It’s time to sooth the nerves a little after midterms and horror flicks. This week’s selection adds a new genre to our ever-expanding repertoire. Call it what you will, but this drama/romance/dance movie is certainly quite a change from our previous selections. Dirty Dancing, directed by Emile Ardolino is definitely something different.
We are first introduced to Frances “Baby” Houseman and her privileged family. They are heading to Kellerman’s Resort for the summer, mostly so her father (a doctor) can finally have a real vacation. In case you’ve forgotten what that is, it has something to do with not doing work all the time and maybe even enjoying yourself.
In any case, Baby becomes interested in dance, when she sees resort dance instructors Johnny and Penny rocking out to “Where Are You Tonight?” on the dance floor at a staff party. Of course Baby can’t take her eyes of Johnny and so the usual chick flick fluffiness begins. Well, it is Patrick Swayze…
Penny has slight problem—she needs $250 for an abortion. Baby asks her father for the money without telling him the reason and is successful after much coaxing. Unfortunately, the only appointment Penny can get is for Thursday night, when she and Johnny will be performing at the Sheldrake Hotel. Baby volunteers to step in for Penny as Johnny’s dance partner and then the movie really picks up.
Besides the storyline and actors (or should that be actor?), the soundtrack is also a key element of note. Throughout the dance numbers, we are treated to multiple famous 80s songs, such as “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” sung by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (not the Black-Eyed Peas!) and “Hey! Baby” by Bruce Channel. The soundtrack is definitely what separates this movie from your run-of-the mill chick flick. In fact, the film won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1987.
As per what inevitably happens in almost every chick flick, Baby’s Dad finds out about her involvement with Johnny and the dance staff and is of course, furious. He demands that she no longer associate with “those people” again. This (predictably) ends up having quite the opposite of the desired effect, if not in a somewhat good-girl-gone-bad kind of way.
With Johnny’s help, Baby’s mere interest in dance at the beginning of the film eventually transforms into a legitimate skill. Baby is eager to learn and catches on quickly. Throughout the film, the dance numbers become increasingly more elaborate, to match Baby’s relationship with Johnny and perhaps less obviously, the famous soundtrack.
The other major plot theme in the movie is the all too often overdone coming-of-age scheme. This appears at the beginning of the movie, with scenes of Baby and her Dad and is ironically highlighted by the protagonist’s name. At the end of the movie, Baby drops her congenial nickname and (along with her father) learns to appreciate who she is.
The verdict: If you need something light and fluffy, this is the best way to go. The music is fantastic and the dance numbers are equally well executed. The plot is predictable but still logical, ensuring that the storyline is not just a washout. Don’t be afraid to get up and dance…it may be the closest you get to real vacation for a quite a while.
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