ONLY IN THE 80'S: MANNEQUINN (1987)

Upon special request... 

The 1980's was a truly wondrous time for the world of cinema. There's a unique esthetic to the films of the 80's, a strange logic, raw imagination, and a zany personality that can only be found during that decade (although some films of the early 90's yet possess this 80's esthetic as they were either conceived or began production during the 80's). The 80's was a golden age for horror films and the dawning age of make-up and special effects extravaganzas. The hyper-masculine action hero was born (or popularized at least) in the 80's along with the rebirth of comedy (blending horror, action, and romance with laughs to create the modern comedy). The 80's truly was a remarkable era for film.

As a child of the 80's, many of these films are held near and dear to my heart. As an impressionable child these films helped shape my imagination, give me a sense of wonder, and ultimately helped create a lifelong love of cinema. To be clear, I am totally biased when it comes to certain 80's films. My nostalgia for these films grows with each passing year. You could say I watched too much tv as a child (and you'd be right! Even still, I am continually discovering more gems from the 80's all of the time). There were films I watched on my own and then those I would've only ever seen because of my older sister, such is the film in question today: 

MANNEQUIN

Released: 1987

Directed by Michael Gottlieb

Budget: $7.9 million ~ Box Office: $42.7 million

Debuting at #3 on its opening weekend, beat out only by PLATOON and OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE. Out performing the Sylvester Stallone starring vehicle OVER THE TOP. Nominated for an Academy Award (Best Original Song ~ Starship - Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now. And recipient of some of the worst reviewers ever (I've said this before and I'll say it again: Never pay attention to critics. Think for yourself). It's also worth noting that such classics as THE THING and DIE HARD were also panned by critics during the 80's.

 Featuring a stellar cast of Andrew McCarthy (following PRETTY IN PINK and ST. ELMO'S FIRE), Kim Cattrall (fresh off of the great BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA), Estelle Getty (of GOLDEN GIRLS fame), James Spader (playing a douchey villain you love to hate), the wildly charismatic Meshach Taylor (made while he was filming the television show DESIGNING WOMEN), and G.W. Bailey (of the Police Academy series and SHORT CIRCUIT).

 More than the cast, it's the story that really lends this movie its personality and individuality. A modernized version of the Pygmalion myth as well as a pseudo-remake of the 1948 classic ONE TOUCH OF VENUS, Mannequin tells the story of Egyptian princess Emmy Hesire struggling against social norms and defying her family's arranged marriage. The gods take pity on her and transport her through various periods in time on a quest to find true love. Flash-forward to modern times (1987) where we meet Jonathan Switcher, a social misfit, struggling to find his place in the world. Jonathan is only able to find his passion in his artistry. While sculpting a mannequin, Emmy's essence brings the mannequin to life. What results is a fun romantic comedy the likes of which feels perfectly at home in the 1980's.

There's a great soundtrack and complimentary score that captures the fun and excitement of the film (a view of the 80's through gilded lenses), an inspirational message about following your dreams and pursuing your life's passion, being yourself in the face of social adversity, doing the right thing, standing up to bigotry, not selling out to those who'd exploit you, and finding true love across space and time. The mythological basis for the story imbues the film with a fantastic and timeless quality beyond its 80's trappings, connecting audiences to a greater history, continually retelling the myths of old that have been ingrained in the DNA of civilization.

And it's fun too!

"Look at him with the dummy!"

"Who're you to criticize?"

There's a fun-loving innocence to it along with zany antics that just make you smile. You can forget your problems for 90 minutes and live in a better world for a little while with this movie. Some might say the movie is dumb, shallow, and bereft of any real cinematic value. To that I say both yes and no. What some might mistake for vapidness I feel is the film's purity. Personally I'd rather watch this movie on repeat than, say, AVENGERS ENDGAME. I've foregone seeing BLACK WIDOW in the movie theater to instead watch Mannequin and write this tribute. And I have no regrets about that.

An 80's classic about building dreams together and standing strong forever, essential viewing for any student of 1980's cinema, with a great song to karaoke to with your best friend ~ 

Mannequin is one of the films that helped shape me... only in the 80's

~Dedicated to Chris and Sam~