As time progresses and fall arrives, the desire for a relaxing, laid-back movie experience arises. Long before the days of Dazed and Confused, Everyone Wants Some!!, The Big Lebowski And Empire Recordsbut slightly after 1973 American graffiti, lies a classic of hidden comedy. Smooth dialogue, aimless youth, and relatable storylines fill the running time of most chill-out films, and this 1977 film is no different.

Between the linesstarring Jeff Goldblum, John Heard and a horde of fantastic performers, is the most underrated film in Joan Micklin Silver’s entire catalog. With the help of a witty, laid-back script, endearing characters, and fantastic performances, Silver creates a flawless ensemble comedy that was decades ahead of its time. Upon its release, the film was praised by critics and criticized by audiences, but found a niche in the world of movie buffs. Some called Between the lines Generation X The great coldand this description couldn’t be more apt.

What’s between the lines?

Between the lines follows a massive, wildly diverse and eccentric staff at the Back Bay Mainline, a local Boston newspaper. The main plot that hangs over the whole thing like a dark cloud is the impending sale of their newspaper to a large corporation. The newspaper is made up of young upstarts who love counterculture and don’t like change. However, change is on the horizon whether they like it or not, and their laid-back existence is about to be shattered. The threat of the newspaper being sold is present in every scene, but the real thrill of the film is watching these characters fight, argue, flirt, and party until the sun rises.

• Between the lines is John Heard’s first film.
• The Back Bay main line is based on the Boston Phoenix.
• Between the lines is the second feature film by Joan Micklin Silver.

The film largely follows relationship issues, and in doing so, becomes incredibly relatable to younger viewers. The main relationship is between Harry, the lead reporter, and Abbie, the paper’s art photographer. Their relationship forms the emotional crux of the film and dictates the direction of all the other characters. Joan Micklin Silver proved with Cold winter scenes And Crossing Delancey that she is a master in the art of communicating relationship frustrations. While other films fall into stereotypes, Silver manages to show the dangers of codependency in a relationship, and the codependency of the two main love interests is a microcosm of the entire Back Bay Mainline crew. As the sale approaches, the entire team must embrace the change and realize that they have depended on each other all along. From Jeff Goldblum’s Max to John Heard’s Harry, via Bruno Kirby’s David, each character falls into this trap and must escape.

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There is an underlying melancholy feeling that accompanies this type of character journey, and it is very present throughout the film. Between the lines. Despite its occasional tendency to be told the wrong way, the film still fits perfectly into this comfortable, casual, easy-to-watch niche. The comedy on display is innovative, naturalistic and lightning fast, which is all the more impressive given that this is Fred Barron’s only film credit. With its script, the impeccable talent of Joan Micklin Silver for precise direction and a lot of incredible interpretations, Between the lines became an all-time great.

Between the Lines has excellent performances from young stars

With a large ensemble of incredibly different characters, Between the lines there is something for everyone. Jeff Goldblum’s Max Arloft is a womanizing music critic whose ego walks into a room 10 minutes before him. Whether he speaks softly or punches, he always manages to charm the viewer with his ridiculous retort. This is a powerful performance from a young actor who will eventually become known for his confident portrayals of characters. Between the lines is not Goldblum’s first film; that honor belongs to another underrated gem from 1974 Death wish. Even though it’s not his debut, it’s certainly his first knock on the door of true cinematic stardom.

The cast is rounded out by other gaming legends; John Heard, Lindsay Crouse, Marilu Henner and Bruno Kirby, and many more. For almost every one of these stars, Between the lines is their acting debut. Joan Micklin Silver gives these young actors a level of confidence unlike anything else, and it has prepared them for the future. Five years after its release, each member of this ensemble would become the lead star of a brilliant film. Whether it’s John Heard who stays with Silver for Cold winter scenesLindsay Crouse confronting The verdict And House of Gamesor Jeff Goldblum with Invasion of the body snatchers. Silver and casting director Juliet Taylor clearly had an eye for talent, and audiences have these two to thank for some of their favorite films.

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Between the Lines failed to connect with audiences

Given that the film’s release took place just a few years before critically acclaimed films like The great cold And St. Elmo’s Firewe would expect Between the lines have rave reviews. Strangely, that’s not the case, even though the film is a cult classic in some comedy circles. Fans and critics continue to disagree about the film to this day, with critics loving it far more than audiences. While the film shares many similarities with ’80s classics, it also features more polarizing elements that create a barrier to entry. The John Hughes classics from the 80s and 90s are very populist comedies, but this is something different. Between the lines dabbles in the absurd and the surreal, and is also aimed at young Gen-X counterculture enthusiasts. The film has lost its appeal with some groups because they lack historical context, but critics never seem to forget that, and in this case, the critics are on the right side of history.

Some critics have noted the film’s and Joan Micklin Silver’s propensity for naturalistic, relevant, and fluid dialogue. Countless people have mentioned how this gives a romanticized view of the newspaper industry, saying:

“Joan Micklin Silver, who also directed Hester Street, has fashioned a film so close to home that it will be difficult for any journalist to dissociate themselves from it.” -Ruth Batchelor

As time passed and countercultural newspapers disappeared, a new reading of the film became dominant. The common reaction to the film has turned to nostalgia, as journalists simply can no longer relate to the project. Today, Between the lines serves as a time capsule of an industry that has changed dramatically. The film still manages to be relevant, but in a completely different way.

Film school rejects Matthew Monagale has a powerful preview of the film, saying: “With an all-star cast and some great comedy bits – have fun watching Goldblum engage in battle with a local performance artist at the Back Bay Main Line head office — Between the lines is a late addition to the already impressive canon of essential 1970s cinema.” Which further shows how important and integral the film was for its time, even if it wasn’t as highly regarded as it should have been. being.

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Between the lines remains an emotional, nostalgic and unforgettable gem, capturing the nuances of a now-adult generation navigating change. Even though time has made the film’s subject matter less relevant, the central relativity of aimless post-college is still relevant. Joan Micklin’s film Silver is one of three odes she made to the messy, romantic despair that fills the hearts of so many twenty-somethings. The entire cast, including an already incredible Jeff Goldblum, will make viewers laugh and cry even today. Critics and fans may have disagreed at the time, but if the new generation finds Between the linesit’s hard to believe they won’t be addicted.