Comments on: American Graffiti (1973)

By: Joe Valdez

Joe Valdez — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:02:45 +0000

Mrs. Thuro's Mom: In spite of the music and the hairstyles being of another generation, Lucas made the film feel universal by documenting his teenage years with such honesty and detail. Audiences everywhere could relate to it, despite the fact that it's really a West Coast story. The kids aren't confined to a stoop watching the world go by them, they're in cars, racing into the future. Joseph: Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. Lucas actually did cite I vitelloni as an inspiration, but I haven't seen the Fellini so I can't comment as to their similarities. It makes you wonder why if Lucas had such a distaste for traditional narrative he ever sat down to try to write the Star Wars prequels himself. Shahn: The "making of" documentary on the DVD taught me about Techniscope, which were the lenses American Graffiti was shot with. Techniscope a sort of poor man's anamorphic, giving the film a widescreen frame, but the grain you typically see in 16mm. The photography really looks different and I agree that Lucas makes you want to get lost in this town, at least for a couple of hours. Marilyn: I think if I were to try to emulate what Lucas did here - and Richard Linklater did with Dazed and Confused - I would take as much of a documentary approach as possible. The handheld cameras and grainy film stock really make you feel like you're just following these people around, as does the wall to wall music.

By: Marilyn

Marilyn — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:50:43 +0000

I’ve seen this films several times and will see it several more–it never gets old or tired. I like the randomness of the evening. Who needs a plot or well-developed characters when you can get a slice of life that’s so real, endearing, and humble. Yes, humble. This movie doesn’t scream at you about its ambitions or its ironies or anything else. It just lets these characters be themselves, and as you all say, that’s something everyone can identify with.

Thanks for the great review and, as always, the very interesting background material.

By: shahn

shahn — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:49:53 +0000

I have to echo to commendations on the lighting in this film. I’m not so impressed with the plot(s) or the characters, but it’s so beautiful to watch. Lucas created such nice surroundings in which to get lost for a couple hours.

By: Joseph

Joseph — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:16:54 +0000

Great article. I’ve been wanting to pick up a copy of American Graffiti for a while now.

Have you ever see Fellini’s “I Vitelloni”? If that wasn’t a huge inspiration for Lucas, I would be surprised.

By: Mrs. Thuro's Mom

Mrs. Thuro's Mom — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:41:07 +0000

Even though the time period was too early for me to relate to, the rest of it is so typical of what many teenagers went through right out of high school. The cruising, trying to hook up, trying to score some liquor, trying to decide to go or stay: all these things are great memories for millions of Americans. That’s what I love about this movie: it is soooo American. It’s fun and nostalgic and it’s one of a kind in so many ways.