Fame: Why This 80s Movie Still SHOCKS Us Today! 😱

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If you’ve ever gone through the nerve-wracking ordeal of auditioning, I wholeheartedly suggest and simultaneously advise against it. This advice comes with a caveat: if you’re not ready to face the anxieties of being scrutinized, appraised, and possibly deemed inadequate once more. The television series Fame plunges us straight into its unique brand of vulnerability. For many people worldwide, adolescence is the most delicate and stormy phase of their lives, but Fame understands that for artists, the turbulence persists, the winds simply soften slightly.

If you’ve been through a tough audition process, I both recommend and warn against it, especially if you aren’t ready to deal with the constant feelings of being judged again. The TV show Fame immediately shows us its unique kind of vulnerability. For most people, adolescence is their most sensitive time, but for artists, the sensitivity never truly ends; it just becomes a bit quieter sometimes.

As we spend approximately three and a half hours becoming acquainted with a group of aspiring actors, dancers, and musicians, Alan Parker’s highly impactful 1980 film begins to materialize. Despite being released more than four decades ago, Fame continues to impart valuable lessons to its viewers. Some elements may seem outdated, but I admire the courage to tackle discussions about topics that remain contentious today. Fame skillfully balances portraying these characters as authentic individuals while never losing sight of their youthfulness.

Intimate & Immersive, Fame Is Just As Honest Today As It Was In 1980

There’s A Truth & Quiet Sadness That Has Allowed Fame To Age Well

Through the lens of New York City’s authentic high school for the performing arts, LaGuardia High School, the movie “Fame” chronicles four years in the life of a new class as they strive to balance fitting in and standing out. The raw intimacy of “Fame” takes you by surprise, as movies today rarely capture such an unfiltered portrayal. In its gritty, budget-conscious charm, we gain a genuine understanding of the characters’ innermost aspirations, despite limited screen time with them. Despite its modest scale, the film’s ambition is grand, which unfortunately leads to a slight loss of focus towards the end.

Initially, Fame showcases a diverse group of students, but towards the end, the focus narrows down to characters Doris, Ralph, and Montgomery (played by Maureen Teefy, Barry Miller, and Paul McCrane respectively). These three characters symbolize distinct perspectives and backgrounds within the school’s student body. As the narrative concentrates more on their journey in the final act, Fame slightly loses some of its unique charm because not every character we’ve grown attached to receives an equally heartfelt goodbye as they depart from the once intimidating school and face a far more daunting reality.

Today, we’re accustomed to musicals that tackle serious themes, and it’s almost mundane now to witness adolescents in perilous scenarios in movies and television series. Yet, when Fame first debuted, it was challenging conventional norms, and the apprehension behind whether this narrative would resonate with viewers is palpable. Thankfully, this uncertainty made the filmmakers as exposed as the characters, enabling the audience to empathize with the on-screen individuals and share in their suffering.

The musical sequences in this movie clearly hark back to the ’80s, yet they’ve aged enough to evoke a sense of nostalgia without feeling dated. The cast of Fame is incredibly skilled, managing to keep pace with the intense narrative. Irene Cara’s vocal performance is stunning, and it’s heart-wrenching to see her character struggle in the climax. Though each character’s journey is unique, they all seem to be escaping from something within the film. With some additional refinement and a leaner script, it could have delved deeper, but thankfully, the movie doesn’t overdo its messages.

Fame Fondly Remembers How Important High School Years Are Without Losing Sight Of What’s Really Important

Art Education Is Used As Yet Another Window Into The Painful Process Of Coming Of Age

Instead of heavily focusing on the plot, Fame prefers to wander, emphasizing atmosphere, particularly at the beginning as we acclimate to the school alongside the characters. Later, as the characters are ready to move beyond the school and explore wider horizons, we spend less time within its walls, hinting that their futures may not be promising and graduation might mark the end of their journey. They’re just beginning to grasp the crucial lessons they need, such as not altering themselves for others, because they must venture out into the world to discover these truths on their own.

As I sat in the cinema watching “Fame”, it struck me how relatable it is to ponder over the similarities and stark differences between the journey of teenagers then and now, as well as the evolution of artistic training. There are moments that undeniably resonate with today’s audience, bringing on waves of laughter as they recognize themselves in these kids fumbling through Shakespeare scenes. Yet, the appeal of “Fame” transcends love for theater or a preference for musicals; all you need is to have experienced the transformation from child to self-actualized individual, and this film taps into that universal experience.

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2025-05-17 16:07