JOHN BADHAM
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBBB.
USA, 1977. Paramount Pictures, Robert Stigwood Organization. Screenplay by Norman Wexler, based on the article Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night by Nik Cohn. Cinematography by Ralf D. Bode. Produced by Robert Stigwood. Music by Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb. Production Design by Charles Bailey. Costume Design by Patrizia von Brandenstein. Film Editing by David Rawlins. Academy Awards 1977. Golden Globe Awards 1977.
There’s no one out there like Tony Manero to chase your blues away. He talks tough, struts even tougher, and disco-dances like a mofo on a fiery Soul Train-spotlit floor. John Travolta deservedly catapulted to stardom with the success of this dramatic musical, playing a rebel from Brooklyn who finds escape from his uptight family life in the dance clubs that he frequents with his buddies. When the opportunity comes to win a huge dance contest, Tony signs up with a snobby professional (Karen Lynn Gorney) and starts up a romance with her. The Bee Gees provide a pulse-pounding soundtrack full of still-popular songs that never stop pulsing or pounding, and the screenplay by Norman Wexler enjoys the cliches of this kind of movie while adding just enough grit to make you take it seriously.
