Cast
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William Katt
as Elgin Smith
Susan Dey
as Caroline Hedges
John Heard
as David Bonner
Beverly D'Angelo
as Shelley
Robert Loggia
as John March
Tom Lacy
as Professor Oxtan
Swoosie Kurtz
as Marsha
June Barrett
as Felicia
Judy Kerr
as Secretary
Pat O'Hara
as Zookeeper
Jenny Hill
as Girl in Bar
Billy Beck
as Cafeteria Proprietor (uncredited)
Bob Harks
as Cafeteria Patron (uncredited)
Virginia Leith
as Ann March (uncredited)
John O'Leary
as Waiter (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Joan Darling
Producer
- Lawrence Turman
- David Foster
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, First Love 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 Joan Darling 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 1977, 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 First Love took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1977, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While First Love shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Awakened, which focuses more on action than character development, First Love subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Privileged and Mouth to Mouth explore similar territory, First Love stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 8, 1977
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Budget: $3,000,000
- Revenue: $9,400,000
