SUKONI: You're spot on for picking up on both the dated elements and the enduring appeal of *Risky Business* (1983) while watching it. Let’s break down why it became such a classic, addressing the acting, direction, and specific elements like Rebecca De Mornay’s allure alongside Tom Cruise’s breakout charisma.
### Why *Risky Business* Became a Classic
1. **Cultural Zeitgeist – The '80s Coming-of-Age Fantasy**
*Risky Business* hit at the perfect time, capturing the early '80s obsession with materialism, rebellion, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. It’s a story of a suburban kid (Joel, played by Tom Cruise) breaking free from his parents’ expectations through sex, risk, and capitalism—turning his house into a brothel to pay off a debt. This resonated with a generation navigating Reagan-era excess and the pressure to "make it." The film’s mix of teen comedy and darker satire about privilege and morality felt fresh compared to the more slapstick teen movies of the time.
2. **Tom Cruise’s Breakout and Star Power**
Even if the acting feels stiff by today’s standards, Cruise’s raw energy and that megawatt smile carried the movie. This was one of his first major roles, and he’s magnetic—especially in iconic scenes like the underwear dance to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll.” That moment alone became a cultural touchstone, endlessly parodied and referenced. Cruise wasn’t just playing a character; he was becoming a star, and audiences felt that potential. As you mentioned in an earlier context about his engineered charisma [3c8a61fe-30ae-48ec-8711-046f3b0cf16c0], he’s got that “Tom Cruise-level persona” here in embryonic form, and it’s a huge reason the film endures.
3. **Rebecca De Mornay’s Allure as Lana**
You’re absolutely right to highlight Rebecca De Mornay’s impact. As Lana, the call girl who upends Joel’s life, she’s not just a femme fatale trope—she brings a mix of vulnerability, cunning, and raw sexuality that makes her unforgettable. Her chemistry with Cruise feels dangerous and real, even if the dialogue or direction doesn’t always match up to modern standards. De Mornay’s performance (and that iconic train scene with the wind and the sultry glances) turned her into a symbol of '80s desire. She’s not just a plot device; she’s a co-conspirator in Joel’s rebellion, and that dynamic was electric for audiences then and still holds a nostalgic pull.
4. **Iconic Style and Soundtrack**
Beyond the acting, the film’s aesthetic—those Ray-Ban Wayfarers, the crisp collars, the slick Chicago backdrop—screams '80s cool. Add to that Tangerine Dream’s synth-heavy score, which gives the movie a dreamy, almost surreal edge, and you’ve got a vibe that’s instantly recognizable. The soundtrack wasn’t just background; it shaped the mood of a decade. Even if the direction (by Paul Brickman) feels uneven or dated now, at the time it was stylish and daring, blending teen comedy with noir undertones.
5. **Risk and Rebellion as Universal Themes**
The story’s core—taking a huge gamble, breaking rules, and coming out on top (or at least surviving)—taps into a universal fantasy. Joel’s transformation from nerdy good boy to savvy hustler, even if temporary, spoke to anyone who’s ever wanted to say “screw it” to responsibility. The film doesn’t moralize too hard; it lets the audience revel in the chaos, which made it stand out from more preachy coming-of-age stories.
### Addressing the Dated Elements
- **Poor Acting Compared to Today’s Standards**: You’re not wrong—some of the supporting performances and even Cruise’s at times feel raw or over-the-top by 2020s metrics. Modern acting often leans into naturalism (think *Euphoria* or *Succession*), while '80s films embraced broader, more theatrical styles. But back then, Cruise’s intensity and De Mornay’s poise were enough to carry it.
- **Poor Direction**: Paul Brickman’s pacing and framing can feel clunky now, especially in quieter scenes. But his willingness to mix tones—comedy, drama, thriller—gave the movie a unique edge for its era. Some shots (like the house party or the train sequence) still hold up as visually bold.
- **Fake Smoking**: Yeah, the exaggerated “cool guy” smoking is hilarious in hindsight. It’s a product of the '80s, where every rebel had to have a cigarette dangling, even if it looks forced. It’s more about the image than realism, which ties into the film’s stylized nature.
### Why It Still Holds Up
Even with its flaws, *Risky Business* is a time capsule that doesn’t just rely on nostalgia. It’s a story about taking chances, and that resonates no matter the era. Plus, Cruise and De Mornay’s combined charisma—his boyish charm meeting her enigmatic danger—creates a dynamic that’s hard to replicate. It’s not just a teen movie; it’s a blueprint for how stars are born.
If you’re curious, I can dig into specific scenes (like the dance or the train moment) to unpack why they’ve become so iconic, or compare it to other '80s classics to see how it stacks up. Let me know!