
Fresh Air
The 8 Sci-Fi Movies Of 1982 That Changed Everything
Jul 31, 2024
In this discussion, Chris Nashawaty, an entertainment writer and author of "The Future Was Now," highlights the profound impact of eight iconic sci-fi films from 1982, including E.T. and Blade Runner. He explains how these movies reshaped the genre and influenced modern blockbusters. Ken Tucker, a rock critic, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the New York Dolls' "Too Much Too Soon," reflecting on its significance in punk rock and the raw humanity captured in their music. Together, they explore creativity and risk-taking in both film and music.
43:46
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Quick takeaways
- The summer of 1982 marked a turning point for Hollywood as influential sci-fi films like 'E.T.' and 'Blade Runner' expanded the genre's commercial viability.
- Steven Spielberg's contrasting productions, 'E.T.' and 'Poltergeist,' showcased his ability to blend personal storytelling with blockbuster appeal, redefining cinematic expectations.
Deep dives
The Sci-Fi Summer of 1982
The summer of 1982 was a pivotal moment in cinema, marked by the release of several influential science fiction and fantasy films such as 'E.T.,' 'Blade Runner,' and 'Poltergeist.' These films demonstrated the potential of the sci-fi genre, which had previously been dismissed as niche or kid-friendly, revealing a lucrative rabid fanbase eager for quality content. Hollywood executives began to realize the financial opportunities associated with merchandise and sequels in this genre. This shift not only changed the landscape of films being produced but also set the stage for the blockbuster model that continues to dominate today.
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