Dancing Revelation

Rating: 8/10 (26 August 2006)

As the film opened with John Travolta coolly walking down the street in his posh gear with background music, 'Staying alive' playing I knew this was going to be a great period classic. We all have feelings about films and straight away from the chilled upbeat music I knew why older audiences talk highly over this period musical drama.
The unknown artist at the time, Travolta laid down his mark in film history by playing the part of the central protagonist Tony Manero, an upbeat but concerned character who has troubles with his family and friends but releases his stress on the dance floor.
The main reason why this film was captivating was the slickness of the character. His joyous upbeat character is convincing but viewers can associate with the stress he is going through to. Travolta's dancing is terrific. His movements on the dance floor are enjoyable and energetic. Seeing him in one of his best performances has inspired me to be more involved with the dancing industry.
Has Travolta ever topped this performance? Pulp Fiction and Grease people may argue but he is convincing as the slick styled emotionally paranoid character but this is certainly one of the best, if not the best.
Juxtaposing Travolta with Karen Lynn Gorney was a very effective method to bring a sociable element to the 1977 classic. His relationship on stage with Lynn Gorney is terrific as the pair performance brilliantly together, expressing their own opinions and dancing with their heart and souls on their sleeves.
The film really captures the essence of the late 70's where dancing was all a rage and meant something, unfortunately unlike today where dancing has become as influential as Travolta's recent performances e.g. 'Be Cool and 'The Punisher'.
The film is successful because of its phenomenal soundtrack. With such classics as 'Stayin Alive', 'Night Fever', 'Disco Inferno' and 'More than a woman' plus many others, it's a dancing revelation and is too likable to be hated.
The mode of address is well developed to captivate the late 70's. The classic suits, the discos, and the cars and buildings to conform to the rough surroundings and create a very effective mise en scene.
Its all about the beginning and getting 'Into the groove' and getting to know the different opinions from the parents and late teens about dancing and through this method of arguing and debates the film expresses emotional ideologies and viewers can associate their own views with the characters.
The first half of the movie was fast flowing with different ideologies about dancing, families and work very convincing in short scenes. Though the whole film is like that I personally felt the latter stages of the film were over done with too much conversation at times but its minimal criticism for a film that is very emotional but truly conforming to different ideas and is therefore a much watch for anyone.