Flashdance (1983)—Dream Big or Go Home?
In this energetic episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell dive into the iconic 1983 film Flashdance. Neither had seen the movie before, leading to some surprising reactions as they examine this influential 80s classic through modern eyes.
Nathan reveals how Flashdance became the progenitor of the Simpson-Bruckheimer production style that dominated 80s and 90s cinema, influencing everything from Top Gun to Dirty Dancing and Footloose. The hosts discuss how this $7.5 million film that grossed nearly $100 million established the MTV-style visual language that would later evolve into the Michael Bay aesthetic.
While Krissy found herself disappointed by the movie overall (giving it just 5 out of 10 “bras removed through shirts”), both hosts agree that the dance sequences are electrifying highlights in an otherwise disjointed narrative. They examine the film’s problematic message about dreams and failure—that one setback means you should abandon your ambitions altogether.
The hosts also explore the complex portrayal of Alex (Jennifer Beals) as a young woman experiencing sexual awakening while making questionable emotional decisions, and discuss the fascinating behind-the-scenes facts about Marine Jahan, the uncredited dance double who performed most of the iconic dance sequences.
Other Topics Covered:
- The problematic age gap between 18-year-old Alex and her 36-year-old boss/love interest
- The contrast between burlesque dancing at Mawby’s Bar versus stripping at the club across the street
- The film’s impressive soundtrack filled with 80s bangers
- Jennifer Beals’ performance and her famous “bra removal through sweater” technique
- The supporting characters’ abandoned dreams and limited character development
- Nathan’s recommendation of All That Jazz (1979) for a more substantive dance film
- Krissy’s unexpected endorsement of welding as an empowering hobby
Whether you’re revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, this episode offers fascinating insights into how Flashdance helped shape 80s cinema despite its narrative shortcomings. As the hosts remind us, sometimes the most influential films aren’t necessarily the most cohesive—but they can still deliver unforgettable moments that stand the test of time.
