4 Productions that makes you feel you are in the eighties
Many film and tv productions, be it from Hollywood or other sources, are set in the past. But while watching it, you are aware of this, and you might feel you are getting a history lesson, as in recent films like Midway. But over the past couple of years, a few tv shows and films got released that have the ability to make you think they are literally, physically from the eighties. They give you the feeling that you are watching a 35 odd-year-old show. Arguably on top of the list is, “Stranger Things”. Here are 4 Productions that make you feel you are in the eighties.
Stranger Things
Everything about Stranger Things is fictional except the nostalgic referral to the eighties. The producers went to great lengths to create the perfect eighties milieu. From the synthesizer intro to the trademark background music reminiscent of 80s movies. Hairstyles and clothing were spot-on eighties, and the images of bicycles and toys from the era were like eye candy.
At the end of season 3 great attention was given to the then-new phenomenon called “the mall”. Back then the social hangout spot of choice for kids. Kids are Eighties kids in this show and make you think about what has happened with the youth ever since.
It is a stunning production. Everything is in place as it was and the nostalgia is oozing out of every minute you watch. Highly recommended if you have not indulged in this show. Just a heads up. Rather not watch it alone.
The Americans
The Americans is a tv production of five series released in 2013. Starring Matthew Rhys and the beautiful Kerri Russel. Both play their roles outstandingly. It tells the story of a Soviet couple working undercover for the KGB in the United States during the cold war. They are perfectly adapted, have two kids, and run a lucrative travel agency while doing their espionage work in between. They are ruthless assassins with no conscience. The two children, having no idea of their parent’s identity are typical eighties teenagers. The plot thickens when an FBI counter-intelligence officer moves into the house across the street.
Things become complicated for the pair when their daughter, the eldest of the two, confronts them about their strange working hours. On top of that, Phillip (Rhys) becomes more and more aware of the difference between life in America and the struggles back home in the Soviet Union. They eventually break the truth to their daughter and the KGB sees an opportunity to recruit her as a next-generation agent. She becomes involved with a pastor to whom she tells their grim secret. The FBI agent eventually figures out who his neighbors (and friends) are, and they are forced to flee leaving the kids behind.
The Americans is historically sound, and the producers did a good job in bringing the eighties to life in this series. The political era of the cold war and the people living in that time were well represented. Watching this series will move you into the eighties, and bring memories to life. Viewers are reminded of the political landscape dominating the decade, especially the fear of a nuclear holocaust. Do not forget the time-specific music, and of course hearing Ronald Reagan speaking at intervals on the tv. Popular Eighties songs being played at random will give you goosebumps. Definitely worth binge-watching.
Bumblebee
Who would have thought this sci-fi, transforming robots beings film series would move into the eighties. The movie’s references to the era are perfect, especially in the variety of automobiles to be seen. A variety flowing out of the seventies, as can be seen in the VW Beetle. Most productions set in the eighties make the mistake to limit their attention to era-specific references. Giving it a “documentary” feeling, but recently, producers have managed to let time flow through their work. The eighties were not in a bubble, it started in the late seventies and lived on into the nineties. So regarding continuity from decade to decade, the producers of Bumblebee did well.
The music used in the film is straight out of the pop culture of the time, and one can enjoy seeing cassette tapes being the main sound standard, as it was in the eighties. You see teenagers hanging out at the theme park and in the open, with no modern-day devices in hand that consumes all their attention. A true eighties film set in the eighties. Enjoy!
Despicable Me 3
His name is Balthazar Bratt, and he is an eighties tv icon stuck in the past. This animated film managed to bring the music of the eighties out in scenes befitting them. Bratt is a disgruntled villain, unhappy that he is not famous anymore, as time and people have moved on. The many references in the production are quite enjoyable and I got goosebumps watching this at the cinema with my kids. I did not expect this.
From Rubiks Cube gas bombs to weaponized bubblegum, to Bratt’s eighties-themed hideout, the movie manages to take you back in time. With surprising clips from songs like “Jump” from Van Halen as he strikes his keyboard guitar to zap Gru. Not to mention his robot companion, indicating the robot craze from the eighties. And do not forget the shoulder pads! If you are an Eighties fan, make sure you watch this one.
Conclusion
There is so much that happened during the eighties. It was a great time to be alive. Thanx to film and tv series producers, we are now able to be mesmerized with nostalgia. We managed to move away from the historical documentary feel of film and tv shows set in the eighties, and actually feel like it’s an Eighties production. At the time of writing Stranger Things series four was just announced and cannot wait to watch it. Thank you for reading 4 Productions that make you feel you are in the eighties.