Cast
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Mary Tyler Moore
as Self
Harvey Korman
as Self
John Ritter
as Self
Bill Bixby
as Self
Dick Van Dyke
as Self
Catlin Adams
as Kim
Candice Azzara
as Sheila
Eddie Barth
as Waiter
Allen Case
as Bob
Gino Conforti
as Luigi
Sam Denoff
as Fred
Tony Devon
as Carl
Michael Durrell
as Lowell
Arny Freeman
as Abner
Christopher Guest
as
Crew
Director
- Bill Persky
Writer
- Sam Bobrick
- Phil Hahn
- April Kelly
- Bill Persky
- Tom Sawyer
- Wayne Kline
Producer
- Bill Persky
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
How to Survive the '70s and Maybe Even Bump Into Happiness represents a fascinating example of Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Bill Persky 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1978, 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 How to Survive the '70s and Maybe Even Bump Into Happiness took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 60 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 94 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 352 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While How to Survive the '70s and Maybe Even Bump Into Happiness shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Hard Day's Night, which focuses more on action than character development, How to Survive the '70s and Maybe Even Bump Into Happiness subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like How to Win Eurovision and A Song for Eurotrash explore similar territory, How to Survive the '70s and Maybe Even Bump Into Happiness stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: February 22, 1978
- Runtime: 1h
