American Graffiti

Film: American Graffiti
Director: George Lucas
Year: 1973
Quick Glance:
Modesto was a hoppin’ place in the early 60’s.
------------------------
------------------------

My favorite George Lucas film doesn’t involve tombs or space flight, but instead takes place in my own home town. Yes, really it is supposed to take place in Modesto – the town where both George and I grew up and attended Downey High School and Modesto Junior College. You probably would only know these cool little facts, if you were a well researched person, complete dork, or living in Modesto (I am two of the three - LOL). So besides the fact that this is an excellent film about transitioning into adulthood, the film does hold a special place in my heart because of its inspiration. When I see references to Downey (like the school colors or the D on the sweater Lori wears), I get all excited. People live in Turlock, go to JC, make references to streets and places that I have been to, very cool. Well, maybe not so cool considering this is the 2000’s and that was supposed to be the 60’s.

One of the things that strikes me about this film, that is so different from other Lucas films, is that this film is really focused on people. There are no if any special effects. All about people. This is a stories about a group of friends who are about to go their separate ways, about to become ‘adults.’ Many of the things could still apply today -- kids running around looking for booze, girls and sex. Many of the emotions apply to kids these days too – the wanting to grow up, but not wanting to, the fear of leaving home, but the wanting to leave. This time of live is nothing new for kids, and the film really hits it on the head.

Over all, the film is really just a fun film to watch. The filmmaking is well done. The characters are well developed and have more emotional depth than any other film Lucas will ever make in his lifetime combined. It truly is almost a beautiful ode to the transition of childhood.