So if you had to list ten movies that sum up the feel/vibe of the 90’s, what would they be? If a future historian is studying the 90’s and wants to really get a feel for the era, what should she/he watch?
I have some ideas of my own, but I’ll hold on to them for now to see what other Dopers come up with.
The only one that leaps to my mind at the moment is Reality Bites. It doesn’t really sum up the entire decade, but at least it provides an insight into the whole “Generation X” mindset. One line in particular, I think, embodies the Gen X attitude and how it came about: “Mr. Brady died of AIDS.” I didn’t really like the film that much, but that one line has stayed with me.
Oh yeah, and I think Pulp Fictionsort of qualifies. It features some 90’s fashions, and the 90’s “hip” drug, heroin, and it was certainly highly influential on the filmmaking style of the 90’s.
The 60’s-70’s soundtrack throws a monkeywrench into things, though.
My first thought upon reading the OP was Slacker, which Legomancer beat me to. Without being all self-conciously grungey, it does a pretty good job conveying early 90’s attitudes.
I also agree with Office Space, and maybe Singles.
I am loathe to menition this one, but maybe–just maybe–I’d consider putting You’ve Got Mail on the list around #49 or so, just because it combines two major themes that emerged in the 90’s: the Corporate Evil Megastore defeats Mom and Pop, and that whole e-mail fad.
My first thought upon reading the OP was Slacker, which Legomancer beat me to. Without being all self-conciously grungey, it does a pretty good job conveying early 90’s attitudes.
I also agree with Office Space, and maybe Singles.
I loathe to menition this one, but maybe–just maybe–I’d consider putting You’ve Got Mail on the list around #49 or so, just because it combines two major themes that emerged in the 90’s: the Corporate Evil Megastore defeats Mom and Pop, and that whole e-mail fad.
Nice call with Office Space. I think Clueless covers '90s teens, with a little Empire Records and Can’t Hardly Wait thrown in (no, I don’t think theat last one was particularly good, but that scene with the two potheads describing the guy- "“So he’s sorta tall, with hair, and wears t-shirts sometimes” was classic).
se7en, the dark urban decay and self doubt of the mid point of the decade. The great opening montage with the great sound track denoting the Alternative scene as it was before it was replced by boybands and prefabricated singers.
Interesting that romantic comedies keep popping up. I guess that genre is more attuned to popular style than some others.
Say, how about Boyz N Tha Hood? (After all, the 90’s weren’t just about angst-ridden grungers.)
Also, aside from Trainspotting (a good choice), what sums up the 90’s across the pond? Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, perhaps? (Was that a 90’s release?)