Ah, 1985—a time when aerobics were hot, malls were cooler, and John Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis brought the heat in the film Perfect. Directed by James Bridges, this film gave viewers an inside look at the glitzy Los Angeles lifestyle intertwined with tabloid journalism. The backdrop? The rolling hills of L.A. and its flashy fitness clubs. So, why did this film become the cultural flashpoint it did? Let’s explore ten reasons Perfect continues to startle audiences and spark discussion.
A Slice of ’80s Glamour: The movie is a vivid showcase of 1980s style, atmosphere, and ethos, all wrapped in Lycra and set to the pounding beat of aerobic workouts. If you want a time machine to the era of neon colors and synth-laden soundtracks, look no further.
Breaking Taboo Barriers: This film gives a nod to the tabloid culture of the time and speaks volumes about the sensationalism that was burgeoning in the media. It’s almost prophetic when you look at today's media landscape.
The Fitness Craze: Health clubs were the Starbucks of the '80s—a place where people socialized and networked. The film doesn’t just tell you about this craze; it lives it and illustrates how the obsession with physical perfection mirrors today's wellness industry.
Travolta and Curtis Chemistry: Their dynamic on-screen was electric, and perhaps these roles were unusual choices for them at the time. John Travolta was no stranger to dance movies, but Perfect was a whole new rhythm. Jamie Lee Curtis gave a performance that was equally raw and polished.
A Critical View on Journalistic Ethics: As one of the underlying themes, journalistic integrity—or lack thereof—plays a big role. It's a reflection on how reporters, like Travolta’s character, dissect lives for a big scoop, alluding to the 'anything for a story' mentality that seems to persist today.
Public’s Fascination with Cult of Celebrity: The film exposes society’s obsession with fame and fortune, iconic in the superficiality of Hollywood and its health club hustle. Those familiar gym scenes where patrons paraded as stars of their own shows? It resonates even now.
Music that Echoes through Time: The soundtrack delivers. Artists like Jermaine Jackson and Wham! were used in the film, tapping into the prevailing tunes of the time that still echo at throwback parties everywhere.
Fashion Time Capsule: Feathered hair, leg warmers, and high-cut leotards at every turn. The wardrobe choices solidified the film's early embrace of fitness fashion, now admired with a hint of nostalgia.
Pop Culture Influence: Perfect helped solidify the gym culture in the public’s eye. Before social media influencers, there was Jessie Wilson—Curtis’s character—who was fitspiration personified, creating an image that would inspire both adoration and envy.
Plot Twists and Personal Growth: The story is rife with personal challenges and the conflicts between career ambitions and personal ethics. Travolta's character wrestles with these dilemmas, adding layers to what might seem like a superficial narrative.
While critics might have slammed it as superficial at the time, revisiting it with a modern lens offers not only a nostalgic journey but a study in cultural shifts. It wasn’t about the accolades or awards Perfect didn’t win; it was about creating cultural conversations. Sometimes, films like this age like fine wine, occasionally with a touch of vinegar. And like many controversial subjects from the past, it still leaves audiences divided even decades later. Nostalgia, glitz, and a sprinkling of social commentary—isn't that a film worth re-watching?