A big thanks to Mr Sayles for not letting the studio ruin this movie and shame on me for taking 25 years to see it. This is a wonderful and unique look at growing up, particularly that two year period where one is a senior in high school and then the year after they graduate. For many it is probably the most important two year period of their life. Sayles takes his time examining both the before and after periods with new friends, experiences, college, first jobs, first love, sex, etc. It is all here and unless things have changed more than I know, these are all universal issues that are still relevant. The fact that the story takes place in a very specific time and place doesn't matter much although the music, cars and other props are as carefully chosen as any movie I've seen.
It's sad that Hollywood rarely examines this most defining period in our lives. I was stumped trying to think of other movies that showed this transition. The closest I thought of was Bagdonovich's 'The Last Picture Show' and perhaps Crowe's 'Say Anything' but in both cases it was over a shorter period(just a summer in the latter). I finally hit upon the reason for this; and that is although it is a great game-plan for making a quality movie it is a poor one for making a popular movie. Unfortunately the studios have learned this lesson all too well.
It's sad that Hollywood rarely examines this most defining period in our lives. I was stumped trying to think of other movies that showed this transition. The closest I thought of was Bagdonovich's 'The Last Picture Show' and perhaps Crowe's 'Say Anything' but in both cases it was over a shorter period(just a summer in the latter). I finally hit upon the reason for this; and that is although it is a great game-plan for making a quality movie it is a poor one for making a popular movie. Unfortunately the studios have learned this lesson all too well.