Flashdance, released in 1983, is often mentioned alongside other iconic dance films of its era like Saturday Night Fever and Dirty Dancing. While these American movies might not have carried the overt political messages sometimes found in British working-class films such as Educating Rita or Brassed Off, they powerfully explored social class dynamics, perhaps even more directly than typical Hollywood productions. Flashdance, in particular, tells a story centered on ambition, romance, and, of course, exhilarating dance sequences.
The film introduces us to Alex Owens, portrayed by Jennifer Beals, a young woman leading a double life. By day, she works as a welder in Pittsburgh, a physically demanding job in a male-dominated industry. However, her true passion ignites at night. Alex moonlights as an exotic dancer in a local club, showcasing her raw talent and energy on stage. But beneath the surface of her nightly performances lies a bigger dream: Alex aspires to become a professional ballet dancer. Flashdance chronicles her journey to achieve this ambition, navigating the challenges of class barriers and self-doubt, all while kindling a romance with her boss, Nick Hurley, a middle-class divorcee. Interwoven throughout the narrative are dynamic dance sequences featuring Alex and her ice-skating friend Jeanie, building towards a climactic audition scene that defines the film.
This audition scene is pivotal and somewhat controversial within the context of ballet purism. Imagine a prestigious ballet academy confronted with a candidate whose dance vocabulary seems more rooted in breakdancing and disco than classical ballet. Alex’s audition piece is a high-energy, unconventional display of athleticism and modern dance. Would a traditional ballet institution genuinely consider a dancer who seemingly disregards balletic tradition and appears unfamiliar with Swan Lake? This question adds an intriguing layer to the film, blurring the lines between artistic disciplines and challenging preconceived notions of dance.
Flashdance is not without its shortcomings. While some critics have dismissed the plot as thin, it does serve as a framework for the spectacular dance numbers. However, it’s undeniable that the narrative occasionally takes a backseat to these set pieces, giving the impression of watching a string of music videos seamlessly strung together. Furthermore, the film touches upon potentially deeper themes without fully exploring them. For instance, Alex’s Catholic faith is mentioned, primarily to facilitate confessional scenes used as monologues for her emotional outpourings. The film glances over the potential conflict between her religious beliefs, her sensual dancing, and her relationship with a divorced man, missing an opportunity for richer character development.
The performances are adequate but not particularly memorable. Jennifer Beals is undeniably charismatic and physically captivating in the lead role. However, her acting, while suitable for the demands of Flashdance, didn’t propel her to major stardom afterward. It becomes apparent that her strengths lie more in embodying the energy and visual presence required for the role than in delivering a deeply nuanced performance, especially in a film less reliant on music and dance. The supporting characters are somewhat underdeveloped, with the exception of Hanna, Alex’s wise mentor figure. The attempts at humor, particularly through Alex’s comedian friend and his ethnic jokes, feel dated and unnecessary by today’s standards.
Despite these flaws, Flashdance retains an undeniable charm. Its saving grace lies in the sheer dynamism and exuberance of its dance sequences. Set to a soundtrack packed with 80s anthems, including Laura Branigan’s “Gloria” and Irene Cara’s iconic title song “Flashdance… What a Feeling,” the music perfectly complements the on-screen energy. Flashdance may not be a profound or intellectually stimulating film, but it delivers exactly what it promises: an entertaining and well-crafted piece of popular culture. It’s a celebration of energy, ambition, and the transformative power of dance. Ultimately, Flashdance earns a solid 6 out of 10 – a fun and visually striking movie that captures the spirit of the 80s dance movie craze.
