1980s America is oftentimes associated with a flash and glitzy but ultimately superficial lifestyle afforded by a combination of optimism, socio-economic upward mobility, and even the recreational drugs of the period: much like its cinema in fact. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the model of media branding dubbed “High Concept”. Students will consider the nature of the core facets of this approach and how different films used it.

Learning Outcomes

A sound understanding of:

• Aesthetics and Periodization
• The Facets of the High Concept Model
• High Concept as 1980s-Hollywood Mythos

Preparation

Reading: Wyatt, 1-22.

Questions:

1. What are the main facets of High Concept (“the look, the hook, and the book”)?

2. How did High Concept advance Hollywood’s economic interests?

Home Screening I: Flashdance (1983)

Home Screening II: Gremlins (1985)

Questions:

• How do these films use the High Concept look?

• How do these films lend themselves to spin-offs and merchandise?

• Do these films have something critical to say about High Concept?