Thoughts On The 80s Films Industry And How It Shaped Our Lives

If you are a movie buff, then you would instantly remember with fondness or disgust movies like Private Benjamin, The Terminator, Nine to Five, Rocky 111, Fatal Attraction, Who framed Roger Rabbit and the list goes on. These are some of the most popular 80s films and no doubt made an impact on many peoples lives.

What is it about movies and the whole film industry that we love so much? For one it is great fun and entertainment. A time when you can escape into a world of make believe and live yourself into the role of a specific character. It is relaxing and can evoke extreme emotions and even controversy. It also gives us a chance to see our favourite movie star in action giving his or her greatest or worse performance ever.

The main aim of a movie is to tap into a viewers psyche in such a way that he or she forgets that they have a life outside the movie theater. If directors and producers get that right, they have a box office hit. Their message in the movie should spread like wild-fire and cause millions of people across the world to queue for tickets, come rain, wind, hail or snow.

The ninth decade of the 20th century was certainly a tumultuous one. This period brought us social and economic change spurred on by wealth brought on by an economic boom worldwide. It also saw an unstoppable rise of blockbuster movies. Nudity became acceptable and more horror, action and science fiction movies surfaced than ever before. These genres were given a boost due in part to the Star Wars films and the advent of this decade’s new cinematic affects it helped pioneer.

Comedy in 80s films was not left behind and one only has to look at names like Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd to remember the boom this genre experienced as well.. They made us cry with laughter, helping us forget our inhibitions when we were at the movies.

Categories like horror, action, comedy, drama and westerns made great money at the box office during this decade. Films in the 80s was a time of exploration and pushing into new frontiers when it came to special effects. With this industry evolving at the speed of light, we were exposed to fantastic computer graphic images, surround sound and a better quality of film in general – making movie-going even more special than what it was in the past.

When it comes to fantastical movies, no one can beat the genius of the Spielberg and Lucas team creating Raiders of the Lost Ark. It ended up being the highest grossing film of 1981. Another 80s movie that left viewers spellbound and talking for many years on was Spielberg’s other blockbuster, E. T. – the Extra-Terrestrial. This film shattered all records earning 40% more than the Star Wars film.

One can be forgiven for not being able to mention all the 80s films, because they are just too numerous. However, suffice to say they captured our hearts. Whether it was just for pleasure or controversy, movie goers in the eighties were delighted with what the 80s film industry was churning out.