During the 1980’s no other thriller came close to matching this film’s deftness.
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Stanley Kubrick’s war masterpiece, the spiritual antithesis to the previous year’s Platoon, is a head-on collision between The Boys in Company C and A Clockwork Orange, a Vietnam film that ultimately isn’t about Vietnam at all. The first half of the film follows marines at boot camp, systematically being stripped of their humanity and taught to kill. In the second (radically different) half, the film follows a squad in Vietnam, showing how some of these soldiers try desperately to find their place, while others have gladly divested themselves of all emotion. Shocking imagery and a multitude of standout performances make it is easy to understand why this film has been called “the greatest war movie ever made”.
Raging Bull (1980)
A love letter to the pugilists of old, Martin Scorsese’s magnum opus lost to Ordinary People as Best Picture for 1980. However, it was ultimately voted Film of the Decade in numerous polls and is recognized by AFI as one of the top 10 films of all time. The story documents the rise and fall of Jake LaMotta, one of the greatest (and sociopathic) of middleweight boxers. Scorsese’s decision to antique the film by shooting it in black-and-white lends a mythical flavor to an extremely engaging story, and the use of light and shadow is brilliant. Beautifully made and beautifully acted, the film stands the test of time as a biting tale of the perils of hubris.
The films of the 80’s reflected the changing social consciousness and marked a transformation in the cinematic narrative; the continuing influence of the many films produced during that decade changed forever the way films were made and interpreted.
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