Saturday Night Fever

Having watched it several times since (just saw it again last night), I realize that this movie not only reflected a dance/music craze, but at the core is a thoughtful character study at both micro and macro levels. It is truly reflective of the best of the tradition of movies of the 1970's like "Alice Does Not Live Here Anymore" as it's mostly character and not plot driven, unlike most of today's releases.

All the characters feel so true to life, mostly due to excellent writing and superb acting, that you can feel like you are one of them or at least sitting next to them. The movie also touches on so many issues in the most naturalistic way. No neat "Lifetime" movie touches to be found, and although you don't feel beaten over the head with it, the movie touches on racism, economic disparity, the role of women in the family and in the whole madonna/whore context, religion, and homophobia just to name a few.

Lest you think that this movie will feel like a John Cassavettes movie (who I also enjoy most of the movie) this movie tackles its themes in one of the most entertaining ways ever filmed without the sometimes self-indulgent touches of some other favorites of mine.

The dance sequences are masterful as are those involving family and friends, and director John Badham has not made a better movie. The acting is flawless, especially the Oscar-nominated performance by John Travolta. He never takes a false step in the entire movie. He's sexy, confident about what's on the outside, scared to death about where his life is going, and manages to say so much with his eyes and posture. And the man can dance as there is a sequence without the MTV cuts to shows true dancing rather than images that pass for dancing by today's standards.

All of the supporting characters (even those with a single line) are outstanding, especially Donna Pescow and "Tony's" entire family. The only minor quibble that I have with the movie (with does not take away from this 5-Star Review) is Karen Gorney's performance. In a movie with such strong performances all around, she hits all the right notes in most of her scenes, but there are a couple of scenes where she is the weak link. By no means do I think that it is a weak performance, but when there is such talent all around, you tend to notice all that is not perfect.

To me this is one of the better movies ever to come out of Hollywood and after seeing it you may agree with me. Without giving too much of it away, the movie does not lead to where you think it's leading to and what would be the big finish today only serves as the beginning for the character's arc. Also, although I saw this movie when I was 12/13, this is a without a doubt movie for adults as it is frank and raw, and I would only recommend that it be seen by mature teens and beyond.

In an era of test groups, sequelitis, and competing entertaining alternatives you are not likely to see a movie as entertaining and thoughtful as this one so buy/rent it, and I think that you'll be sure to love it.