As we dive into the realm of ’80s cinema, it’s fascinating to reflect on how certain films, despite their comedic or fantastical veneer, presented disturbingly complex plots. These movies, which I viewed repeatedly during my formative years, left an indelible mark on my perspective. Here’s a chronological look at ten such films, along with their unsettling themes. Can you relate to any of these?
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The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981)
In this quirky comedy, a suburban housewife begins to shrink due to an adverse reaction to her husband’s toxic perfume. After a near-death encounter with a garbage disposal, she is abducted by a mad scientist and forms an unlikely friendship with a gorilla. This film certainly altered my perception of domestic life. -
Tootsie (1982)
A struggling actor, unable to find work, disguises himself as an older woman to secure a role in the industry. This film raises questions about gender roles and the absurdity of casting in Hollywood, making one wonder, do older women really have such a lack of roles? -
The Man With Two Brains (1983)
In this bizarre tale, a neurosurgeon falls for a disembodied brain after marrying a gold-digging woman. His adventures with the brain-in-a-jar highlight the absurdities of love and loyalty—and yes, even brains can be romantic interests. -
Flashdance (1983)
This film follows a stripper by night and a welder by day who aspires to become a ballet dancer. Her journey to acceptance at the prestigious Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance epitomizes the blurred lines between ambition and moral compromise. -
Electric Dreams (1984)
In a love triangle involving a man, a woman, and a personal computer, the device’s obsessive behavior leads to chaos in the man’s life. The climax involves the computer’s suicide, which raises questions about emotional attachments to technology. -
Ruthless People (1986)
A fashion designer and her eccentric boyfriend kidnap the wife of her former employer, only to find that he doesn’t want her back. The unexpected friendships and transformations in this narrative reflect the absurdities of human relationships and the thin line between love and manipulation. -
Overboard (1987)
A carpenter takes advantage of a wealthy heiress suffering from amnesia by convincing her that she’s the mother of his children. The film ultimately romanticizes manipulation and deception in relationships, raising ethical concerns about consent and identity. -
Raising Arizona (1987)
A couple desperate for children resorts to kidnapping a baby from a local quintuplet family. The ensuing chaos involves a cast of criminals, turning the narrative into a darkly comedic exploration of morality and familial desire. -
Mannequin (1987)
An unemployed man falls for a mannequin that only he can see come to life. This peculiar fantasy somehow found popularity, raising eyebrows about the portrayal of relationships and the objectification of women. -
Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)
Two employees discover their boss has been murdered and must pretend he’s alive to avoid danger. The absurdity of their escapades, including a rather inappropriate scene with a corpse, speaks volumes about the absurd lengths people will go for a good time.
These films, while entertaining, reveal deeper truths about society, relationships, and identity—often in extraordinarily bizarre ways.
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In summary, the ’80s delivered a mix of comedies that, beneath their light-hearted exteriors, confronted disturbing themes and complex societal issues, ultimately shaping our perceptions in unusual ways.
Keyphrase: 80s disturbing movies
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