“there are no real stakes for these kids and no sense that they have to answer in any way for their poor choices, or even acknowledge those choices as being their own responsibilities.”
This is such a salient point about St Elmo’s and likely all of the brat pack films. I watched this one as a kid because my parents loved it, and I’ve always had a hard time relating to these kids. What you say above has something to do with why.
Breakfast Club gets all the attention, but the feeling of this one stuck with me longer. That sort of “wtf was the point of this” feeling.
Orlando... yeah I need to rewatch that one soon. I watched it in a film class in college, and I remember having no interest in the film at all, and by the end, I was in complete shock at how unique and powerful it was. Also, way ahead of its time. If it came out now people would froth at the mouth.
Some of Lynch’s films are like that for me. Especially Blue Velvet. The 80s and 90s had real bangers.
Of course you would have already reviewed Lynch! You nailed the vibe of that film, and I agree that it's his best.
Okay, have you ever watched Kore-eda's films? He's my favourite living Japanese director/writer. There's nothing quite like his work. Literally anything of his. It's all good. Except for maybe The Truth.
“there are no real stakes for these kids and no sense that they have to answer in any way for their poor choices, or even acknowledge those choices as being their own responsibilities.”
This is such a salient point about St Elmo’s and likely all of the brat pack films. I watched this one as a kid because my parents loved it, and I’ve always had a hard time relating to these kids. What you say above has something to do with why.
Breakfast Club gets all the attention, but the feeling of this one stuck with me longer. That sort of “wtf was the point of this” feeling.
Orlando... yeah I need to rewatch that one soon. I watched it in a film class in college, and I remember having no interest in the film at all, and by the end, I was in complete shock at how unique and powerful it was. Also, way ahead of its time. If it came out now people would froth at the mouth.
Some of Lynch’s films are like that for me. Especially Blue Velvet. The 80s and 90s had real bangers.
St. Elmo's Fire was interesting! I'm glad you suggested it. What other movies would you like to see in the pages of this newsletter?
Speaking of David Lynch - you got access to any of his work? I'd love to read your take on anything of his.
https://onecouldargue.substack.com/p/nocturnal-commissions
Of course you would have already reviewed Lynch! You nailed the vibe of that film, and I agree that it's his best.
Okay, have you ever watched Kore-eda's films? He's my favourite living Japanese director/writer. There's nothing quite like his work. Literally anything of his. It's all good. Except for maybe The Truth.
Shoplifters is well known: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoplifters_(film)
My favourite is After the Storm: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/After_the_Storm_(2016_film)
But I'd settle for anything that strikes your fancy from his oeuvre.
Just put After the Storm on hold with the library, so you can expect to see it written about some time fairly soon. Thanks!
YES. Super excited to read your take on that one.