Sam and Beth roll it back to discuss this quintessential 80s classic directed by Jonathan Demme. It could be argued that this film was responsible for launching the careers of Melanie Griffith, Jeff Daniels, and Ray Liotta —who would all go on to long success as perennial A-Listers (RIP Ray ❤️). It also solidified the status of artists like David Byrne, and Laurie Anderson in popular culture as pioneers and innovators in music. The soundtrack is extensive with 29 songs featuring The Feelies and an iconic performance by Sister Carol (one of Demme’s favorite artists and who he also featured in Married to the Mob). We go heavy into the discussion about what defines the true 80s aesthetic, and the authentic early 80s experience —something we think that filmmakers frequently get wrong. This film is a beautiful snapshot of a particularly special time in NYC, where people of all walks of life were creating a scene and making things happen. NYC was going through a time of reimagining and reinvention. Demme’s film unfolds to reveal an experience that is one of thousands of tales from the city, and provides the texture and sound that is the closest thing to actually living it. Episode links: “Greetings from New York” (1983) https://youtu.be/49KYA88FfmM?si=l1XofuovZreOWYsS “Jean Michel Basquiat the Radiant Child” https://youtu.be/YMVHH5EKbGM?si=djjPWnTOeKr8h6XA “Art and Music: Street Scene Takeover NYC 1981” https://youtu.be/5rtpO55HJA8?si=UssPDFSVK2s1Mrpq
