Cameron Crowe has not made a bad film. He's written everything he's directed and those films consist of SINGLES, JERRY MAGUIRE, ALMOST FAMOUS and VANILLA SKY. However, his first film, SAY ANYTHING…, may be his best and is definitely my personal favorite. The film is hands down one of the best movies ever set in high school. Teen comedy/dramas can only aspire to be as good as this film.
The story follows Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack, HIGH FIDELITY) as he tries to form a relationship with the beautiful valedictorian, Diane Cort (Ione Sky, DREAM OF AN INSOMNIAC). He invites her to a graduation party and she reluctantly comes with him. But as the movie's tag line says, "To know Lloyd Dobler is to love Lloyd Dobler."
Cusack's Lloyd Dobler is one of the most stand-up guys in film history — you can't but love him from the start. The film is smart about its characters and doesn't pander to your typical whirlwind romance that suddenly ends with a stupid misunderstanding. Diane falls for Lloyd, but there is more going on in her life than just boys. Though Lloyd is the central character, it's Diane who grows. She's also one of the most fleshed out high school girls in any film. One word labels do not fit who she is, because she feels like a real person. And the same can be said about Lloyd. He's not a nerd, but could be described as nerdish. Yet, he's an athlete, but not a jock. He's popular, but doesn't fit any of the stereotypes of the "popular people" in typical high school flicks.
The themes of trust, love and communication are wonderfully explored with an authenticity that seems like a documentary. The supporting cast is also a treat including John Mahoney (TV's FRASIER) as Diane's father and Lili Taylor (MYSTIC PIZZA, HIGH FIDELITY) as Lloyd's broken-hearted best friend, who writes over 60 songs about her ex-boyfriend. Watch the background of every shot in her bedroom and try and find his picture. The relationship between Diane and her father is layered and complex. The story also deals with the dramatic elements of their relationship with honesty and insight.
As for iconic moments, the film contains the classic boom-box serenade sequence, which is heartbreaking every time I see it. Every time I see gum or glass on the ground, I think of this film. These moments are so memorable, because of how brilliantly they are set up and the emotion that is attached to them. I simply love this film.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
