Does it get any more ’80s than Flashdance? Luminous Jennifer Beals is a welder by day who dances at a bar by night, but must conquer imposter syndrome to achieve her ballerina dreams. It’s sort of a music video-esque Disney musical crossed with an inspirational sports drama (a la Rocky or Rudy), yet somehow Javi and Paul had never seen it, much to Producer Brad’s amusement. Join them in a world made of steel, made of stone (aka Pittsburgh) as they bask in the glory of Giorgio Morodor’s memorable music, wrestle with the film’s male-gaze-fantasy-meets-aspirational-female-empowerment dichotomy, and get pleasantly sucker-punched by this surprisingly sweet fairy tale about having faith in oneself (and dancing like you’ve never danced before). And did we mention it’s from the future director of Fatal Attraction, future screenwriter of Basic Instinct (and Showgirls), and action impresario Jerry Bruckheimer? (And is that Cynthia Rhodes playing her same character from Staying Alive?) Break out your leg warmers, Diet Pepsi and torn sweatshirt — it’s time to take your passion and make it happen!

Show Notes:

1983 Box Office

April 15, 1983 Weekend Box Office

July 22, 1983 Weekend Box Office

Flashdance Box Office Results

As mentioned by Paul, Angela Trimbur Dance classes!

AFI Catalog on Flashdance

USA Today Article Commemorating the 35th Anniversary of Flashdance

NYT Article on the dismissal of class action lawsuit over Polish jokes in Flashdance.

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