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Good art stands the test of time. The 1980 version of Fame is one of those films that, as long as their are teenagers with dreams, will always stand the test of time. Couple that with the pre-MTV disco-tinged soundtrack, you have one excellent film.
The film follows a unique group of students at the New York Highschool for the Performing arts (currently known as LaGuardia Highschool) in the areas of drama, dance, and music. Starting with their auditions, we are introduced to these endearing characters. Little do we know, we are in for a rollercoaster of a time.
One of the best things about this film is that it is meant to be edgy. It was released in 1980 and covered such current hot-button issues like abortion, drug usage, and even GLBT issues. A scene that exemplifies this is when Ralph Garci wows the audience at Catch A Rising Star, but then is caught up in the downside of fame including drugs and alcohol.
It’s a cast of virtual unknowns but somehow it works.
This is perhaps the best representation of what it is like to go to a performing arts highschool.
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