Introduction
The movie “Dirty Dancing” is a classic romantic drama that was released in 1987. The film follows the story of 17 year old Frances “Baby” Houseman as she falls in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle during a summer holiday in the Catskills. Written by Eleanor Bergstein and directed by Emile Ardolino, the film has become one of the most beloved and iconic films of all time. In this article, we will explore when the movie “Dirty Dancing” came out, its critical reception, cultural impact, and legacy.
A Look Back: The History of the Movie “Dirty Dancing”
The movie “Dirty Dancing” was released on August 21, 1987. It was distributed by Vestron Pictures and starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in the lead roles. The movie was written by Eleanor Bergstein, who was inspired by her own experiences as a young girl in the Catskills. The film cost $6 million to produce and went on to make over $214 million at the box office.
Upon its release, “Dirty Dancing” received positive reviews from critics. Roger Ebert praised the film for its “enchanting blend of music, dancing, and romance” while Gene Siskel called it “the best picture of the summer.” The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”) and won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
The release of “Dirty Dancing” had a profound impact on popular culture. The film’s soundtrack, which featured hits such as “Hungry Eyes” and “She’s Like the Wind”, became a massive hit and propelled the careers of artists like Eric Carmen, Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. The movie also spawned a successful stage musical adaptation and a sequel, “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights”.
The Legacy of “Dirty Dancing”: An Exploration of its Impact on Pop Culture
The success of “Dirty Dancing” had a lasting influence on pop culture. The film’s iconic soundtrack helped to define the sound of the 1980s and its dance sequences influenced the way people danced. Its fashion also had an impact; Jennifer Grey’s character Baby wore a range of stylish outfits, from cropped sweaters to shift dresses, that were widely copied by teenage girls.
The influence of “Dirty Dancing” extended beyond music and fashion. The film’s story of forbidden love between a dance instructor and student challenged gender norms and provided a template for other romance films to follow. The film also inspired a wave of romantic comedies, such as “Pretty in Pink” and “Say Anything…”, that focused on the complexities of teenage relationships.
Exploring the Cinematic Magic of “Dirty Dancing”
The success of “Dirty Dancing” can be attributed to its unique blend of music, dance and romance. The film’s cinematography captures the beauty of the Catskill Mountains in the summertime while its editing gives the film a dreamlike quality. The soundtrack, which features a mix of pop, rock and soul tunes, is essential to the film’s appeal.
The film also benefits from its talented cast. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey have an undeniable chemistry that helps to sell the romance between their characters. The supporting cast, which includes Cynthia Rhodes, Jerry Orbach, and Jack Weston, are all excellent as well.
“Dirty Dancing”: How It Changed the Way We Look at Romance Movies
“Dirty Dancing” was released at a time when teen romance films were becoming increasingly popular. Other films, such as “Sixteen Candles” and “Pretty in Pink”, had explored similar themes but “Dirty Dancing” took it to a new level. The film’s unique story of forbidden love between a dance instructor and his student broke gender norms and provided a template for other romance films to follow.
The film was also groundbreaking in its use of music and dance to tell its story. The movie’s iconic lift scene, in which Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey perform a breathtaking routine to “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”, is one of the most memorable moments in modern cinema. The film’s soundtrack also helped to define the sound of the 1980s, with songs like “She’s Like the Wind” and “Hungry Eyes” becoming instant classics.
Revisiting the Classic: A Retrospective on the Release of “Dirty Dancing”
In 2017, the movie “Dirty Dancing” celebrated its 30th anniversary with a series of special events and screenings around the world. Fans of the movie gathered to watch the film, sing along to its soundtrack, and discuss its enduring legacy. The anniversary also saw the release of a remake of the film starring Abigail Breslin and Colt Prattes.
Despite its age, “Dirty Dancing” remains popular today. The film has spawned numerous remakes and sequels and continues to inspire new generations of fans with its timeless story of love and dance. The movie also serves as a reminder of the power of music and dance to bring people together.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of “Dirty Dancing”
The making of “Dirty Dancing” was a long and arduous process. The script was written by Eleanor Bergstein, who was inspired by her own experiences as a young girl in the Catskills. The film was produced by Linda Gottlieb and directed by Emile Ardolino, who had previously worked on the cult classic “Flashdance”.
The casting process was extensive, with hundreds of actors auditioning for the lead roles of Johnny and Baby. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey were eventually chosen for the roles and went on to become one of the most iconic screen couples of all time. The film was shot over a period of 10 weeks in the Catskills and was released to huge commercial and critical success.
Conclusion
The movie “Dirty Dancing” has become one of the most beloved and iconic films of all time. Released in 1987, the film follows the story of 17 year old Frances “Baby” Houseman as she falls in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle during a summer holiday in the Catskills. The movie was a massive success upon its release and has had a lasting influence on popular culture. Its soundtrack, fashion, and story of forbidden love between a dance instructor and student have all made an impact on the way we view romance films. Thirty years later, “Dirty Dancing” remains as popular as ever and continues to inspire new generations of fans with its timeless story of love and dance.
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