If I took the time to describe a movie to you that was filled with drugs, homophobia, rape, and misogyny what would you think I was talking about? If you said Shakespeare you are wrong. Actually, I am referring to Saturday Night Fever. Sure the plot revolves around dancing, disco, and so much more, but in the larger scheme of things this movie offers viewers all of the things I listed previously.

I wasn’t around when this film was released in theaters, but at some point I saw it (didn’t everyone) and it was one of those movies that stuck with me. In fact, every time I see this film I think I notice something new or take something away that was different than the last time watching. It’s hard to imagine that a simple disco flick could be so complex and last so long, but this one certainly has.

For the three people in the world that haven’t seen this, Saturday Night Fever was John Travolta’s breakout screen role. Tony Manero (Travolta) is a 22 year old man. He has his share of troubles and a lot to work out as far as who he is and where he wants to be. However, one thing is certain. He loves to dance. He also loves spends a lot of time with friends.

One of their favorite hangouts is the area disco, 2001 Odyssey. The movie is set in the suburbs of Brooklyn. Tony is a God in the nightclub where he dances. It is not uncommon to see the commoners worshipping at his feet when he graces their presence with a dance.

When the lights come up and it’s time for work Tony spends his time working in a hardware store. His family is incredibly religious though it doesn’t seem to affect Tony too much. Tony is more of the black sheep or he is until his brother returns home looking for something more out of life than the position of priest can give him.

Tony has two women in his life; the one he wants and the one who wants him. Annette is the latter. Played by Donna Pescow, Annette is the perpetual crush that would do anything if Tony would just notice her. However, he doesn’t and in retaliation, Annette ends up becoming addicted to drugs, loses all hope and respect for the person she is, and ends up becoming the loose girl that guys will pay attention to only until they are done getting what they want.

The girl Tony wants is Stephanie (Karen Lynn Gorney). She is older and is not one of Tony’s groupies. However, the fact that she doesn’t seem to want him, drives him to want her more. He gets a chance to know more about Stephanie when he asks her to enter the discos dance contest with him.

Despite the fact that this was Travolta’s first major film he did an excellent job. He may have had a rough slump in his career down the road, but it is movies like this that remind you why he did so well and how he was able to make a comeback. Based on the themes and content in Saturday Night Fever you can see that there was an obvious laid back attitude that came with 70s movies. While the content is by no means bad, this was a movie that had some very deep subjects floating around. Today the film would likely be judged on a much harsher scale then it once was.

There are tons of special features available on this disc. You can enjoy commentary by the director along with a segment called “Catching the Fever.” The segments for the Fever include A 30 Year Legacy, Making Soundtrack History, Platforms & Polyester, Deejays & Discos, and Spotlight on Travolta. Other special features include Back to Bay Ridge, Dance Like Travolta with John Cassese, Fever Challenge, and the 70s Discopedia. You couldn’t possibly need anymore special features!

When you put together the truth, honesty and grit that comes with Saturday Night Fever and mix it with the sexy nightclub and the emotion that is evident in all the right scenes you have the makings of a potential masterpiece. Saturday Night Fever is one of those movies you could watch and dance along with over and over.

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Technorati Tags: Saturday Night Fever, DVD Review, 30th Anniversary Edition, John Travolta

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