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Say Anything…: A Classic Tale of Love and Heartbreak
As a lover of classic romance movies, Say Anything… has always been a favorite. Released in 1989 and directed by Cameron Crowe, it tells the story of Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) and Diane Court (Ione Skye), two high school graduates who fall in love despite their differences.
The Plot
The story begins with Lloyd, a kickboxer with no clear direction in life, falling head over heels for Diane, a straight-A student who is set to attend an Ivy League university on scholarship. Despite her overprotective father’s disapproval, the two start dating and enter into a beautiful love affair that quickly turns sour. After Diane’s father is investigated for fraud, she breaks things off with Lloyd and leaves for England.
The Cast
The movie features an all-star cast including John Cusack as the lovestruck Lloyd Dobler, Ione Skye as Diane Court, his brilliant-but-sheltered girlfriend, John Mahoney as Jim Court, Diane’s overprotective father whose shady business dealings ultimately put their relationship in jeopardy, and Lily Taylor as Corey Flood, Lloyd’s best friend who is struggling with her own unrequited love.
The Soundtrack
The Say Anything… soundtrack is one of the most iconic of all time, featuring songs by Peter Gabriel, The Replacements, Depeche Mode, and more. The most memorable scene from the movie is undoubtedly when Lloyd holds a boombox over his head and plays “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel to win Diane back. It’s a moment that has become synonymous with grand romantic gestures and has been parodied countless times in pop culture.
The Characters
What makes Say Anything… so special is its characters. Lloyd Dobler, in particular, has become somewhat of a cult figure in pop culture. His laid-back attitude, infectious optimism, and unwavering love for Diane make him a relatable and endearing protagonist. Diane Court is also an interesting character whose intelligence and ambition are overshadowed by her sheltered upbringing.
The Dialogue
The dialogue in Say Anything… is witty, realistic, and at times heartbreaking. Quotes like “I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen” and “Don’t be a guy. The world is full of guys. Be a man” have become part of the movie’s lore and are still quoted to this day. Crowe has always had a talent for writing sharp, relatable dialogue, and Say Anything… is no exception.
The Popularity
Say Anything… wasn’t an instant box office hit when it was released in 1989, but it quickly gained a cult following. Today, it’s considered one of the greatest romance movies ever made and has become a touchstone for generations of viewers who relate to its themes of first love and heartbreak.
My Evaluation
Personally, I absolutely adore Say Anything…. It’s hopeful without being sappy, and realistic without being cynical. The performances by John Cusack and Ione Skye are perfect, capturing all the awkwardness and excitement of young love. The soundtrack is iconic, with every song perfectly capturing the mood of each scene. It’s a movie that has stayed with me since I first watched it as a teenager, and one that I’ll continue to watch over and over again throughout my life.
The Scenes
The most iconic scene in Say Anything… is undoubtedly the boombox serenade, but there are countless other moments that make this movie so special. The scene where Lloyd and Diane make love for the first time is incredibly sweet and tender, while the scene where Lloyd shares his future plans with Diane is a perfect example of his charming optimism. Each scene in the movie feels natural and authentic, even when they are heightened for dramatic effect.
The Production
Cameron Crowe wrote and directed Say Anything… after already achieving success with Fast Times at Ridgemont High and The Breakfast Club, and it shows. The movie is incredibly well-crafted, from the sharp dialogue to the expert pacing. Crowe clearly has a deep understanding of teen angst and young love, and he brings that insight to every frame of Say Anything….
The Special Effects
There aren’t any flashy special effects in Say Anything…, but that doesn’t mean the movie isn’t beautifully shot. Crowe’s use of light and color gives scenes an ethereal quality that perfectly captures the mood of each moment. The boombox scene, in particular, is lit so perfectly that it almost feels like a dream sequence.
The History
Say Anything… was released in 1989, a year that saw a number of classic movies hit theaters. In the years since then, it has become one of the most beloved romance movies ever made. Today, it’s remembered not just for its iconic scenes and dialogue, but also for capturing a specific moment in time – the end of the 1980s and the beginning of a new era.
The Analysis
Say Anything… is not just a love story – it’s also an examination of class differences, ambition, and the pressures that young people face as they navigate their futures. Diane Court’s struggle to find her own identity despite her father’s overbearing influence is something that many viewers can relate to. Meanwhile, Lloyd Dobler is emblematic of a particular kind of male hero – one who is sensitive, caring, and more interested in making real connections than accruing wealth or status.
The Criticism
There are some who criticize Say Anything…for being too idealistic or too focused on white middle-class characters. However, these criticisms overlook the emotional truth at the heart of the movie. Say Anything… may be about two white teenagers falling in love, but the themes it explores are universal. Anyone who has ever loved and lost can relate to the heartbreak at the center of this story.
The Gossip
There aren’t many scandals associated with Say Anything…, but there is a fun bit of trivia that fans of the movie love to share: John Cusack initially turned down the role of Lloyd Dobler because he thought it was too similar to his character in Better Off Dead. However, after talking to Cameron Crowe and learning more about the movie’s themes and characters, he changed his mind and accepted the part.
The Opinion
Say Anything… may be over 30 years old, but its themes and characters still resonate with audiences today. It’s a movie that captures all the awkwardness, excitement, and heartbreak of first love in a way that few other movies have ever done. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or have never seen it before, Say Anything… is definitely worth watching.