Flashdance (HBO)

About Flashdance (HBO)

"Flashdance" is a 1983 American romantic drama film directed by Adrian Lyne. It tells the inspiring story of Alex Owens (Jennifer Beals), a young woman who works as a welder by day and an exotic dancer by night in a local bar. The controller of the steel mill, Nick Hurley (Michael Nouri), becomes infatuated with Alex. The film depicts Alex's journey as she pursues her dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer and rises above her challenging circumstances.

Making / Production

Helmed by director Adrian Lyne and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, Flashdance is a production of the strong storytelling style of its era. Its screenplay was written by Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas, blending a strong narrative with dramatic dance scenes and a popular soundtrack. The film was shot on location in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Actors

• Jennifer Beals (Alex Owens) - Beals plays the main character, Alex, with determination and grace, portraying her struggle and ambition convincingly.
• Michael Nouri (Nick Hurley) - Nouri, as the steel mill controller and love interest of Alex, brings a strong and supportive performance to the story.
• Cynthia Rhodes (Tina Tech) - Rhodes plays the role of a fellow dancer and friend to Alex, adding depth to the overall plot.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The famous water splash dance scene is performed by a stunt double and not Jennifer Beals.
• Jennifer Beals was just 18 when she made Flashdance and was still an undergraduate at Yale.
• The leg warmers worn by Beals became a major fashion trend after the film.

Awards

Flashdance won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for the track "Flashdance... What a Feeling" performed by Irene Cara. The film was also nominated for several other awards including a BAFTA and a Golden Globe.

Quotes

• "When you give up your dream, you die." - Alex Owens
• "You probably won't believe this, but I can't make ends meet." - Nick Hurley
• "I've been looking for you all night long, damnit." - Johnny C.

Music, Soundtrack

• Flashdance... What a Feeling - Irene Cara
• Maniac - Michael Sembello
• Gloria - Laura Branigan