Cast
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Tom Cruise
as Joel Goodson
Rebecca De Mornay
as Lana
Joe Pantoliano
as Guido
Richard Masur
as Rutherford
Bronson Pinchot
as Barry
Curtis Armstrong
as Miles Dalby
Nicholas Pryor
as Joel's Father
Janet Carroll
as Joel's Mother
Shera Danese
as Vicki
Raphael Sbarge
as Glenn
Bruce A. Young
as Jackie
Kevin Anderson
as Chuck (as Kevin C. Anderson)
Sarah Partridge
as Kessler
Nathan Davis
as Business Teacher
Scott Harlan
as Stan Licata
Crew
Director
- Paul Brickman
Producer
- Jon Avnet
- Steve Tisch
Reviews
Wuchak
***Entertaining teen comedy with Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay, but disturbingly dishonest***
“Risky Business” (1983) stars Tom Cruise as a preppy teen from the Chicago suburbs. When his parents leave for a trip, he has the house to himself and enlists the services of a call girl (Rebecca De Mornay), which leads to serious and amusing problems.
This is the film with the iconic sequence of Cruise lip-syncing in private to Bob Seger’s "Old Time Rock and Roll." We’ve all done it. In any case, “Risky Business” is similar to “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986), but with the artiness of “Less than Zero” (1987) minus the melancholy.
As far as all-around entertainment goes, this is an easy 7/10, but I have to lower my grade due to the glorification of prostitution. Yes, I realize it’s a teen comedy and you have to roll with it to enjoy it, which I did and did.
But the portrayal of prostitution & prostitutes is strictly fantasyland and I find it disingenuous and irresponsible. Would all these guys seriously be so hot for these women who have sex with several strangers every work day? Am I the only one who finds this gross? Wouldn’t at least some of them be concerned about STDs? Wouldn’t the loose lifestyle of prostitution negatively affect the women, psychologically and spiritually? Wouldn’t there be signs of “wear and tear”? Of course none of these types of realities are addressed.
The film runs 1 hour, 39 minutes and was shot in Highland Park, Illinois, & the Chicago area.
GRADE: C
Dec 11, 2018
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Risky Business 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 Paul Brickman 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 1983, 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 Risky Business took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.2 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1822 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- 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 Risky Business shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cinderella: The ITV Pantomime, which focuses more on action than character development, Risky Business subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Do Revenge and Hamog sa Bukang Liwayway explore similar territory, Risky Business 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: August 5, 1983
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Budget: $6,200,000
- Revenue: $63,541,777
Where to Watch
