Saturday, January 29, 2011

'80s film + music

My parents always joke they "missed the '80s" because they married and started a family that decade. They mostly say this in reference to movies, music, and other pop culture. Even though they obviously exaggerate, (my dad and I actually debated whether Andrew McCarthy was in Pretty in Pink or not recently. I was right; he was.), I still try to share my appreciation with them. While it seems more popular to diss the decade, I feel it showed a lot of innovation in terms of film, fashion, and music. I discovered many of my favorite songs by watching '80s films. Here are a few favorites I would use to ease my parents into the '80s:



 The Breakfast Club is not only one of my favorite '80s movies, it is one of my favorite movies period. I think John Hughes captures high school life perfectly, and his films say what everyone feels during it, but rarely expresses. The film's title track, "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds is also one of my favorite songs. It is famous, and I am sure you all have heard it before, but here is a YouTube link anyway: Simple Minds-"Don't You (Forget About Me).


Thank goddess Less than Zero has such a fabulous title song. I personally find this film depressing and shallow, but The Bangles' cover of "Hazy Shade of Winter" easily makes the opening credits the best part. I swear, I had this on replay over and over again last summer: The Bangles-"Hazy Shade of Winter"


Teen Witch could qualify as shallow too. I mean, it easily conveys one must conform to society's beauty and popularity standards to find happiness. However, unlike Less Than Zero, it is fun, cute, and does not take itself too seriously. I love this song when the main character, Louise, casts a popularity spell on herself: Teen Witch-"Most Popular Girl". Plus, her outfits rule! 


Finally, is there anything more '80s than Flashdance? I love this movie, and its song, "Flashdance (What a Feeling)" by Irene Cara always empowers me. I think it is positive and fun to listen to: "Flashdance (What a Feeling)"

Do you have any favorite '80s music and/or movies? 

~F.

6 comments:

Artman2112 said...

unlike your parents i did NOT get married during the 80's and so i got to have some fun then instead :D to this day i quote from the breakfast club ALL the time (mostly from the Judd Nelson character - be-oh-oh aich-oh-oh, lol) i love that song too, good times, good times!

Shybiker said...

You select two films that perfectly represent that period: "Flashdance" and "The Breakfast Club." In fact, I can't think of any better examples.

It's nice to be reminded of that period. It doesn't seem so long ago to me. I guess when you hit my age, 20-30 years can pass by in a flash. I started my career in 1982...

BaronessVonVintage said...

I looooved the mid to late 80s. So much romanticism! I recommend every John Hughes teen angst movie...
also anything with John Cusack used to float my boat (i.e. Say Anything). CAN't Buy Me Love with young Patrick Dempsey, HEATHERS (late 80s/early 90s), Loooved Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Dirty Dancing, Some Kind of Wonderful, The Karate Kid, Top Gun, Mannequin; Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. I know there are tons more that I'm missing, but you get the idea. Whenever I need an emotional pickme up, I watch movies like the above

BaronessVonVintage said...

Oh, for music-movie perfection, FOOTLOOSE, as well as Pretty in Pink (Psychedic Furs, y'alll!!!

I still love New Order, early Depeche Mode,

Francy said...

Oh, I agree, Baroness! Footloose is fantastic! Can't believe Hollywood bothered with a remake.

emma wallace said...

Soooo much good music in the 80s! I can't even begin to mention them all!