Skateboard: The Movie (1978) is a film that captures the energy, culture, and excitement of the burgeoning skateboarding scene of the late 1970s. Directed by George Gage, this film stands as one of the earliest cinematic representations of skateboarding, a sport that was rapidly gaining popularity among youth at the time. The movie stars Allen Garfield as a struggling Hollywood agent who stumbles upon a group of talented skateboarders and decides to manage them, hoping to ride their success to financial stability. With a mix of skateboarding action, comedy, and drama, Skateboard: The Movie offers a unique look at the sport and culture of its time.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Skateboard: The Movie, including a detailed plot summary, character exploration, thematic analysis, and its reception and legacy.
Plot Summary
The plot of Skateboard: The Movie centers on a down-and-out Hollywood talent agent named Manny Bloom and his unexpected journey into the world of skateboarding. The film blends elements of sports drama, comedy, and coming-of-age themes as it follows Manny and his team of young skateboarders through a series of trials, tribulations, and triumphs.
Act 1: The Set-Up
The film opens with an introduction to Manny Bloom (played by Allen Garfield), a hapless Hollywood agent whose career is on a steep decline. Manny is deeply in debt to a loan shark, and his career is in shambles. Desperate to find a way to pay off his debts, Manny is constantly looking for a big break that will turn his luck around.
- Manny’s Desperation: The film quickly establishes Manny’s dire financial situation. He owes money to a loan shark named Solly (Antonio Vargas), who is pressuring him to pay up. Manny’s desperation is evident in his frantic attempts to find a new client or talent that could help him make some quick cash.
- The Introduction of Skateboarding: Manny’s luck takes a turn when he accidentally stumbles upon a group of skateboarders performing tricks in an empty swimming pool. These skateboarders are part of a subculture that Manny knows nothing about, but he immediately recognizes their talent and the potential to make money from their skills.
- Manny’s Scheme: Seeing a potential opportunity, Manny decides to gather a team of skateboarders and manage them. He convinces the kids that he can get them sponsorship deals, television appearances, and even entry into skateboarding competitions. The group of skateboarders, intrigued by the idea of fame and fortune, agrees to work with Manny.
Act 2: Building the Team
Manny begins to put together a team of the best skateboarders he can find. The film introduces a diverse group of young skaters, each with their own unique style and personality.
- The Skaters: The core group of skateboarders includes Sonny (Leif Garrett), the most talented and charismatic member of the team, Tony Alva (one of the real-life skateboarding legends who appears in the film), and other young skaters who bring different skills to the team. The film spends time developing the personalities of these skaters, showcasing their tricks, and highlighting the camaraderie that develops among them.
- Manny’s Challenges: As Manny tries to organize the team and get them noticed, he faces numerous challenges. The skateboarding world is still relatively underground, and getting sponsors and media attention proves to be more difficult than he anticipated. Manny’s lack of knowledge about skateboarding leads to several comedic moments, as he struggles to understand the culture and lingo of the skaters.
- Training and Competitions: The film features several montages of the team practicing and participating in local competitions. These scenes are filled with impressive skateboarding tricks and stunts, showcasing the skill and athleticism of the skaters. The competitions also serve as a way for the team to bond and prove themselves in the skateboarding world.
Act 3: The Climax and Resolution
The climax of the film centers around a major skateboarding competition that Manny has managed to get his team into. This competition represents the culmination of all their hard work and the potential for Manny to finally pay off his debts.
- The Big Competition: The team enters the big competition with high hopes, but they face stiff competition from other skilled skateboarders. The tension builds as the competition progresses, with each member of the team performing their best tricks in front of a large crowd. The film captures the excitement and intensity of the event, with close-ups of the skaters and their daring moves.
- Manny’s Redemption: Throughout the competition, Manny’s character undergoes significant development. He begins to genuinely care about the skaters and their success, rather than just seeing them as a means to pay off his debts. This change in Manny’s character is highlighted in a scene where he encourages the skaters and expresses pride in their achievements, regardless of the competition’s outcome.
- The Outcome: The film’s resolution ties up the various plot threads. The team performs well in the competition, earning respect in the skateboarding community and attracting media attention. Manny’s debts are paid off, and he experiences a personal redemption as he realizes that there is more to life than just money and success. The film ends on a positive note, with the skaters celebrating their achievements and looking forward to their future in the sport.
Characters
Skateboard: The Movie features a cast of characters that contribute to the film’s mix of comedy, drama, and action. The interactions and development of these characters play a significant role in shaping the film’s plot and themes.
- Manny Bloom (Allen Garfield): Manny is the central character of the film, a down-on-his-luck Hollywood agent who stumbles into the world of skateboarding. Allen Garfield’s portrayal of Manny adds depth and humor to the character, making him both relatable and sympathetic. Manny’s journey from a desperate agent to a caring mentor is central to the film’s narrative.
- Sonny (Leif Garrett): Sonny is the most talented and charismatic member of the skateboard team. Played by teen idol Leif Garrett, Sonny represents the youthful energy and rebellious spirit of the skateboarding culture. His skills on the skateboard make him the star of the team, and his relationship with Manny provides some of the film’s emotional moments.
- Tony Alva: Tony Alva, one of the real-life skateboarding legends, plays a version of himself in the film. His inclusion adds authenticity to the skateboarding scenes, and his character serves as a mentor and leader within the team. Alva’s presence in the film is a nod to the real-world skateboarding culture of the 1970s.
- Solly (Antonio Vargas): Solly is the loan shark to whom Manny owes money. His character serves as the film’s antagonist, adding tension and stakes to Manny’s journey. Solly’s presence is a constant reminder of Manny’s financial troubles, and his interactions with Manny are often played for comedic effect.
- The Skateboard Team: The film also features a group of young skateboarders who make up the rest of the team. Each skater has their own personality and style, adding diversity to the group. Their interactions with Manny and each other provide much of the film’s humor and heart.
Themes and Style
Skateboard: The Movie explores various themes and employs a distinctive style that reflects its genre and era.
The Rise of Skateboarding Culture
One of the central themes of the film is the rise of skateboarding culture in the 1970s. The film captures the excitement and energy of this emerging sport, showcasing the talent and creativity of the skateboarders. Through its focus on the skaters’ tricks and competitions, the film highlights the athleticism and artistry involved in skateboarding, as well as the sense of community and camaraderie among the skaters.
Redemption and Personal Growth
The character arc of Manny Bloom is central to the film’s exploration of redemption and personal growth. Manny’s journey from a desperate, money-driven agent to a caring and supportive mentor reflects themes of self-discovery and the importance of relationships. The film suggests that success is not just about money or fame, but also about personal fulfillment and making a positive impact on others.
Youth and Rebellion
The film also explores themes of youth and rebellion, particularly through its depiction of the skateboarders. The skaters represent a generation that is pushing against traditional boundaries and norms, finding freedom and expression in the sport of skateboarding. The film celebrates this spirit of rebellion and individuality, portraying the skaters as pioneers of a new cultural movement.
Style and Visuals
Skateboard: The Movie is characterized by its distinctive style and visual elements, which contribute to its impact as a sports drama and comedy.
- Cinematography: The film’s cinematography captures the dynamic and fast-paced nature of skateboarding. The use of wide shots and close-ups during the skateboarding scenes allows the audience to appreciate the skill and precision of the tricks. The film also makes use of slow-motion shots to highlight particularly impressive maneuvers.
- Music: The film’s soundtrack features a mix of rock and roll and upbeat tracks that complement the energy and excitement of the skateboarding scenes. The music enhances the film’s mood and adds to the overall atmosphere of the 1970s skateboarding culture.
- Editing: The editing of the film is fast-paced, particularly during the skateboarding scenes. Quick cuts and dynamic transitions contribute to the sense of speed and adrenaline that defines the sport. The editing style reflects the film’s focus on action and movement, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, Skateboard: The Movie received mixed reviews from critics but gained a cult following among fans of skateboarding and 1970s cinema. The film’s portrayal of skateboarding culture, combined with its mix of comedy and drama, has made it a memorable entry in the genre.
Critical Reception
Critics were divided on the film’s merits, with some praising its depiction of skateboarding and the performances of the cast, while others criticized its predictable plot and uneven pacing. However, the film was generally appreciated for its portrayal of an emerging subculture and its contribution to the popularization of skateboarding.
Cult Following
Skateboard: The Movie has since developed a cult following, particularly among fans of skateboarding and 1970s nostalgia. The film’s authentic depiction of the skateboarding scene, combined with its energetic style and memorable characters, has made it a beloved classic for many. The presence of real-life skateboarding legends like Tony Alva adds to the film’s authenticity and appeal.
Conclusion
Skateboard: The Movie (1978) is a film that captures a unique moment in cultural history, offering a glimpse into the early days of skateboarding as it transitioned from a niche activity to a global phenomenon. Through its blend of comedy, drama, and sports action, the film provides an entertaining and insightful look at the world of skateboarding and the people who helped shape it. While it may not have been a critical success upon its release, Skateboard: The Movie has earned its place as a cult classic, remembered fondly by those who appreciate its contribution to the genre and its celebration of a vibrant subculture.
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