Prior to ET, films made from 1980-82 largely still had a 70s theme to them imo. Do you think ET was the first genuinely 80s movie that had that unique look and tone synonymous with that era? I think so. It usually takes a couple of years into a new decade for films to start looking of their time.
I can't think of any films made before ET that were truly '80s'. This must be the first.
How many a$$holes we got on this ship, anyhow?!
I also believe that every decade has a "hangover" from the previous decade that lasts about two years. Then, as if at once, music, fashion, movies and even politics begin to take the shape that will define that decade for many people.
E.T. is certainly one of the first "80s" movies, and no doubt became the template for almost every kids film to come. But for me the movie that absolutely could not have been made before 1982 is Tron. Not only the f/x, but because it was at the vanguard of the soon to be mainstreaming of personal technology. Everything about that movie, from its electronic score to its emphasis on video games just screams 80s and could not have been made even two years prior. It's as if it were born out of the 80s itself. Like the universe after the Big Bang.
No doubt E.T. was far more successful, but I do believe Tron was the first "80s movie".
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A journey into the realm of the obscure: http://saturdayshowcase.blogspot.com/
I guess you could say 1982 was the start of real '80s movies', then?
How many a$$holes we got on this ship, anyhow?!
I think so. I just skimmed the films released in '80-'81, and while there are some in there that are definitely "80s", 1982 really seemed to usher in the era in full, with no 70s hangover present.
You and I mentioned E.T. and TRON, but there's also Blade Runner, Firefox, even Rocky III. Just compare it to Rocky II (released in '79). The cinematography, the rock songs on the soundtrack. The 80s had arrived.
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A journey into the realm of the obscure: http://saturdayshowcase.blogspot.com/
even Rocky III. Just compare it to Rocky II (released in '79). The cinematography, the rock songs on the soundtrack. The 80s had arrived.
Lol! Very true.
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A journey into the realm of the obscure: http://saturdayshowcase.blogspot.com/
I think Meatballs (1979) was borderline. Although it had a disco song, it had the 80s raw, outdoors energy, and youthful camaraderie.
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The story is king.
E.T. started a lot of trends in the 80's and so many movies were knock offs. I'm looking at you Mac And Me. Some other movies/shows that come to mind.
Family Ties started in 1982 and was the first family show that really felt 1980's
Magnum PI started in 1980 but never hit me with any kind of 70's vibe like a lot of other shows in that time frame
Raiders Of The Last Ark
Released in 81 and the filming looks so much more advanced compared to action movies filmed only a few years earlier
Empire Strikes Back is borderline but ROTJ is all 80's
Nightmare On Elm Street was the first horror in my opinion that felt 80's
Caddyshack and Revenge Of The Nerds also come to mind for comedies
Maybe Rocky 3? Compared to the first two, which are both definitely 70's flicks, it's a glossy affair, with Hulk Hogan and Mr T. Pure 80's.
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