Classic 70s Movie: “Shampoo”
September is Classic 70s Movie month. Today’s guest post comes from Greg Scharpf.
Movie Title: Shampoo
Year: 1975
Writers: Robert Towne, Warren Beatty
Lead Actors: Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, Goldie Hawn, Lee Grant, Jack Warden
Director: Hal Ashby
IMDB Plot Summary: Lovers undo a hairdresser from Beverly Hills around Election Eve in 1968.
Why I Think This Is A Classic 70s Movie: The fact that this movie was a hit at the Box Office (3rd highest grosser that year next to JAWS and ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST), in my opinion, says a lot about that decade in film. SHAMPOO, like many films from the 70’s, takes awhile to get going. There isn’t an easily identifiable “inciting incident” that happens within the first 10 or 15 minutes and for that matter, there isn’t much of a plot. I’m no expert on the 1970’s and this movie came out about a decade before I was born, but it seems that audiences were more patient back then. If this movie were made today (the closest film of recent memory to compare it to would be MAGIC MIKE), there’d probably be more of a need for it to be rushed along. To push up the inciting incident, to clean up the act breaks etc. so that audiences could “get it” a bit easier.
And… SHAMPOO’S unconventional ending where Beatty’s character doesn’t get the girl? That might not fly today. But, personally, I love it and wouldn’t want it any other way.
SHAMPOO, the definitive offbeat dramedy of its time, sums up what I love about 70’s films.
My Favorite Moment In The Movie: When George goes to Jackie’s house to do her hair and they end up having sex just as Lester is arriving…
We see a bit of vulnerability from George here when he confides in Jackie his fear that Jill will leave him because of his inability to be more of a stable fixture in her life. Their history suggests that Jackie had seen George as more of a guy who views his philandering as a positive thing rather than a negative and when she hears him open up about this being a weakness of his, it brings to surface the feelings she still has for him.
Also, while George has probably slept with basically every good looking girl within a 25 mile radius of Beverly Hills, it’s really interesting/important that we see him not just as a “cool guy,” but rather as someone with some real flaws.
My Favorite Dialogue In the Movie: The rant that George goes on at the end where he finally comes clean with Jill about his infidelity… it’s one of those perfect moments that as a viewer you’re patiently waiting for throughout the whole film. And, it’s probably a triumph to the writing and to Beatty’s performance that you find yourself really feeling for George here, probably even more so than Jill.
George: You really want to know?
Jill: Yes.
George: There were a couple… I mean there… Let’s face it. I fucked them all. That’s what I do. That’s why I went to beauty school. They’re always there, and l… I don’t know why I’m apologizing. So sometimes I fuck them. I go into that shop and they’re so great-looking. I do their hair. They feel and smell great. I’d be on the street… at a stoplight, or go into an elevator. There’s… a beautiful girl. I don’t know. That’s it. It makes my day. It makes me feel like I’m gonna live forever. As far as I’m concerned with what I’d liked to have done in my life… I know I should’ve accomplished more but I have no regrets. I mean… Maybe that means I don’t love them. Maybe it means I don’t love you. Nobody’s gonna tell me I don’t like them very much… Jesus.
Jill: I’m glad you told me. I wish you’d go now.
Key Things You Should Look For When Watching This Movie: The presence of the 1968 Presidential Election is apparent in almost every scene, but none of the characters ever seem too interested in it. Matter of fact, it’s never even really referenced at all by anyone, who are all too involved in their own lives and issues than they are to spend even a moment on actually putting forth any time or energy into the future of the nation. Many people call this particular election the true shot that killed the ideals of the 60’s “peace and love” movement and SHAMPOO seems to put forth this feeling as well.
The end scene between George and Jackie seems to represent this “end of an era” feeling as well. George tries to get her back with one last, somewhat pathetic attempt, but she tells him that it’s too late. She’s leaving town with Lester, the conservative / safe option. And… George is left alone. As the Nixon era moves forward…
Thanks, Greg! To show our gratitude for your guest post, here’s a dash of creative juju for you. Whoosh!
You may follow Greg on Twitter: @GregScharpf.
We already have a set of 80s Movies and 90s Movies. This month, we’re working on 70s Movies.
Thanks to all of you for your participation in this project, creating a resource for writers, movies we should all watch to help learn the craft of screenwriting!
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