There are probably no two movies that more define the decades that they were made in than Paramount Pictures's two blockbuster dance films, Saturday Night Fever and Flashdance. Upon release they both became sleeper hits, pop culture senstations and spawned megaselling soundtrack albums.

Saturday Night Fever was released in December of 1977. It was the story of a troubled youth (John Travolta) who finds his only true happiness on the dance floor at the local disco, where he is king. The film was produced by record mogul Robert Stigwood, who managed the Bee Gees and Eric Clapton, and was the first hit for director John Badham, who would later go on to direct Waegames, Short Circut and Steakout. Badham's gritty direction, Travolta's passion filled perfromance and the amazing Bee Gees music results in a film that is an all time classic.

Flashdance was released in March 1983, a quiet time for new film releases, because Paramount president Michael Eisner felt that the film would fail. The movie was the first collaboration of producers Don Simpson (a former young Paramount executive) and Jerry Bruckheimer (a then little known producer of such films as Cat People and Young Doctors In Love) who woud go on to produce such hits as Beverly Hills Cop and Top Gun and was the breakthrough film for director Adrian Lyne, who would later direct Fatal Attraction. The film starred an unknown 18 year old girl from Chicago named Jennifer Beals as young Alex Owens, a girl who works as a welder by day and a semiexotic dancer by night. However, Alex's dream is to become a ballet dancer. Though the film's premise is not very realistic and some of the dialogue sounds like it was written by a fifth grader, the film works thanks to Jennifer Beals heartfelt performace, Lyne's styish direction and some great 80's music.

Which of the two films do you like better? This is a tough one because I love both movies, but I'm going with Flashdance, which I rank as my number four favorite movie of all time. Despite the film's flaws, it has some great music and a lot of heart. Also, having grown up in the 1980's, it transports me back to my childhood. :)

As a kid, I had a HUGE crush on Jennifer Beals, but ultimately, SNF was the better picture.

Both were good but, my vote goes to Saturday Night Fever.

What a feeling!

148948

I finally saw SNF for the first time (seriously!) about a year ago, when it came on cable. I've never seen it without commercials, believe it or not, but I enjoyed it.

However, I LOVE Flashdance! My dad took me to see this and afterwards all I wanted to do was dress like Jennifer Beals, with that torn sweatshirt. In fact, I was taking a dance class at school and my dad bought me a white torn sweatshirt (sad that you had to BUY them that way!:lol: ) and a purple and white leotard with pink tights (OMG, I cannot believe I still remember that from way back in 1984!!!!!:confused: ).

Ironically yesterday I bought a DVD that has both Footloose and Flashdance on it. I can't wait to watch either of them!

Andrea

I picked Flashdance. Other than the dancing scenes in SNF, I never cared much for the rest of the movie (but I do love the soundtrack).

Footloose, but since that isn't on the poll I'll pick Saturday Night Fever, I can't stand Flashdance- the only good thing to come from that movie was the spoof of the infamous dance scene in Elvira- Mistress of the Dark

I picked SNF because it's a neighborhood movie for me.

That film was made right around my area and some in my family knew the people who used to run that hardware store where Travolta worked at.

Footloose, but since that isn't on the poll I'll pick Saturday Night Fever, I can't stand Flashdance- the only good thing to come from that movie was the spoof of the infamous dance scene in Elvira- Mistress of the Dark
I loved that car commercial that spoofed Flashdance - I think it was Kia. They played "Maniac" and parodied the water being unleashed from the ceiling. :lol: Anyone else remember that? It aired a couple of years ago.

This isnt even a contest Saturday Night Fever for sure. It captured that whole 70's disco era perfectly. The performances and everything about the film is great and there are so many things about Travolta's character that people can relate to. The soundtrack is good too and I am far far from being the worlds biggest fan.

Saturday Night Fever without a doubt, Better movie and definitely a better soundtrack. "Maniac" is one of those songs that makes me want to change the channel immediately if it comes on the radio.

Saturday Night Fever without a doubt, Better movie and definitely a better soundtrack. "Maniac" is one of those songs that makes me want to change the channel immediately if it comes on the radio.



What you just said about "Maniac"
:clap :clap :clap :clap

What you just said about "Maniac"
:clap :clap :clap :clap

"Maniac" ranks #5 on my most hated songs of the 80's list. The only ones I despise more are "Walking on Sunshine", "Walk Like an Egyptian" , "Wake me Up Before You Go Go" and "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Luckily, Michael Sembello's 15 minutes were used up quick.

I can't believe that you guys don't like the song "Maniac". That's such a great song! :D

Here is a picture from both films: :D

^ Michael Nouri was twice Jennifer Beals' age at the time of filming. Before the movie, he was best known for his three-year gig as a singer/songwriter on the now-defunct soap Search For Tomorrow. His character, Steve Kaslo, was originally played by Robby Benson!!

I like both! They have both great soundtrack too. In Flashdance, I like "What a feeling" and Maniac! :D

^ Michael Nouri was twice Jennifer Beals' age at the time of filming. Before the movie, he was best known for his three-year gig as a singer/songwriter on the now-defunct soap Search For Tomorrow. His character, Steve Kaslo, was originally played by Robby Benson!!


Yeah, she was 18 and he was like 37. Of course, can you really blame the guy? :D

snf i didnt care for flashdance my mother liked it though

^ Michael Nouri was twice Jennifer Beals' age at the time of filming. Before the movie, he was best known for his three-year gig as a singer/songwriter on the now-defunct soap Search For Tomorrow. His character, Steve Kaslo, was originally played by Robby Benson!!

Yes, there was nearly 20 years between them.

Here's the Kia ad from 2007 that parodied Flashdance. The sad thing is, some younger people I worked with and know at church didn't get the references. It made me feel old. :eek: :lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOyQK5jBalE

I picked Flashdance. Other than the dancing scenes in SNF, I never cared much for the rest of the movie (but I do love the soundtrack).
I agree. I picked Flashdance too. I love the music in Saturday Night Fever, but the movie itself I don't care all that much for. A little too dirty for my taste. I like Flashdance more too because it's 80s and I LOVE the 80s! If you were asking about the music in these movies, I would have to say both.

I wish all polls were this easy Saturday Night Fever

Saturday night Fever :thumbsup: I lived that era and I loved it. I too knew the neighborhood well. The Verrazano bridge. Heck I just traveled the Verrazano last week. :)

I do love both but I have to say Flashdance always will have a soft spot in my heart because that was one of the first movies I really got into when I was a kid.

I do love both but I have to say Flashdance always will have a soft spot in my heart because that was one of the first movies I really got into when I was a kid.
I know - it screams the '80s - in a good way. :cool: :D

SNF!!!!

If I could live in a movie, it'd be SNF. Except for the fall off the bridge part.