bkn@duke.UUCP (08/15/83)
I just saw 'Risky Business' last weekend, and was really impressed.
The ads make it seem like just another 'teensploitation' flick, but
it goes far beyond that. With its special blend of realism, surrealism, and
satire, it's more like 'The Graduate'.
This is an auspicious directorial debut of (Paul?) Brickman.
It's the story of Joel, a high school senior who finds out about business
and life in general when his parents leave him alone in his house for a week,
and the watchword is not "plastics." The fun starts when he calls up a
prostitute, played by the beautiful Rebecca de Mornay. I can't go into any
of the escapades without ruining the story.
The movie starts out as a realistic depiction of the lives of high
schoolers. (They are a diverse group, but they're all after money.)
It retains its insight into human nature even as the events get more and
more outlandish. The performances are low-key and terrific. It's rare
to see a director who pays such attention to detail. Every scene is a
stylish mood piece. Even the soundtrack is great. Lively pop tunes are
interspersed with the driving beat of Tangerine Dream.
Well worth the $4. Go see it.
Bruce Nawrocki
Duke University