1977
Directed by John Badham
Happy Halloween, everyone! It is strange being in London for Halloween, since it is not as big of a deal here as it is in the United States. I get the sense that people here are just humoring children by celebrating it and think I'm weird for demanding candy from them. Go figure. Anyway, let's get to our thoroughly unthematic film of the day.
Tony Manero is an Italian American man living in Brooklyn. He works at a hardware store and his only source of pleasure in life is dancing at the local disco club. He meets Stephanie, who agrees to be his dance partner, but wants their relationship to stay professional. Bitch.
Okay, I take it back. This is a good movie to watch on Halloween, as parts of this film are truly horrifying (and I don't just mean the Bee Gees soundtrack). The treatment of women in this film is truly disgusting. I don't know how I am supposed to enjoy watching Tony dance when he and his friends all are actual or aspiring rapists.
Of course, I understand how iconic this film is. I certainly understand its place on the List. But it wasn't a fun watch and I wish I could unsee a few of the scenes.
RATING: **---
Interesting Facts:
First Hollywood movie to use the term "blow job." It's fun learning about history.
Gene Siskel's favorite movie.
You are so funny! Yeah, not a great movie.Dancing can be fun, but I was never a disco dancer, the Bee Gees were never a favor. Way too sexist.
ReplyDeleteIt will come to no great surprise to you that i'm going to give this load of sexost tripe a big miss. Next time I complain if you make a sweeping generalisation comment about 'men', you are (semi) entitled to bring this out as an exhibit for the prosecution. But I still say, we are not all like the guys in this. In the same way you are not like Doris Day or some dumb scream queen from a 50's horror.
ReplyDeleteI wish I was like Doris Day and could change wigs according to my mood. And thanks Diana!
ReplyDeleteNow I'm shocked. I really don't see you as a coiffured blonde, all cute, pink and fluffy, skipping round the house being all sickly sweet, singing 'Que Sera sera' as you do the dusting and getting 'his' slippers ready for some perfect hunk.
ReplyDeleteHaha I'll take that as a compliment!
DeleteOh I hope you do. It was decidedly intended to be.
ReplyDelete