American Graffiti (1973)
Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Cindy Williams ... (see more) , Candy Clark , Mackenzie Phillips , Wolfman Jack , Bo Hopkins , Manuel Padilla Jr. , Harrison Ford , Suzanne Somers
A summer night in 1962 becomes the focal point in the lives of four small town California teenagers as they face decisions, both immediate and long term, about the directions of their lives. Steve, wants to break up with Laurie, his devoted high school sweetheart and pursue new experiences away from... (read more) A summer night in 1962 becomes the focal point in the lives of four small town California teenagers as they face decisions, both immediate and long term, about the directions of their lives. Steve, wants to break up with Laurie, his devoted high school sweetheart and pursue new experiences away from home. Curt, is hesitant about going away to school and leaving the comfortable, familiar surroundings of family and friends. John, tries to maintain his too cool for school image as a hip guy, but can't seem to shake a nagging awareness that life is somehow passing him by. Finally, there's Terry, the nerdy wannabe trying to fit in but who still manages to screw up. During the course of the evening, their individual stories intertwine and separate. By the next morning, their lives will be changed, some only temporarily and some for a lifetime.
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PG, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed by:
George Lucas
Release Date: Aug 01, 1973
DVD Release Date: Sep 15, 1998
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While this film answers my long unfulfilled desire to know why my mom always told me not to go out "cruising", it does little else to hold my attention. The ray of light in the darkness has to be Harrison Ford, whose country accent and bad ass behavi... (read more) While this film answers my long unfulfilled desire to know why my mom always told me not to go out "cruising", it does little else to hold my attention. The ray of light in the darkness has to be Harrison Ford, whose country accent and bad ass behavior endear him to me. The soundtrack was decent, if not cliche. Not my type of movie, but a must see according to many film buffs.
An endearing film from George Lucas before he went all spaceman on us. Set over one night in 1962 this film really catches the period and has a killer soundtrack. Most of the cast are very recognizable (it's fun seeing the director Ron Howard listed ... (read more) An endearing film from George Lucas before he went all spaceman on us. Set over one night in 1962 this film really catches the period and has a killer soundtrack. Most of the cast are very recognizable (it's fun seeing the director Ron Howard listed as Ronnie in the credits) and a few went onto bigger films of the 70's (where's that bit actor Mr Harrison Ford now I wonder?). I think I was expecting something closer to American Pie or Superbad but Lucas is showing a more innocent time and the characters are much more developed than either of those films. Dreyfuss is great but It's Charles Martin Howard who brings the humour to the film. Lucas has been accused of writing bad dialogue but there's no evidence of that here. A nice film that deserves it place in 70's film culture.
Actually fairly good for a "teen" movie, because it breaks a lot of the norms and can stand in it's own right as a fairly good comedy. There are some really great parts, there are some really predictable parts. The beginning and end are kind of wea... (read more) Actually fairly good for a "teen" movie, because it breaks a lot of the norms and can stand in it's own right as a fairly good comedy. There are some really great parts, there are some really predictable parts. The beginning and end are kind of weak, but the rest holds up. I was entertained and there are some great shots in it and who can resist Harrison Ford?
A great film which for film students is fantastic to watch to learn about sound and how it effects the image.
Sort of a cant hardly wait from an older generation. The characters are very interesting and it is just a wonderful slice of life.
I cant quite get my head around the fact that this movie was directed by George Lucas--yes, that George Lucas. Its just such a different style. The one thing he gets mega points for on the directorial front with this film, is that (acc to IMDB) he'd ... (read more) I cant quite get my head around the fact that this movie was directed by George Lucas--yes, that George Lucas. Its just such a different style. The one thing he gets mega points for on the directorial front with this film, is that (acc to IMDB) he'd do a lot of single take scenes. The actors would sometimes flub lines, but as long as they stayed in character, that was the shot that was used (examples are when Carol gets hit by a water balloon and also when Terry brings the booze to Debbie in the car). Adds a lot of realism to it.
The best part of the movie was definitely the soundtrack. No contest there. Such classic oldies--Johnny B Goode, Runaway, Barbara Ann, Surfing Safari, Maybe Baby. I've just added all of them to my download list. Often times I wasn't even paying attention to the scene because I was rocking out. Yeah, I know. Punk rock princess over here rocking out to oldies. Deal with it.
There wasn't much in the way of plot, which meant that I'd lose interest here and there. But I did really like some of the characters. Milner was my favorite. Definitely perked up whenever he was on screen. And points for Harrison Ford, singing One Enchanted Evening (just the beginning of the clip).
While the plot didnt quite grab me, I found it really intriguing as a period piece. The 60's is easily my favorite decade that I didnt live through. Although I usually like the stylized uber colorful version (think Hairspray). But this was a great real vision of the decade. I was also fascinated (that word choice seems strange) by the whole cruising concept. I dont think I'd ever really seen that before. Growing up I used to always hear about teens crusing down San Bernardo back home, and I never understood what was so special about it that it was such a big thing. Now I get it. Do the kids still even do that anymore?
Classic 70's cinema, long before George Lucas went nuts and started fucking up his own films.
I was impressed with this sincere tribute to a specific time and place (the Valley in 1962). George Lucas lived this life himself and you get a sense that the characters in the film are composites of people from his and the other screenwriters' past.... (read more) I was impressed with this sincere tribute to a specific time and place (the Valley in 1962). George Lucas lived this life himself and you get a sense that the characters in the film are composites of people from his and the other screenwriters' past. The feel of the film is nostalgic with a dry take on how things like respect for elders, sock-hops, and soda fountains were on the way out and the Vietnam draft, Kennedy's assassination, and the British Invasion were rapidly altering the teenage landscape. These California kids struggle to establish their place in their own social hierarchy as well as anticipate what the world wants from them. The cast is made up of actors who went on to find greater fame in other projects. It's amazing to see such a strong ensemble at the beginning of their careers. Haskel Wexler's cinematography creates an amazing late night into dawn feeling. From here, Lucas goes on to make Star Wars. What a curious progression.
I typed a whole crappy commentary, but FB lost it, so screw it I ain't typin it agin.
A superbad for the 60's. A hilarious and amazing adventure set in one night. Good acting, direction, music and story!
Critic Reviews
American Graffiti acts almost as a milestone to show us how far (and in many cases how tragically) we have come.full review
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