Singles
Ahhhh, the dating game. Some of us get fired up when it comes to the matchmaking challenge, and there are those of us who try to reassure ourselves that we would be better off without it. In Singles, writer/director Cameron Crowe (Say Anything, Almost Famous) once again feels the pulse of pop culture, and he perfectly captures the thoughts and feelings of love and dating in the early '90s. Crowe shows that even in the "too-cool-to care" capital of Seattle, the dating game is still being played with as much difficulty and awkwardness as ever.
Here is a story of a crew of "Gen Xers" in their mid-20s trying to make sense of the notion of love and companionship. There's Linda (Kyra Sidgwick), an intelligent environmentalist who's just been brutally "played" and is finding that the "little things" in life are what matter most -- like having her own parking space. Lo and behold, Linda soon meets Steve (Campbell Scott), the "nice-guy." They don't hit it off at first; he acts like a cheese ball, tries too hard, and gives her the creeps. But as soon as hell begins to freeze over, they hit it off. Crowe makes a point to show that the chemistry between the two is awkward and imperfect -- yet real.
Other relationship dilemmas go on in the film, and they're anything but sappy. Janet (Bridget Fonda), a coffee shop waitress, is frustrated with her slacker boyfriend Cliff (Matt Dillon), who is arrogant, afraid of commitment, and a member of a band called Citizen 'Dick.' Need I say more? She even goes as far as contemplating breast implants to make him happy, and finally realizes that it's the inner not outer qualities that matter most. Then there's Debbie, whose desperate quest to find a man involves videotape and special effects.
Not only did this film do justice to the Gen Xers themselves, but also did wonders to expose the influence that the Seattle music scene had on the rest of the country. The music featured in this film is a big part of why it's ranked high on Film Frat's "College Classics" list. One critic described the film as a "soundtrack with pictures." Co-produced by Crowe, this compilation of sounds proved to be the lifeblood of what we knew as "grunge."
With the flannels and Doc Martens worn with pride, the alt-rock scene was defined by many of the artists featured here. Pearl Jam (who make their brief acting debut in the film) belt out their growling charismatic sound, while Soundgarden and Alice In Chains can be seen performing live in the film as well as on the CD.
Paul Westerberg provides the unofficial theme song of the film with the catchy, upbeat "Dyslexic Heart". Other artists found on this soundtrack include Smashing Pumpkins, Jimi Hendrix, Mudhoney, Screaming Trees and Mother Love Bone.
Singles is a "souped-up documentary" of the real feelings that coincide with trying to make it work with someone else. Some critics say the weakness in this film is the fact that there is not one consistent storyline. In my opinion, Crowe does this on purpose. He is merely holding up a mirror to a generation, showing that we all struggle to understand each other, and the road to blissful companionship can be a rocky one. It makes the phrase, "Be Young, Have Fun, Stay Single" begin to have a whole new meaning.
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While just thinking about your social life may steer you to drown your sorrows, there are also enough kickin' Seattle sounds and scened-out kids to make you knock a few back and turn that animosity into pure "moshing" adrenaline.
One of the top date flicks right here. Think again the next time you tell someone "Bless You" -- you may get the same lip-locked token of gratitude after a sneeze that Janet gives Cliff after he finally says the key words.
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