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Fame(1980 film)

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For the 2009 remake film of the same name, seeFame (2009 film).

Fame
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAlan Parker
Written byChristopher Gore
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyMichael Seresin
Edited byGerry Hambling
Music byMichael Gore
Production
company
Distributed by
Release dates
  • May 12, 1980(1980-05-12)(Ziegfeld Theatre)
  • June 20, 1980(1980-06-20)(United States)
Running time
133 minutes[2]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$8.5 million[3]
Box office$42 million

Fameis a 1980 Americanteenmusicaldrama filmdirected byAlan Parkerand written byChristopher Gore.Set in New York City, it chronicles the lives and hardships of students attendingThe High School of Performing Arts,from their auditions to their freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years.

ProducerDavid De Silvaconceived the premise in 1976, partially inspired by the musicalA Chorus Line.He commissioned playwright Gore to write the script, originally titledHot Lunch,before selling it toMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer(MGM). After he was hired to direct the film, Parker rewrote the script with Gore, aiming for a darker and more dramatic tone. The script's subject matter received criticism by the New York Board of Education, which prevented the production from filming in the actual High School of Performing Arts. The film was shot on location in New York City, withprincipal photographybeginning in July 1979 and concluding after 91 days. Parker encountered a difficult filming process, which included conflicts withU.S. labor unionsover various aspects of the film's production.

Famereceived alimited releasebeginning at theZiegfeld Theatrein New York City on May 12, 1980, and had awide releasein the United States on June 20, byUnited Artists.The film grossed over $42 million worldwide against a production budget of $8.5 million. It initially received a mixed response from reviewers who praised the music, but criticized the dramatic tone, pacing and direction although the film has been reappraised over the years. The film received several awards and nominations, including twoAcademy AwardsforBest Original Song( "Fame") andBest Original Score,and aGolden Globe Award for Best Original Song( "Fame" ). Its success spawned a media franchise encompassing several television series, a stage musical, and aremakereleased in 2009.

In 2023, the film was selected for preservation in the United StatesNational Film Registryby theLibrary of Congressas being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".[4]

Plot[edit]

Auditions

InNew York Cityin the late 1970s, a group of teenagers audition to study at theHigh School of Performing Arts,where they are sorted into three different departments: Drama, Music, and Dance. Accepted in the Drama department are Montgomery MacNeil, son of a well-known actress; Doris Finsecker, a shy Jewish girl with an overbearing mother; and Ralph Garci, who succeeds after failed auditions for Music and Dance. In the Music department, Bruno Martelli is an aspiring keyboardist whose electronic equipment horrifies Mr. Shorofsky, a conservative music teacher. In the Dance department, Coco Hernandez coolly hints at how she could join any of the three departments while Lisa Monroe is talkative and nervous. Leroy Johnson attends to perform his part of a dance routine for an auditioning friend, but the dance teachers are more impressed by his talents than his friend's.

Freshman year

The students learn during their first day of classes that academics are weighed equally with performance. In the lunchroom, Doris becomes overwhelmed by the energy and spontaneity of the other students ( "Hot Lunch Jam" ). She befriends Montgomery, but worries that she is too ordinary against the colorful personalities of the other students. As the year progresses, Coco tries to convince Bruno to book performing gigs with her. Leroy clashes with his English teacher Mrs. Sherwood over his refusal to do homework. It is later revealed that he is semi-illiterate.Bruno and his father argue over Bruno's reluctance to play his electronic music publicly. Miss Berg, the school's Dance teacher, warns Lisa that she is not working hard enough. Michael, a graduating senior, wins a prestigious scholarship and tells Doris that theWilliam Morris Agencywants to send him out for auditions for television pilots.

Sophomore year

A new student, Hilary van Doren, joins the school's Dance department and becomes romantically involved with Leroy. Bruno and Mr. Shorofsky debate the merits of traditional orchestras versussynthesizedinstruments. Bruno's father plays his music ( "Fame") outside the school, inspiring the student body to dance in the streets. As an acting exercise, the students are asked to divulge a painful memory. Montgomery discusses discovering his homosexuality, whilecoming outin front of his classmates; Doris relates her humiliation at being forced by herstage motherto sing at a child's birthday party; and Ralph tells of learning about the death of his idolFreddie Prinze.Miss Berg drops Lisa from the Dance program, and after seemingly considering suicide in aNew York City Subwaystation, Lisa drops her dance clothes on the subway tracks and decides to join the Drama department.

Junior year

Ralph and Doris discover their mutual attraction, but their growing intimacy leaves Montgomery feeling excluded. Hilary brings Leroy home, much to the shock of her father and stepmother. Ralph's young sister is attacked by ajunkieand Ralph lashes out at his mother's attempts to comfort the child by taking her to the localCatholic church,instead of to a doctor. Doris begins to question her Jewish upbringing, changing her name to "Dominique DuPont" and straining the relationship with her mother. During a late-night showing ofThe Rocky Horror Picture Showat the 8th Street Playhouse, Ralph encourages Doris to smokemarijuana.Intoxicated, Doris takes part in the stage show during the film's "Time Warp"musical number. The next day, she realizes that as an actress she can put on any personality she wants, but is sobered upon running into Michael, who is struggling as an actor and waiting tables.

Senior year

Ralph performs comedy atCatch a Rising Star,where he garners some initial success, but falls into a hard-party lifestyle which upsets Doris. Given a prime spot at another comedy club, he bombs after clashing with both Doris and Montgomery over his new lifestyle. Disgusted with himself, Ralph believes his career is over, but is comforted by Montgomery, who tells him that failure is a part of the entertainment business. Hilary, now pregnant, plans to have an abortion and move to California to take a position with theSan Francisco Balletcompany. Coco is approached in a diner by a man claiming to be a director; she naïvely goes to his apartment for ascreen test,but discovers that he is an amateurpornographic filmdirector. He manipulates her into taking her shirt off, as he films her sobbing. Leroy is offered a position inAlvin Ailey's dance company, but must graduate first in order to be accepted. After receiving a failing grade, he confronts a grieving Mrs. Sherwood outside her husband's hospital room, but upon realizing that she has her own problems, he comforts her. During graduation, the student body showcases their talents by performing an original song ( "I Sing the Body Electric" ). The opening lines are sung by Lisa, Coco, and Montgomery. Intercut with the performance are scenes of Leroy dancing and Bruno playing with a rock band, finally sharing his music with others.

Cast[edit]

Production[edit]

Development and writing[edit]

"It's a very strange thing to grow up to be a performer, to expose yourself at a time when growing up is difficult enough anyway. It involves a great deal of courage and the risk of enormous pain.Fameis a film which shows how kids prepare themselves for failure as well as success. "

—Alan Parker, director[5]

In 1976, talent managerDavid De Silvaattended a stage production ofA Chorus Lineand noticed that one of the musical numbers, "Nothing",had made a reference to the New York CityHigh School of Performing Arts.[3]The musical inspired him to create a story detailing how ambition and rejection influence the lives of adolescent students.[6]In 1977, De Silva travelled to Florida, where he met playwrightChristopher Gore.He paid Gore $5,000 to draft a script titledHot Lunch,and provided story ideas involving the plot and characters.[6]De Silva took the project toMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer(MGM), which acquired the script for $400,000.[1]

DirectorAlan Parkerreceived the script after the release of his previous filmMidnight Express(1978).[1][3]He met with De Silva in New York City where the two agreed that Parker would draft his own script,[3]with Gore receiving sole screenwriting credit.[6]Parker also enlisted his colleagueAlan Marshallas a producer.[3]Gore travelled to London where he and Parker began work on a second draft,[1]which was significantly darker than what De Silva had intended. De Silva explained, "I was really motivated and interested in the joy of what the school represented for these kids, and [Parker] was really much more interested in where the pain was in going to the school, and so we had our little conflicts based on that area."[6]

Parker signed on as the film's director in February 1979,[1]and relocated toGreenwich, Connecticut,to beginpre-production.While working on the script, he interacted with many of the students attending the Performing Arts school.[3]Several of them invited Parker to attend amidnightscreening ofThe Rocky Horror Picture Show(1975) at the 8th Street Playhouse. Parker attended a weekend screening with Marshall, and the enthusiastic crowd inspired him to write a similar scene for the film, during which the character Doris Finsecker dances along to the "Time Warp"musical number.[3][7]During filming, Parker noticed that apornographic filmshowing on42nd Streetwas titledHot Lunch,and was informed that the title was "New York slang for oral sex."[3]In response, MGM offered several working titles before Parker named the filmFameafter the1975 songperformed byDavid Bowie.[1][3]

Casting[edit]

Although Parker had promised to hold auditions at the High School of Performing Arts, the school was initially advised by the Board of Education to prevent the students from working on the film, fearing it would affect their studies.[3]It was later announced that filming would occur during the summer when the students were not attending school. Parker distributed casting call advertisements at the Performing Arts school and theHigh School of Music & Art.[1][8]He and casting directors Margery Simkin and Howard Feuer spent four months of the film'spre-productionauditioning young performers. They held an open casting call at the Diplomat Hotel on 43rd Street in Manhattan where more than 2,000 people auditioned for various roles.[3]

Of the many students that Parker met at the Performing Arts, onlyLaura Dean,who plays Lisa Monroe, was cast in a principal role while others were cast as extras.[3]The school's drama teacherJim Moodyplays as Mr. Farell, and its music teacherJonathan Strasserappears as a conductor.[8]Music composer and actorAlbert Haguesecured the role of music teacher Mr. Shorofsky, as Parker wanted a veteran musician to play the part.[9]

Irene Cara,a former student of the school, was cast as Coco Hernandez.[10]Parker was not impressed with Cara's musical audition, until after her recording sessions with the film's composerMichael Gore.[3]Gene Anthony Ray,who plays Leroy Johnson, was also a Performing Arts student but had been expelled from the school for disruptive behavior.[11]Simkin had discovered Raybreakdancingon a street corner inHarlembefore asking him to audition for a role in the film.[3]

Lee Curreri,who was cast as Bruno Martelli, learned of the production while attending theManhattan School of Music.[12]During his audition,Paul McCraneperformed an original song he had written, "Is It Okay If I Call You Mine?". He was cast as Montgomery MacNeil, and the song inspired Parker to include it in the film.[1][3]Barry Miller,who achieved critical acclaim for his supporting role inSaturday Night Fever(1977), was cast as Ralph Garci, an aspiring actor and standup comic of Puerto Rican descent.[13]

Maureen Teefy,an established actress of Irish descent, was cast as Doris Finsecker, a shy and uptight Jewish girl.[14]De Silva disagreed with her casting, stating, "... I'd envisioned [Doris] as a 16-or 17-year-oldBarbra Streisandfrom Brooklyn, and when [Parker] cast this Irish actress that was a trouble... that was my only reservation; I really had envisioned she was a young Barbra Streisand, a Jewish girl. "[6]Parker and the casting department had difficulty finding an actress for the role of Hilary Van Doren.Antonia Franceschi,who was previously a background dancer inGrease(1978),[15]secured the role based on the strength of her audition.[3]Meg Tillyappears in her acting debut as a dancer. In his first credited screen role, Peter Rafelson, son ofBob Rafelson,plays as a musician and vocalist.[1]

Filming[edit]

ProducerDavid De Silvaon 46th Street during principal photography in 1979.

Principal photographybegan on July 9, 1979, with abudgetof $8.5 million.[3][5]Parker described shooting in New York City as a less than pleasurable experience due to the intense summer weather conditions.[3]He also faced difficulties withU.S. labor unionrepresentatives who disapproved of the British crew members working on the film withoutpermits.[1]In order to gain work permits, Parker made an agreement with the unions that allowed local laborers to work on the film.[1][3][5]

During filming, the crew and several cast members objected tocinematographerMichael Seresinandcamera operatorJohn Stanier's European style of single-source lighting, which involved the use of smoke fromincense burnersto diffuse the light.[5]In response, representatives of theScreen Actors Guild(SAG) and theInternational Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees(IATSE) halted the production, and forbade Parker from using smoke on the set.[3][5]

The filmmakers had originally planned to shoot the film at the Performing Arts school, but were denied by the Board of Education over the content of the script.[1][3][8]After consulting withNancy Littlefield,the head of the New York City Mayor's Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting, Parker was granted a meeting with the Board's members,[8]who explained that they were concerned with the script's profanity, sexual content and depictions of drug use, as well as his depiction of Turkish prisons inMidnight Express.[1][3]After the filmmakers expressed interest in moving the production to Chicago,[16]Littlefield reviewed abandoned-city properties and discovered two unused schools,[1]Haaren High SchoolandPerformance Space 122.[3]Both schools were converted and used for all the interior scenes.[3]MGM spent approximately $200,000 transforming Haaren High into asound stage,with carpentry shops and production offices.[1]The location was used to shoot the film's finale, a graduation ceremony. The sequence was filmed in four days, and employed 400 extras and 150 student musicians.[7]

The exterior of the school was shot using the left wing of the then-abandonedChurch of Saint Mary the Virginbuilding almost directly opposite the real school on West 46th Street inTimes Square.[17]The Rocky Horror Picture Showmidnight screening sequence was filmed at the 8th Street Playhouse located on 52 West 8th Street, New York.Sal Piro,president ofThe Rocky Horror Picture ShowFan Club, appears as an emcee at the screening.[3]Parker later hiredSteadicaminventor and operatorGarrett Brownto film Doris and Ralph's dialogue scene in aNew York City Subwaystation.[3]Montgomery MacNeil's apartment was located on 1564 Broadway, at West 46th Street in Manhattan.[17]

The "Fame" musical number was filmed on 46th Street in three days, with eight choreographed routines, 150 student background actors and 50 professional dancers. The dancers performed to theDonna Summersong "Hot Stuff",as the song" Fame "had not yet been written.[1][3]Before the sequence was filmed, Stanier left the production for personal reasons. During filming, Seresin chose to operate the camera himself for several hours beforeInternational Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees(IATSE) representatives visited the set, and advised Parker that a cinematographer was forbidden to operate a camera, and that the production would be shut down permanently if he did not hire an operator from their union.[1][3]The following day, theNew York Police Departmentdemanded that the cast and crew take a 4:00 p.m. curfew due to complaints of traffic blockages.[1][3]In addition, the dancers demanded extra pay for performing stunts on top of taxicabs.[1][5]Principal photography concluded after 91 days.[3][5]

Music[edit]

Further information:Fame (soundtrack)

The music was composed byMichael Gore.Parker had originally approachedGiorgio Moroder,who had previously worked onMidnight Express,andJeff Lynne,the lead performer ofElectric Light Orchestra(ELO), both of whom had declined.[3]The musical numbers were performed practically on set, as Parker wanted to avoiddubbingduringpost-production.[3]The song "Hot Lunch Jam" was heavily improvised. Parker explained, "This song evolved from an all day session involving groups of kids from all disciplines, as we cobbled together the song with everyone chipping in their contributions."[3]The filming of the "Fame" musical number inspired Gore to write an original song inspired byDonna Summer.[3]He and lyricistDean Pitchfordspent one month writing the lyrics. Pitchford improvised the lyrics "I'm gonna live forever", inspired by a line of dialogue from the 1964 playDylan.[18][19]During the recording sessions,Luther Vandrossacted as the song's contractor, in charge of the backup vocals. He improvised the lyrics "Remember, remember, remember", and performed it with backing vocalists Vivian Cherry andVicki Sue Robinson.The song was later incorporated into the filmed dance sequence during post-production.[3]

Parker wanted the film to end with a huge musical number that would showcase every character. While drafting the script during pre-production, he was partially inspired by the ELO song, "Eldorado".[3]Parker turned to Gore and Pitchford, requesting that they write a song would combine the film's three musical elements:gospel,rock and classical.[7]The resulting song, "I Sing the Body Electric", was named by Pitchford after thesame-titled poemfromWalt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass"collection.[3][19]

Release[edit]

Opening Night of the filmFame(L.A. May, 1980) Dolores Quinton, Producer David De Silva, Cindy Williams and Jim Schreiber in front of the theater

Famepremiered at theZiegfeld Theatreon May 12, 1980.[1][8]MGM issued aplatform releasewhich involved opening the film in select cities forlimitedshowings, before releasing itnationwide.[1]The studio was concerned with the film's cast of then-unknown actors, and felt that the limited theatrical run would generate strong word-of-mouth support from critics and audiences.[8]On May 16, 1980,Famepremiered at theCinerama DomeTheatre in Hollywood, and opened in limited release in New York,Torontoand Los Angeles. MGM spent more than $2 million on an advertising campaign which placed emphasis on the film's music. The studio also allowed select theatre chains to give out free tickets for special screenings.Famewas releasednationwideon June 20, 1980, distributed by MGM throughUnited Artists.[1][8]In the United States and Canada, it grossed $21,202,829,[20]and was the thirty-second highest-grossing film of 1980.[21]By April 1981, the film had grossed $20.4 million overseas and was expected to gross $29 million, giving it a worldwide gross of between $42-$50 million.[22]

Home media[edit]

Famewas released onVHSandLaserdiscin March 1981, byMGM/CBS Home Video.[23]In 1986, the distribution rights to the film were transferred toTurner Entertainment Co.,which acquired MGM's pre-May 1986 library of feature films.[24]Currently, the rights are owned byWarner Bros.,after its parent companyTime Warneracquired Turner's library of MGM films in 1996.[25]The film was released on DVD on June 3, 2003, byWarner Home Video.Special features for the DVD include anaudio commentaryby Parker, a branching video featuring interviews with Parker and several cast members, amaking-offeaturette, a short documentary on the High School of Performing Arts, production notes, and the theatrical trailer.[26]As a tie-in to the home video release of MGM's2009 remake,[27]Warner Home Video released the film onBlu-rayon January 26, 2010.[28]The Blu-ray presents the film in1080phigh definition,and contains all the additional materials found on the 2003 DVD release, including a CD "soundtrack sampler" that previews four musical numbers from the soundtrack album.[28]

Reception[edit]

Critical response[edit]

On thereview aggregationwebsiteRotten Tomatoes,Fameholds an approval rating of 79% based on 34 reviews, with anaveragescore of 7/10. The website's consensus reads, "Just becauseFameis a well-acted musical doesn't mean it flinches against its surprisingly heavy topics. "[29]Although initial reactions among film critics were mixed, Barry Miller received critical acclaim for his performance. Jack Matthews of theAssociated Presswrote "Barry Miller bolts from the screen with a performance that will etch itself into the viewer's mind for a long time to come"[30]Gene Siskelof theChicago Tribuneawarded the film two-and-a-half stars out of four, writing, "When the kids perform, the movie sings, but their fictionalized personal stories are melodramatic drivel."[31]Dave Kehrof theChicago Readerwrote, "The film is cut at such a frenzied pitch that it's often possible to believe (mistakenly) that something significant is going on."[32]Varietymagazine wrote, "The great strength of the film is in the school scenes – when it wanders away from the scholastic side as it does with increasing frequency as the overlong feature moves along, it loses dramatic intensity and slows the pace."[33]Roger Ebertof theChicago Sun-Timesawarded the film three-and-a-half stars out of four writing, "Fameis a genuine treasure, moving and entertaining, a movie that understands being a teen-ager as well asBreaking Awaydid, but studies its characters in a completely different milieu. "[34]William Gallagher, in his review for theBBC,wrote, "Alan Parker manages to make this a fairly horrible story even while it remains entertaining. You come away from it with all your preconceptions about the glamour of showbusiness wiped away and you can't help but admire the characters who get through."[35]

Accolades[edit]

Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
Academy Awards Best Screenplay – Written Directly for the Screen Christopher Gore Nominated [36]
Best Film Editing Gerry Hambling Nominated
Best Original Score Michael Gore Won
Best Original Song "Fame"
Music by Michael Gore;
Lyrics byDean Pitchford 		Won
"Out Here on My Own"
Music by Michael Gore;
Lyrics byLesley Gore 		Nominated
Best Sound Michael J. Kohut,Aaron Rochin,Jay M. Harding,andChris Newman Nominated
American Cinema Editors Awards Best Edited Feature Film Gerry Hambling Nominated
British Academy Film Awards Best Direction Alan Parker Nominated [37]
Best Editing Gerry Hambling Nominated
Best Original Film Music Michael Gore Nominated
Best Sound Chris Newman, Les Wiggins, and Michael J. Kohut Won
César Awards Best Foreign Film Alan Parker Nominated [38]
Golden Globe Awards Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Nominated [39]
Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Irene Cara Nominated
Best Original Score – Motion Picture Michael Gore Nominated
Best Original Song – Motion Picture "Fame"
Music by Michael Gore;
Lyrics by Dean Pitchford 		Won
Grammy Awards Song of the Year "Fame" – Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford Nominated [40]
Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female "Fame" – Irene Cara Nominated
Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special Fame– Michael Gore, Anthony Evans,Paul McCrane,Dean Pitchford,
Lesley Gore, andRobert F. Colesberry 		Nominated
NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Motion Picture Won
Writers Guild of America Awards Best Drama – Written Directly for the Screen Christopher Gore Nominated [41]
Young Artist Awards Best Family Music Album Fame Nominated [42]
Best Young Actor in a Major Motion Picture Paul McCrane Nominated
Barry Miller Nominated

Franchise[edit]

Following the film's release, a television spin-off,Fame,aired on theNBCnetwork for two seasons from January 7, 1982, to August 4, 1983. The series was then renewed forfirst-run syndication,and four additional seasons were produced. Returning cast members from the film included Lee Curreri, Albert Hague, Gene Anthony Ray and Debbie Allen.[1]The show's popularity, particularly in the United Kingdom, led to the formation of a music group,The Kids from "Fame".The main vocalists were Allen, Ray, Curerri,Valerie Landsburg,Erica Gimpel,Carlo Imperato, andLori Singer.[43]In 1982, the band released two albums,The Kids from "Fame"andThe Kids from "Fame" Again,which were largely successful in the United Kingdom. The band members also went on tour, performing as their characters live on stage. After the series was renewed, The Kids from "Fame" produced three additional albums, all of which proved less successful and resulted in the band members parting ways to pursue other projects.[44]

In 1987, producer David De Silva announced he was developing a stage version of the film.[45]Fame: The Musicalwas the first professional production at theCoconut Grove Playhousein Miami in 1988. The show then played at theWalnut Street Theatrein Philadelphia from March 25 through April 29, 1989.[46][47]The musical has since been produced in over 25 countries.[48]

In 1997,MGM Televisionproduced a second series inspired by the film.[49]Fame L.A.,created byRichard B. Lewis,focused on the lives of several students attending a drama and dance school in Los Angeles. The series featuredChristian Kane,Roselyn Sánchez,William R. Moses,andLesli Margheritain starring roles.[50]It aired in syndication from October 19, 1997, to March 21, 1998.[51]

In 2002, MGM andTouchstone Televisionplanned to develop a two-hour television film that would serve as a direct sequel toFame,followed by a spin-off television series. Both projects were to be produced for theABCnetwork.[52]The television film was to introduce several students applying for positions at the New York City of Performing Arts, while the spin-off series would focus on their lives during their four years of attending the school. The series would feature new cast members as the young students, as well as those from the 1980 film, as well as updated versions of the songs "Fame" and "Out Here on My Own". Michael Gore was to act as an executive producer for both projects with his producing partner Lawrence Cohen, through their production label White Cap Productions.[52]However, both television projects were never produced.[1]

In 2003, MGM Television produced a reality television series titledFame,in an attempt to capitalize on the success of the largely popularAmerican Idol.[53]The concept of the series involves discovering a "triple threat" —a person who can sing, act and dance and has a "bigger-than-life" personality. The show, co-hosted by Debbie Allen, andJoey Fatone,featuredCarnie Wilson,Johnny WrightandJoJo Wrightas the panel of judges. The series premiered on NBC on May 28, 2003, and a total of ten episode were produced.[54]The two competing finalists of the series wereShannon BexandHarlemm Lee.Lee emerged as the winner of the competition, based on home-audience votes.[55]

In 2012, MGM Television announced it would produce a modern-day television series inspired by the film, withNigel Lythgoeacting as an executive producer.[56]The project resurfaced in June 2015, whenThe Hollywood Reporterannounced that MGM Television would be co-producing the series withA&E NetworksforLifetime,withJosh Safranattached as the show's writer and executive producer.[57]

Remake[edit]

Main article:Fame (2009 film)

In 2009, MGM andLakeshore Entertainmentproduced a remake ofFamedirected byKevin Tancharoen,and written byAllison Burnett.[58]The remake followed the premise of the original film, depicting the lives of several students as they attend the New York City High School of Performing Arts. Debbie Allen was the only cast member from the 1980 film to have a supporting role, appearing as the school's principal. The film was notable for its lighter tone, in contrast to the earlier film's gritty subject matter.[59]Released on September 25, 2009,Famereceived generally unfavorable reviews from mainstream film critics.[60][61][62]It was a modest box office success upon release in the United States, though it fared better internationally, grossing $54.7 million worldwide.[63]Parker voiced his disapproval of the remake and described it as an "awful" film.[3]Maureen Teefy also criticized the film, stating, "They're using the same formula, but it doesn't have the same substance. It's not staying true to the grittiness and authenticity of the original."[14]

Future[edit]

In April 2023, after previously acquiring MGM,Amazonannounced plans to expand the franchise with television series in development fromAmazon Studios.[64]

Aftermath and legacy[edit]

Fame and Pennies From Heaven were the last films to be produced by MGM, before the studio merged with United Artists in 1981.[65]The film has been credited with revitalizing the teen musical subgenre by adding dramatic elements into its story, echoing 1950s melodramas. Its presentation of musical numbers in the style of a music video was a major influence on other 1980s films in the dance film genre, such asFlashdance(1983),Footloose(1984) andDirty Dancing(1987).[66]It also inspired the creation of other similar performing arts schools around the world, including theLiverpool Institute for Performing Arts(LIPA),[3][5]and theBRIT School.[67]

The film and its title song helped launch Irene Cara's musical career. She recorded three solo albums and contributed to several film soundtracks, notably performing "Flashdance...What a Feeling",the title song forFlashdance,for which she won theAcademy Award for Best Original Song.[10]Paul McCrane, Meg Tilly, and Barry Miller (who won the Tony Award in 1985 for Neil Simon's "Biloxi Blues" ) went on to successful acting careers,[13][68][69]while Gene Anthony Ray, Debbie Allen and Lee Curerri found success and popularity with the television series.[11][12]

Ray struggled with drug and alcohol addictions, and worked sporadically after the series ended in 1987. In 1996, he was diagnosed as HIV-positive and died after a stroke on November 14, 2003.[11][70]

The film was Christopher Gore's only original screenplay. He was also involved with the 1982 television series as its creator, and wrote several episodes before his death from AIDS on May 18, 1988.[71][72][73]

AfterFame,Louis Falcocontinued to work as a commercial choreographer for several music videos and films.[74]He again collaborated with Parker on the 1987 filmAngel Heart[75]before his death from AIDS on March 26, 1993.[76]

In 2004, theAmerican Film Institute(AFI) ranked the song "Fame" at #51 on its "100 Years...100 Songs"list.[77]In 2006, AFI placed the film on its "100 Years...100 Cheers"list, where it was ranked #92.[78]The film also ranked #42 onEntertainment Weekly's list of the "50 Best High School Movies".[79][80]In 2014,IndieWireadded the song "Fame" to its list of "The 20 Greatest Movie Theme Songs of the 1980s".[81]

In 2023, the film was selected for preservation to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress after being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".[4]

References[edit]

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  3. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzaaabacadaeafagahaiajakalamParker, Alan."Fame – The Making of the Film".AlanParker.RetrievedAugust 8,2016.
  4. ^abTartaglione, Nancy (2023-12-13)."National Film Registry: 'Apollo 13', 'Home Alone', 'Terminator 2', '12 Years A Slave' Among 25 Titles Added This Year".Deadline.Retrieved2023-12-13.
  5. ^abcdefghGonthier Jr., David F.; Timothy L. O'Brien (September 16, 2015). "4Fame,1980 ".The Films of Alan Parker, 1976–2003.Jefferson, NC:McFarland & Company.pp. 63–82.ISBN978-1-4766-1927-9.
  6. ^abcdeHoey, Michael A.(January 4, 2010). "1. How It All Began".Inside Fame on Television: A Behind-the-Scenes History.Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. pp. 3–14.ISBN978-0-7864-5573-7.
  7. ^abc"FamePress Programme "(Press release). New York:Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer,Budmore Publishing Corp.RetrievedAugust 11,2016.
  8. ^abcdefgRosenthal, David (May 26, 1980). "'Chorus Line' Goes to High School ".New York.pp. 57–59.ISSN0028-7369.
  9. ^Martin, Douglas (November 15, 2001)."Albert Hague, 81, a Composer and Actor".The New York Times.RetrievedAugust 8,2016.
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