1987 in Film
Overview
The year 1987 was a significant period in the history of film, marked by notable releases, industry changes, and the emergence of influential filmmakers and actors. This article provides a comprehensive examination of the key events, trends, and films that defined 1987 in the cinematic world.
Major Film Releases
1987 saw the release of several films that have since become classics. These films not only achieved commercial success but also left a lasting impact on the industry and audiences worldwide.
Blockbusters
One of the most notable blockbusters of 1987 was Lethal Weapon, directed by Richard Donner and starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. This film revitalized the buddy cop genre and spawned a successful franchise.
Another significant release was Predator, directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. This science fiction action film became a cult classic and led to several sequels and spin-offs.
RoboCop, directed by Paul Verhoeven, was another major release. This film combined elements of science fiction, action, and satire, and it was praised for its innovative special effects and social commentary.
Critically Acclaimed Films
The Last Emperor, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, was a critical success in 1987. This biographical film about the life of Puyi, the last Emperor of China, won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Broadcast News, directed by James L. Brooks, was another critically acclaimed film. This romantic comedy-drama explored the lives of three television news professionals and was praised for its sharp writing and strong performances.
Full Metal Jacket, directed by Stanley Kubrick, was a powerful war film that examined the psychological effects of the Vietnam War on American soldiers. The film was noted for its intense performances and stark portrayal of war.
Trends and Innovations
1987 was a year of significant trends and innovations in the film industry. One of the most notable trends was the rise of independent filmmaking. Films like Raising Arizona by the Coen brothers and Withnail and I by Bruce Robinson showcased the creativity and originality of independent filmmakers.
The year also saw advancements in special effects technology. Films like RoboCop and Predator utilized cutting-edge special effects to create realistic and memorable scenes. This trend towards more sophisticated special effects would continue to grow in the following years.
Notable Debuts
1987 was a year of notable debuts for several actors and filmmakers who would go on to have significant careers in the industry.
Actors
Johnny Depp made his film debut in A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984, but his breakout role came in 1987 with the television series 21 Jump Street. This role established him as a teen idol and launched his successful acting career.
Jennifer Grey gained widespread recognition for her role in Dirty Dancing, which was released in 1987. Her performance as Frances "Baby" Houseman became iconic, and the film remains a beloved classic.
Filmmakers
John McTiernan made a significant impact with his directorial debut in Predator. His work on this film established him as a talented action director and led to future successes like Die Hard.
Paul Verhoeven's work on RoboCop showcased his unique style and ability to blend genres. This film marked his successful transition from European cinema to Hollywood.
Box Office Performance
The box office performance of films in 1987 reflected the diverse tastes of audiences and the growing importance of international markets.
Domestic Box Office
In the United States, Three Men and a Baby was the highest-grossing film of the year. Directed by Leonard Nimoy, this comedy about three bachelors raising a baby was a surprise hit and demonstrated the enduring appeal of family-friendly comedies.
Fatal Attraction, directed by Adrian Lyne and starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, was another top performer. This psychological thriller captivated audiences and sparked discussions about its controversial themes.
International Box Office
Internationally, films like The Last Emperor and RoboCop performed well, reflecting the global appeal of Hollywood productions. The success of these films in various markets highlighted the growing importance of international box office revenue for the film industry.
Awards and Honors
The films of 1987 received numerous awards and honors, recognizing their artistic and technical achievements.
Academy Awards
The Last Emperor was the big winner at the 60th Academy Awards, taking home nine Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Bernardo Bertolucci, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Moonstruck, directed by Norman Jewison, also performed well, winning three Oscars, including Best Actress for Cher and Best Supporting Actress for Olympia Dukakis.
Cannes Film Festival
At the 1987 Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d'Or was awarded to Under the Sun of Satan, directed by Maurice Pialat. This French drama was a controversial choice, but it highlighted the festival's commitment to recognizing diverse and challenging films.
Technological Advances
1987 was a year of significant technological advances in the film industry, particularly in the areas of special effects and sound design.
Special Effects
Films like RoboCop and Predator utilized advanced special effects techniques to create realistic and memorable scenes. These films employed a combination of practical effects, animatronics, and early computer-generated imagery (CGI) to achieve their visual impact.
Sound Design
The importance of sound design was also highlighted in 1987. Films like Full Metal Jacket and The Untouchables demonstrated the power of sound to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact of a film. The use of Dolby Stereo soundtracks became more widespread, providing audiences with a more immersive audio experience.
Cultural Impact
The films of 1987 had a significant cultural impact, influencing future filmmakers and shaping popular culture.
Influence on Filmmaking
The success of independent films like Raising Arizona and Withnail and I inspired a new generation of filmmakers to pursue independent projects. These films demonstrated that there was an audience for original and unconventional storytelling.
The advancements in special effects and sound design set new standards for the industry and influenced the development of future blockbuster films. The techniques used in films like RoboCop and Predator would be refined and expanded upon in the following decades.
Popular Culture
Several films from 1987 became cultural touchstones. Dirty Dancing and its iconic dance scenes and soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless parodies and homages.
Lethal Weapon and its portrayal of the buddy cop dynamic influenced numerous films and television shows. The chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover set a template for future buddy cop pairings.
Conclusion
The year 1987 was a pivotal year in the history of film. It was marked by significant releases, technological advancements, and cultural impact. The films of this year continue to be celebrated and studied for their contributions to the art and industry of cinema.