Dirty Dancing (1987)

 Dirty Dancing (1987)

Despite its massive popularity, I never thought that one day I would be watching Dirty Dancing. I try to stay away from these dance films because let’s face it, it is not a fun genre. I knew the music behind the movie. Who doesn’t know the songs “(I’ve Had) The Time of Your Life” and “Hungry Eyes.” They are radio staples from the 1980’s that still receive airplay nowadays…and are very good songs. I finally relented because of my goal to watch every movie on the Empire’s Top 500 list, and you know what? I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, Eleanor Bergstein’s screenplay is hit-or-miss as it far too predictable for my liking. At the end of the day, you cannot deny the power of Patrick Swayze’s and Jennifer Grey’s chemistry and powerful dance moves. Credit to where it belongs, but there is a surprising subplot involving abortion (and more towards the pro side) that you will hardly see in a film from this decade. If I am not mistaken, marketers backed out distributing the picture because Vestron Pictures refused to edit the movie. I always believed in something called “power of the music,” as this concept can be applicable to many music-based films. Even if the film is garbage and there is a powerful musical act to conclude the movie, all sins are forgiven because of that act’s power. I know some people felt that away about this movie and although I was relatively enjoying the cheesy plot before the final act, I was truly swayed by the dance between Swayze and Grey and their off-the-charts chemistry.

One of the producers had a quote that stuck with me. “Burn the negative and collect the insurance.” No one who saw cuts of the movie liked what they saw. They were ready for a massive dud. Luckily, the film received not-all-that-bad reviews and a story that can be passed down generations. Bergstein draws on her own childhood experiences to create the screenplay. She is the youngest daughter of a Jewish doctor whose family took vacations to the Catskills where she personally got involved in these dirty dancing contests. Emile Ardolino, despite never having directed a film, was hired to direct the movie because of his immense passion. His direction is okay and fairly decent for a first-time director. But it is all about the performances and choreography. Kenny Ortega was placed in charge of the dance choreography. When he is involved in anything, you can be rest assured that you’ll see something special musically. If you’re trained by Gene Kelly, you definitely better! Need I say more about how Ortega affected the cast’s dancing?

It is 1963, and Baby Houseman (Jennifer Grey) is a sweet daddy’s girl whose parents have sky high expectations of her. They expect her to follow in her father, Jake’s (Jerry Orbach) footsteps by joining the Peace Corps and becoming a doctor herself. As what happens in life, unexpected moments arise when the family goes to this resort in the Catskills for vacation. She becomes infatuated with the resort’s dancing instructor, Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). Baby is able to get her father to unknowingly pay for an illegal abortion when Johnny’s dancing partner, Penny (Cynthia Rhodes) falls pregnant. Baby is now filling in as Johnny’s dance partner. Penny falls ill after the abortion, and that is when Jake finds out what his “perfect” daughter is up to. He does not allow her to hang out with these people. Using her newfound free will, Baby discovers a new talent…and possibly a new romance.

The movie mostly works because of the chemistry between the two leads. Swayze and Grey previously worked with each other in 1984’s Red Dawn and did not like each other. It took some convincing for Grey to work with Swayze again (and they continued to go at it during filming), but the screen test proves that this was a match made from heaven. They seemed so loose, so real together. The final dance sequence supports that statement. The film staves off mediocrity precisely because of these two. But there are still some fun supporting roles. Broadway star Jerry Orbach is a standout as Baby’s father, the man who wants her to be perfect and follow in his footsteps.

I had a fun time with Dirty Dancing. I honestly was not expecting much considering my distaste of the genre. There is always that one that manages to stick above the crowd. This is a true crowdpleaser. Great songs and the Swayze/Grey duo are why you need to give the film a chance. The melodramatic screenplay isn’t all that fantastic, but it could have been worse. At least its bold tackling a subject that scared many producers, studios, and marketers away. If anything, the final dance set to Warnes/Medley radio smash is always worth the viewing.

My Grade: B