Tuesday 3 June 2014

Freeview film of the day : tuesday 3rd of June

Swingers (1996 92min.) [BBC1 11.45pm]

Comedy drama starring Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn. Six months after ending a relationship, actor/comedian Mike still seems to be having trouble forgetting about his old girlfriend. Sick of his obsession, best friend Trent takes Mike on a trip to Las Vegas to cheer him up.

Setting this film in the world of the short-lived US craze for jump or swing dancing is a smart idea. It allows the film to create it's own world by using a sub-culture whith which most viewers will be unfamiliar.
This, in turn, means that the film makers can emphasise the closeness of those connected to the small scene and also make best use of the mores and slang of those involved (most noticeably the now ubiquitous "you're so money")

There's some strong performances among the cast of (then) virtual unknowns, especially Vince Vaughn and Jon Faverau (who also wrote the script). Director Doug Liman, whose next film was the uber cult Go, handles the material, the dance scenes and the atmosphere with great skill.

Sadly, neither the two lead actors nor the director have so far this century been able to recapture the magic and excitement that makes Swingers such a pleasure to watch.

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