Cast
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Emilio Estevez
as Kirby Keger
Rob Lowe
as Billy Hicks
Andrew McCarthy
as Kevin Dolenz
Demi Moore
as Jules
Judd Nelson
as Alec Newbary
Ally Sheedy
as Leslie Hunter
Mare Winningham
as Wendy Beamish
Martin Balsam
as Mr. Beamish
Andie MacDowell
as Dale Biberman
Joyce Van Patten
as Mrs. Beamish
Jenny Wright
as Felicia
Jon Cutler
as Howie Krantz
Blake Clark
as Wally
Matthew Laurance
as Ron Dellasandro
Gina Hecht
as Judith
Crew
Director
- Joel Schumacher
Producer
- Lauren Shuler Donner
Reviews
phx611
As with most Joel Schumacher films, this one is beautifully shot. The locations of the film stand out and never overshadow the characters as they go on about their lives.
St. Elmo's fire is not comedy-driven and there isn't much of a plot. This is more of a slice of life piece about a group of young people embarking on their careers and lives. The soundtrack works well, the music was good for the time.
Andie MacDowell and Andrew McCarthy are great in their respective roles even if Andie's character doesn't speak much. Emilio Estevez and Judd Nelson make honest attempts with the material they are given, and they aren't horrible, but both actors have done much better in lesser roles or maybe they needed more of a role. The other members of the cast just appear to be plodding through the script but that may be what the script called for; if this is the case they did well.
Oct 26, 2021
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, St. Elmo's Fire examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Joel Schumacher brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1985, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of St. Elmo's Fire took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2306 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While St. Elmo's Fire shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sleepless in Seattle, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, St. Elmo's Fire offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Toy Story and Toy Story 2 explore similar territory, St. Elmo's Fire stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 28, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Revenue: $37,803,872
