Episode 120 : Fast Times At Ridgemont High

Don’t Push Pause

Prior to 1982’s FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH, few films were brazen enough to depict an honest slice of teenage high school life. But that all changed with the keenly observant & smart pairing of writer Cameron Crowe & director Amy Heckerling. Not only did it usher in a brave new baseline for teen stories, but it also launched countless budding careers. Let’s head back to school & rediscover the film that was edgy for its time… and now feels more progressive 40 years later!
///***Discussions include***\\\
Brief recap of Cameron Crowe’s early career & what led to his novel, Fast Times at Ridgemont High: A True Story, becoming a film; finding director Amy Heckerling, her relationship with Crowe & importance of a female voice; intense studio concerns, adapting the book, changes, creating a narrative flow, emotional complexity & tonality; soundtrack, the film’s ending, memorable moments, in-depth character & cast discussion; struggle with the MPAA, editing, test screening, release/reception, plus the top movies of 1982.
Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates & Sean Penn star in FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (1982) /// Directed by Amy Heckerling.
///***Picks of the Week***\\\
• Lindsay’s Pick: THE ANNIVERSARY PARTY (2001). Jennifer Jason Leigh, Alan Cumming, Phoebe Cates, Kevin Kline, Jennifer Beals /// Directed by Jennifer Jason Leigh & Alan Cumming.
• Justin’s Pick: RUSH (1991). Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jason Patric, Sam Elliott, Max Perlich /// Directed by Lili Fini Zanuck.
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///***MurrayMoment***\\\
Cameron Crowe’s seemingly impossible feat of landing Bill for his 2015 film, ALOHA.
///***Final Thoughts on FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH***\\\
Coming in October: CREEPSHOW (1982)
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• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
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Be Kind & Rewatch // September 17, 2024