From Humble Beginnings to Cult Classic
Daniel Waters, a video store clerk turned screenwriter, crafted the cult classic Heathers while working at a less-than-cool video store in Silver Lake. In the 1980s, when teen comedies like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles ruled the genre, Heathers was a breath of fresh air. Dark comedies were rare, and Winona Ryder’s manager even warned her that taking the role of Veronica Sawyer could be career suicide. Thankfully, Ryder ignored the advice and embraced the lead role. The film also stars Christian Slater (who beat out Brad Pitt for the role), Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, and Kim Walker. Heathers follows Veronica, a member of the most popular clique in high school, as she struggles with the group’s cruel nature. When her new boyfriend, J.D., accidentally kills the clique’s leader, Heather Chandler, they stage it as a suicide. J.D. then convinces Veronica to kill other students he dislikes, leading to a race against time to stop the murderous psychopath and deal with the new clique leader, Heather Duke.
Upon its release in 1989, Heathers received critical acclaim but failed to make a significant impact at the box office. The dark comedy earned $1.1 million on a $3 million budget. However, once it hit television, Heathers became a cult classic and is still considered one of the best comedies to grace the big screen. So, is Heathers an overrated cult classic in 2021, or does this twisted teen drama deserve to be mentioned alongside Fargo or American Psycho? Let’s dive deeper into Heathers.
Witty Dialogue and a Powerful Message
First and foremost, the dialogue in Heathers is undeniably brilliant. Lines like “Did you have a brain tumor for breakfast?” and “Well, f*** me gently with a chainsaw” are absurdly hilarious. Interestingly, Waters drew much of the dialogue from his everyday life. The dialogue not only provides humor but also highlights each character’s personality and underscores the film’s overall tone and message. Who hasn’t shouted, “I love my dead gay son!” at a funeral?
Beyond the dialogue, Heathers’ message is what truly sets it apart. Beneath the jokes and high body count, the film explores the desire for acceptance and the harsh reality of high school. J.D., the clear antagonist, highlights the impact of suicide on one’s mental state. With a strained relationship with his father following his mother’s suicide, J.D. is in pain and seeks love and acceptance. Even Heather Chandler struggles with societal pressures and the need for acceptance, as seen when she reluctantly sleeps with a college guy to maintain her popularity. Heathers tackles dark subjects with a black comedy lens, but its message never gets lost in translation. The film also serves as a cynical satire of popular teen comedies, excelling in this aspect as well.
Stellar Performances and Lasting Impact
Winona Ryder is perfect as the lead, maintaining her likability despite her character’s growing body count. Her reactions to her world falling apart emphasize the underlying issues she faces. Ryder effortlessly conveys anger, happiness, and pain, delivering her unique dialogue with confidence. Her chemistry with Christian Slater is strong, and the two actors play off each other well. Co-stars Heather Duke, Heather Chandler, and Heather McNamara all deliver solid performances. Despite limited screen time, the late Kim Walker delivers some of the film’s best lines with ease.
In conclusion, Heathers is a cult classic for a reason. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this black comedy fearlessly racks up a body count and cracks jokes along the way. More importantly, it carries a meaningful message. Heathers is not an overrated film; it’s a dark comedy masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today.
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