Say Anything

1989

PG-13

Produced by: Polly Platt

Directed by: Cameron Crowe

Written by: Cameron Crowe

Starring: John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney

Gracie Films

4.93/5 Stars

Consensus: One of the most iconic and memorable films of all time, Say Anything deserves far more recognition than it gets.

Plot: Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) pursues his crush on local high school senior Diane Court (Ione Skye) the summer before she leaves for college.

Directing: Crowe managed to direct and write one the most candid and (sometimes) painfully close-to-home high school films of all time. His eye for direction and nostalgia is ideal in an uncanny and almost supernatural way. This film is an example of “simple” brilliance. There isn’t anything too flashy, and that’s what makes it so perfect, the candid and heartfelt direction is what makes the film so nostalgic and memorable. *****

Acting: John Cusack gives some of the most memorable and witty lines of all time as one of the best on-screen teens in film history. He did such a good job it became difficult to see him in any other role, than that of a witty charismatic teen with nothing to lose. Ione Skye’s performance, while still heartfelt and good, pales in comparison to Cusack’s natural youthful vigor, but is still well-done and convincing. John Mahoney (James Court) balances her sometimes mediocre performance by brilliantly playing an unintentional bad guy. His performance managed to win sympathy for an otherwise villainous arch-type, and that is something impressive to watch. ****1/2

Editing: The balance between Lloyd and Diane’s worlds is wonderfully paced and perspective is put to great use in the witty and intelligent editing. The ability to balance sub-characters and plots within the overall arch of the story also was effective and engaging. *****

Art Direction: The entire set and costuming in the film builds around Lloyd and Diane and develops their characters, from Lloyd’s “The Clash” t-shirt to Diane and John’s elegantly decorated house, everything helps tell the love story the film is focused on. For this reason the art direction was extremely successful. *****

Cinematography: One of the most iconic images from any film, but especially films of the 80s, is that of Lloyd Dobler standing outside Diane Court’s house with a stereo above his head, playing their song so she’ll know he still loves her. The swoop of the camera down on Lloyd is memorable and perfect for the film. All other shots looked clean and appealing and worked perfectly with the rest of the film. *****

Screenplay: Say Anything is one of the most quotable and well written films ever made. The prose and dialogue gorgeously capture the angst of youthful love and post-high school aspirations. Most of the golden lines are given to John Cusack who’s brilliantly drawn character has layer after layer of intelligent insights into his predicament and circumstances. *****

CGI/Special Effects: There were none! Not any of note at least. *****