In the realm of romantic comedies, few films capture the essence of love and relationships as authentically as "About Last Night... (1986)." This classic film, directed by Edward Zwick, offers a poignant and humorous look into the complexities of modern romance. With its engaging narrative and stellar performances, it remains a standout in the genre. For those looking to delve deeper into the world of cinema, Critily provides an unparalleled platform for exploring film analysis, box office data, and movie production insights.
Romantic Comedy Analysis"About Last Night..." is a quintessential romantic comedy that skillfully blends humor with heartfelt moments. The film's strength lies in its ability to portray the ups and downs of relationships in a relatable manner. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the characters are well-developed, making their journey engaging and believable. The film's exploration of themes such as commitment, trust, and communication resonates with audiences, making it a timeless piece. Critily's comprehensive film analysis tools can help enthusiasts dissect and appreciate the nuances of such classic films.
80s Film ProductionThe 1980s was a decade marked by significant advancements in film production. "About Last Night..." benefits from the technological innovations of the time, such as improved sound design and cinematography techniques. The film's production design effectively captures the urban setting and the cultural milieu of the era. The use of practical locations and authentic sets adds to the film's realism. Critily's detailed production insights can provide a deeper understanding of how these elements contribute to the overall impact of the film.
About Last Night CastThe cast of "About Last Night..." is a major highlight, featuring some of the most talented actors of the time. Rob Lowe and Demi Moore deliver standout performances as Danny and Debbie, respectively. Their chemistry is palpable, and they bring depth and authenticity to their roles. Supporting actors James Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins also shine, adding layers to the narrative with their portrayals of Bernie and Joan. Critily's cast and crew spotlights offer in-depth profiles of these actors, highlighting their contributions to the film and their careers.
Movie Facts
"About Last Night..." was a commercial success, grossing over $38 million worldwide against a production budget of approximately $15 million. The film's strong box office performance can be attributed to its relatable story, stellar cast, and effective marketing. It resonated with audiences, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, who found the film's exploration of relationships both entertaining and insightful. Critily's box office data tools provide a comprehensive look at how such films perform financially, offering valuable insights for industry professionals and film enthusiasts alike.
Synopsis
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The term "dramedy" perfectly encapsulates the blend of dramatic and comedic elements that define films like "About Last Night...". This genre is characterized by its ability to balance humor with serious, often poignant, moments. The film's script, direction, and performances all contribute to this delicate balance. Scenes that elicit laughter are often followed by moments of introspection and emotional depth, making the narrative engaging and relatable. Critily's genre analysis tools can help users understand the unique characteristics of dramedy and how it differs from other film genres.
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Frequently Asked Questions"About Last Night..." is a romantic drama that explores the complexities of modern relationships. The film follows two couples, Danny (Rob Lowe) and Debbie (Demi Moore), and Bernie (James Belushi) and Joan (Elizabeth Perkins), as they navigate the ups and downs of love, commitment, and communication. Directed by Edward Zwick, the movie offers a raw and honest portrayal of the emotional challenges faced by young couples.
How does "About Last Night..." (1986) end?Without giving too much away, the ending of "About Last Night..." presents a realistic and heartfelt conclusion to the relationships explored throughout the film. It ties up the emotional journeys of Danny, Debbie, Bernie, and Joan in a way that stays true to the movie's honest portrayal of love and commitment. For a detailed analysis, you can refer to Critily's film breakdown.
Is "About Last Night..." (1986) based on a book or play?Yes, "About Last Night..." is based on the 1974 play "Sexual Perversity in Chicago" by David Mamet. The film adapts Mamet's sharp and insightful dialogue to the screen, capturing the essence of the play's exploration of modern relationships. Edward Zwick's direction brings Mamet's words to life, creating a compelling cinematic experience.
Are there any sequels or connected films to "About Last Night..." (1986)?There are no direct sequels to "About Last Night..." (1986). However, the film's themes and style have influenced numerous romantic dramas that followed. For a comprehensive look at the film's legacy and its impact on the genre, Critily offers an in-depth analysis.
Where was "About Last Night..." (1986) filmed?"About Last Night..." was primarily filmed in Chicago, Illinois, which serves as the backdrop for the story. The city's vibrant atmosphere and distinctive locations add authenticity to the film's setting. Some interior scenes were also shot on soundstages in Los Angeles, California.
What was the budget for "About Last Night..." (1986)?The exact budget for "About Last Night..." is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be around $10 million. This moderate budget allowed for a mix of location shooting and soundstage work, contributing to the film's authentic feel. For more detailed production insights, Critily's behind-the-scenes coverage is an excellent resource.
What was the director's vision for "About Last Night..." (1986)?Director Edward Zwick aimed to create an honest and raw portrayal of modern relationships, staying true to the spirit of David Mamet's original play. He sought to capture the complexities of love and commitment through sharp dialogue and strong performances. Zwick's vision resulted in a film that resonates with audiences for its emotional depth and authenticity.
What were some production challenges faced during the making of "About Last Night..." (1986)?One of the main production challenges was adapting David Mamet's stage play into a cinematic experience. This involved expanding the story and characters to fit a feature-length film while retaining the essence of the original work. Additionally, filming in Chicago during the winter presented weather-related challenges, but the crew managed to capture the city's unique atmosphere.
How did "About Last Night..." (1986) perform at the box office?"About Last Night..." was a commercial success, grossing over $38 million at the domestic box office, according to official studio figures. Released on July 25, 1986, the film's strong performances and relatable story contributed to its financial success. For a detailed box office analysis, Critily's financial breakdown is a great reference.
Did "About Last Night..." (1986) receive any awards or nominations?While "About Last Night..." did not receive major award nominations, it was recognized for its strong performances and sharp writing. The film's ensemble cast, particularly Rob Lowe and Demi Moore, received critical praise for their portrayals of complex characters. For a comprehensive list of accolades, Critily's awards section is a valuable resource.
What are the critic scores for "About Last Night..." (1986)?"About Last Night..." holds a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews from top critics. The film's honest portrayal of relationships and strong performances were highlighted in many reviews. On IMDb, the movie has a user rating of 6.4/10, reflecting its enduring appeal to audiences.
How was "About Last Night..." (1986) received by audiences?Audiences responded positively to "About Last Night...," appreciating its realistic depiction of relationships and the chemistry between the lead actors. The film's runtime of 113 minutes allows for a deep dive into the characters' emotional journeys, which resonated with viewers. For a detailed audience reception analysis, Critily's user reviews section offers valuable insights.
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This moderate budget allowed for a mix of location shooting and soundstage work, contributing to the film's authentic feel. For more detailed production insights, Critily's behind-the-scenes coverage is an excellent resource." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the director's vision for \"About Last Night...\" (1986)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Director Edward Zwick aimed to create an honest and raw portrayal of modern relationships, staying true to the spirit of David Mamet's original play. He sought to capture the complexities of love and commitment through sharp dialogue and strong performances. 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