Viewed today, The Decline of the American Empire s like a 1980s time capsule unearthed by archeologists and filled with the impedimenta of a generation. The quasi-mullet haircuts, big shoulder dresses and Jane Fonda workout clothes are nothing short of a hoot, along with the characters’ rampant materialism caused by the era’s illusions of prosperity. There’s even a closeted gay character (Yves Jacques) who has long lived a promiscuous secret life, and may be developing symptoms of AIDS. And speaking of sex, every character in this film, regardless of orientation, is utterly obsessed with it. These former hippies may have given up notions of political revolution, but the idea of Free Love still resonates. And you thought the only things French Canadians cared about were hockey and poutine.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
The Decline of the American Empire Turns 30
The Decline of the American Empire Turns 30
Viewed today, The Decline of the American Empire s like a 1980s time capsule unearthed by archeologists and filled with the impedimenta of a generation. The quasi-mullet haircuts, big shoulder dresses and Jane Fonda workout clothes are nothing short of a hoot, along with the characters’ rampant materialism caused by the era’s illusions of prosperity. There’s even a closeted gay character (Yves Jacques) who has long lived a promiscuous secret life, and may be developing symptoms of AIDS. And speaking of sex, every character in this film, regardless of orientation, is utterly obsessed with it. These former hippies may have given up notions of political revolution, but the idea of Free Love still resonates. And you thought the only things French Canadians cared about were hockey and poutine.
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