Cast
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Lorenzo Lamas
as Chilly
Vicki Frederick
as Claire
Cameron Dye
as E-Z
Michelle Nicastro
as Darlene
Ray Sharkey
as Terrence
Seth Kaufman
as Jama
Joseph Whipp
as Donald
Grace Zabriskie
as Chilly's Mother
Tony Ganios
as Big Mac
Carole Ita White
as Unemployed Lady
Ellen Gerstein
as Secretary
Rene Elizondo
as Snake
Page Leong
as Smoothtalker Dancer
Amelia Kinkade
as Little Freak (uncredited)
La Ron A. Smith
as Magick
Crew
Director
- Marcelo Epstein
Producer
- Jeffrey Schechtman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Body Rock 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 Marcelo Epstein 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 1984, 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 Body Rock took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1650 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1984, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Body Rock shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Footloose, which focuses more on action than character development, Body Rock subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Stomp the Yard and Us Again explore similar territory, Body Rock 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: September 28, 1984
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Budget: $6,000,000
- Revenue: $1,689,501
