Valentine's Day Inspired 90s Romance
The 90s were the quintessential period of angsty Gen X love movies meets a pre-Mr. Rogers' Tom Hanks (still sweet, still underdog, albeit younger). Simply put, there was something for everyone.
There was a lot of good iconic film produced in the 90s and the decade itself experienced a rapid maturity in the span of 10 years. If we think of the beginning of the decade being Pretty Woman, somewhere in the middle, we had Reality Bites and Natural Born Killers, and ending on a nihilist Fight Club, we sometimes forget that in the heat of the post 80s political statement films of Oliver Stone and teenage love films of John Hughes, the 90s were an incredible film era.
The point is that the Gen X proclivity to showcase raw emotion, deeper introspection, and the moods that sometimes carry us into darker places served as the perfect foundation to usher in an era of amazing film that touched us in real ways. Love was real - ugly and sometimes, sad and funny. It was also profound. The 90s brought us Gen X directors David Fincher (Fight Club, Seven), M. Night Shyamalan (Sixth Sense), and Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction).
But first, a word from our sponsors (not really) but couldn’t miss an opportunity to have a 90s post without these two:
Reality Bites (1994) - Directed by Ben Stiller starring Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garofalo, Steve Zahn, and Ben Stiller
"There's no point to any of this. It's just a random lottery of meaningless tragedy and a series of near escapes. So I take pleasure in the details. You know, a quarter-pounder with cheese, those are good. The sky about 10 minutes before it starts to rain. The moments where your laughter becomes a cackle, and I sit back and smoke my Camel Straights and I ride my own melt." - Troy Dyer aka Ethan Hawke
In this most Gen X love story ever made, Troy (Hawke) and Lelaina (Ryder) are in love but not together. They are also really good at trying to hide it from one another and doing things to hurt the other. Such is the nature of love sometimes, especially when you’re in your 20s and trying to navigate the rush and thrill of love without losing your identity in it (or your ego). This film had such an amazing soundtrack that I remember listening to it on CD over and over again. Hits like My Sharona by The Knack and Lisa Loeb’s Stay.
Random bit of trivia: This film was directed by Ben Stiller who also starred as Ryder’s jerky love interest in the movie but it also was produced by Danny Devito.
As this clip attests to, Winona is not afraid to back down and tell Ethan the truth - He needs to balance his art with the reality of “adulting” - paying the bills and being a responsible housemate.
In case you’re looking for it..
Unlike a lot of my peers at the time, I never dug the whole Pretty Woman fanfare. Love director Garry Marshall, but I can’t put that film amongst the top 90s ode to love playlist here, even though I really like Julia Roberts and have her down later in this post. Even thru the lens of 30 years later, post #metoo movement and the prostitute angle of rags to riches and being saved by a savvy Richard Gere, beyond the politics of today, that film at the time didn’t resonate with me which is why I’m not including it here.
Forrest Gump (1994) - Directed by Robert Zemeckis starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright Penn, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field
“Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.”
We all remember that line said by Tom Hanks’ character Forrest Gump and it sticks with us thru the test of the time. Forrest had a penchant for showing up at key, exceptional moments in history and making an impact (you’ll have to see all 2 hours and 22 minutes of the film to believe me), even though he was a little slower than everyone else.
Forrest personified love. He broke it all down to the basics for everyone around him - his purpose for being in this world was love, in its purest and simplest form. His love for Wright Penn’s Jenny burned bright thru the course of his entire life. We may all remember Wright Penn as The Princess Bride but she’s also the love of Forrest’s life who eventually grows to love him back, or at least appreciate him for all that he is.
This one is a bit of a love tragedy and tear jerker but it’s worth the tears.
Every romantic movie Meg Ryan was in(without or without Tom Hanks)
Meg Ryan is our 90s rom-com darling. Between When Harry Met Sally (technically 80s), You’ve Got Mail (or email, in this case but I think this was before “email” was a thing), Sleepless in Seattle, The Doors - She conquered it all, including volcanos in Joe Versus the Volcano and won our hearts in the process.
In case you want to relive that scene from When Harry Met Sally…
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) - Directed by PJ Hogan starring Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Rupert Everett, Dermot Mulroney
I say a little prayer for you…If this is not the song that’s buzzing thru your head at the very mention of this movie than you haven’t really experienced this film. It’s lightness and naivete in the form of really great comedy (Cameron Diaz) and sardonic lines delivered by Rupert Everett but ultimately it’s the tale of 2 best friends (Roberts and Mulroney) and the tug of finding out your good friend has found their soulmate and is leaving you behind.
Roberts thinks she’s losing the love of her life but ultimately she’s realized she has a “soulmate” connection in the form of her good friend, George. Love comes in all forms, as this film reminds us. And you don’t all of the sudden fall in love with someone just because you realize you are losing them. That is just your ego talking. But it’s an important life lesson.
What would be the point of a rom-com without a diversion in the form of a machiavellian twist?
Honor Roll Recommendation: I’ve never seen True Romance in its entirety but I hear that I should often by my husband. Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette are such clutch 90s and Gen X actors that’s be remiss not to mention this movie or that slasher-esque, very dark love story. Weigh in (in the comments) if you think I should give it another shot. Or if it should be included in a “romantic” comedy/dramedy category at that.
Till next time, watch and re-watch and experience good film. This is Beth Lisogorsky signing off from your Exceptional Video Playlist.