Flashdance - Saturday 5th October 2024

This is an iconic dance film from the 1980’s; one where you basically know the story, and you definitely know the music, just from the way it’s permeated the culture.

I’d seen the show in the Theatre, but I’d never actually seen the movie, so partly for research purposes, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
Adrian Lyne, the director, comes from an advertising background, and that definitely elevates the film, because adverts in the 1970s and 80s were art! The film has the look of a glossy magazine from that period; smokey haze, rich blacks and high contrast. That combined with a good-looking lead actress (who’s clearly there for the way she looks and not her ability to act), and some brilliant costume design, makes this film a pleasure for the eyes. It perfectly captures the look of a glossy magazine, with great fashion and attractive visuals.

Add some absolute ‘fcuking choons’ to the mix, and you can see why this film still resonates some forty odd years later! I mean the songs are absolute bangers!
I still rinse the soundtrack to this day.
As for the dance sequences? They didn’t really do it for me. The story, on the other hand, is pure trash!

But look at how simple it is to make an iconic dance movie! (Famous last words...)