I have to say it, films about working-class guys busting their asses over the summer of 1963 in upscale East Coast private clubs/resorts, is completely ruled by Dirty Dancing. Sorry, The Flamingo Kid, but I think that's why you got sidelined.
Yes, the plots are different. Dirty Dancing's protagonist is the young lady from the nice Jewish family who vacations the summer in the Catskills. The Flamingo Kid, it's the working-class guy from BK who takes a job at a private club in Long Island. Ehh, I guess that's different... But they both are built on the friction that exists between socio-economic classes and bridging that gap through romance. Having to choose friendship or family over what-have-you. Both have an element of "this guy cheated" and having integrity to admit those wrongs. It's hard for me to avoid comparing the two; the Flamingo Kid may have come first, but I think Dirty Dancing's storytelling is stronger. Soundtrack is stronger. Characters are stronger. Acting? That's up for debate.
Dirty Dancing is the movie for which Swayze and Jennifer Grey will be remembered—a real career-maker. (Yes, yes, I liked Point Break too.) You get your Jerry Orbach and Kelly Bishop. The movie's influence on culture was felt. Quotable lines, classic scenes, the way people danced in the late 80s, awards, even the soundtrack was award-winning.
How does the Flamingo Kid measure up? A pre-Gretzky Janet Jones, Bronson Pinchot, a very young Fisher Stevens. As an Arrested Development fan, I was amused to see Jessica Walter doing so many of her scenes in a bikini (she had it going on). A so-so soundtrack. It's remarkable when you realize only a few years separate the two films. The Flamingo Kid's strengths are easily the costumes, sets, and overall art direction. Compare the color palette of each film. You can tell how our tastes changed in those few years.
I haven't discussed Matt Dillon's performance. I dunno. You start. Thoughts? Counterpoint to anything I've said above? Discuss!
1 comment:
It didn't get sidelined. This was Dillon's first role in a comedy. He's such a natural that the role of Jeffrey Willis was practically written for him. Thanks to Garry Marshall for a great script.
I have never considered the two films, this one and Dirty Dancing, similar. I miss Jerry Orbach!
Flamingo Kid is perfectly cast with a memorable performance by screen veterans Richard Crenna as Mr. Brody and Hector Elizondo as Arthur Willis, Jeffrey's father.
As a kid in junior high, I was early awaiting The Flamingo Kid to come out in the theaters. At the time, the title of the movie was still, "Sweet Ginger Brown."
I watched the film last night and still enjoy it. Matt Dillon has a strong screen presence here. Could anyone else have played Jeffrey Willis any better? Obviously, no.
Once again, thank you for a great discussion and on to the next film in this series.
Post a Comment