Cast
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John Cusack
as Lloyd Dobler
Ione Skye
as Diane Court
John Mahoney
as James Court
Lili Taylor
as Corey Flood
Amy Brooks
as D.C.
Pamela Adlon
as Rebecca
Jason Gould
as Mike Cameron
Loren Dean
as Joe
Johnny Green
as Luke
Jeremy Piven
as Mark
Patrick O'Neill
as Denny
Don Wilson
as Sparring Partner
Bebe Neuwirth
as Mrs. Evans
Eric Stoltz
as Vahlere
Joan Cusack
as Constance Dobler
Crew
Director
- Cameron Crowe
Producer
- Paul Germain
- Polly Platt
Reviews
Shreyance Parakh
**Forget it, I don't care...I LOVE YOU !!**
I can't make out why this movie has has a _user score of JUST above 70%_...I guess because people don't find an honest romantic movie equaling an intriguing, exciting, intelligent, thrilling, action packed or any other brain tickling director's master piece..
But to be honest, this movie is climbing the charts on being my favorite movies, and not just the romantics, of all time.Speaking of which i don't even watch too many romantic movies because however beautiful they are they almost always make you feel that the fairy land exists.That's what is so beautiful about SAY ANYTHING that it doesn't make you believe that there is a fairy land instead its so honest and assures you that you really don't need a lot of things to live happily if you've got a person for whom you have love in your heart and the feeling is reciprocated in the exact same manner!! This movie is special in the sense that it was made way back in '89 and still holds the same relevance...because **LOVE is TIMELESS**...
Do not miss it if you wanna feel what love is in the truest sense of the word... _"I gave her my heart and she gave me a pen"_ - it kills me but if you hold on, you'd find out that she gave the pen because she couldn't give him his love filled heart back !!
A great and successful effort on the director's part to not try and make something special out of this movie because in the end that's what really makes it so special..A _10/10_ for sure...one of the best movies about LOVE !!
May 4, 2017
Wuchak
_**The summer after high school in Seattle in the late 80s**_
Ione Skye plays Diane, a misfit "preppy" girl who suddenly comes alive upon graduation after striking up a relationship with Lloyd Dobler, played by John Cusack. Diane has a scholarship to a prestigious college in England and her Dad, played by John Mahoney, doesn't want some aimless kickboxer getting in the way of her success. Joan Cusack fittingly plays Lloyd’s sister while the alluring Bebe Neuwirth shows up for a cameo as his teacher.
"Say Anything" (1989) is a coming-of-age drama/romance praised by critics and has loads of fans.
I agree to some degree: The situations and relationships smack of real life and you can tell that writer/director Cameron Crowe and the cast put time & effort into creating this "reality." For instance, two of Lloyd's best friends are girls, Corey and D.C., who try to advise him on his new relationship. Another example is Diane’s honest relationship with her dad. The first half is filled with quality scenes, like Corey playing her guitar at a party, still venting emotions regarding a past flame. Plus unlike, say, "Porky's" and "American Pie" there's thankfully no juvenile raunch. In other words, "Say Anything" is a classy teen-college flick.
Yet I’m not a big fan of Cusack and Crowe apparently doesn’t know how to lens beautiful women, like Skye (and I’m not talking ‘bout nudity or sleaze). Meanwhile the second half isn't as entertaining as the first because it leaves the high school graduation antics behind to focus on Diane and Lloyd's increasingly intimate relationship, as well as unexpected revelations about Diane's father. Those who like stories about romantic relationships will no doubt appreciate the second half more than me.
It’s decent and I respect it, but Crowe did far superior work with "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982) and “Jerry Maguire” (1996).
The film runs 1 hour, 40 minutes, and was shot in Seattle; Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver (the graduation scene); Los Angeles and North Hollywood (the boom box scene).
GRADE: C+
Jun 20, 2021
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Say Anything... 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 Cameron Crowe 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 1989, 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 Say Anything... took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $16.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Say Anything... shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Donnie Darko, which focuses more on action than character development, Say Anything... offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Love in Thoughts and Hot Gimmick: Girl Meets Boy explore similar territory, Say Anything... stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: April 14, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Budget: $16,000,000
- Revenue: $20,036,737
Where to Watch
