| Paramount Pictures. By the final reel that dumb dance contest has become an afterthought, and the film goes on spiraling into one shocking scene after another, complete with a suicide and a gang rape nothing youd expect from the kitschy reputation. Costume Designer: Patrizia Von Brandenstein. In the 80s, as evidenced by John Travolta's character in the 1983 drama Staying Alive, it was all about flared pants, bold colours, three-piece suits, and wide lapels. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); 2022 80s Fashion World. originally preferring a black suit-and-white shirt combination as . While the acronym itself has a more puerile meaning that was all I could think of when trying to brand my new site back in my early 20s, the phrase BAMF Style has taken on some equity now and I feel tied to it. The white suit Travolta wears for the films climactic dance contest instantly became iconic, as did many of the movies shots and set pieces. The background crowd becomes blurred. John Travolta wears the jacket, and the jewelry, to nail mobster role (1980), Of course, Gene Siskel had calledSaturday Night Fever his favorite movie of all time and owned one of Travoltas screen-worn suits for 17 years before selling it for $145,000 at a Christies auction in 1995. BAMF Style aims to explore interesting and iconic mens style in movies, TV, and real life. He begins dancing with Stephanie and stops dancing for the crowd. As the bolo-tied, pony-tailed gangster Vincent Vega, Travolta meets his match: the . Could this sequence have been captured in a single three-minute take? In life, Tony is a peasant; on the disco dance floor, he's a king. One minute into Saturday Night Fever you know this picture is onto something, that it knows what its talking about. We were buying all these polyester things, picking out all this costume jewelry. Best Answer. John Travolta's iconic white suit from Saturday Night Fever has been sold at auction for a phenomenal $260,000 (208,000). At the same time, though, the dance is not a single unbroken take, though it plays like one. She hesitates to get involved with Tony because she sees life with him as a throwback to the drab blue-collar life she has escaped. The story of how John Travolta eventually ended up in a suit that would go on to define an era speaks volumes about the effect of a talented costume designer, illustrated bySaturday Night Fevers Patrizia Von Brandensteins brilliant work. Manero's "moody girl" here is Laura (Finola Hughes, not so convincing), who also looks down on him. Often remembered for its soundtrack and street style, a closer look reveals an uncompromising film that wasnt afraid to explore the dark themes that lurked beneath the eras glittery polyester veneer, all propelled by an equally uncompromising star turn from a 23-year-old John Travolta. We shot me in every color dress under the sun Red sells. Sans jacket, John Travolta shows off on the dance floor. The thing is that you should watch this film as a single one, not a 'sequel'. John Travolta's Saturday Night Fever suit sells for eye-watering sum Copy. (For the record, I love the lengthy opening shot of Gravity, in which the weightlessness of space completely justifies Cuarns floating camera.) The job pays barely enough to keep Tony in boots, tight pants, and rayon-slick shirts. The film is far from perfect, commented Roger Ebert in his four-star review, which itself masterfully explores what givesSaturday Night Fever such appeal seemingly despite itself. The brewery expanded throughout the 20th century, eventually closing the Brooklyn plant in January 1976, selling out to the Stroh Brewery Company five years later. Editing is not something to be avoided whenever humanly possible. Does it get any more timeless than that? After this film, Travolta's career fell out of the spotlight only to be retaken in late 80's with "Look Who's Talking". Budgetary reasons led to director John Badham requesting that all film costumes be purchased off-the-rack rather than created for the film, which heightened the degree of authenticity. Staying Alive (1983) - John Travolta walking scene. - YouTube Nadoolman wasnt the only one falling in love, as Tonys final dance with Stephanie seems to finally win her affection at least for the moment. So whats Tony going to do? Holy Moses! Lets face it, Danny Zukos look never really went out of style, which makes it so easy to replicate today! Forty five years ago, John Travolta strutted down a Brooklyn sidewalk and into movie history in the iconic opening sequence of Saturday Night Fever. She had a great feel for it, recalled Pape. Travolta was known primarily for his role on Welcome Back, Kotter at the time, and was by no means a professional dancer, but you wouldnt guess that from watching him here. Youd think he was Elvis Presley. Three-piece suits have also made a comeback, with many men choosing to go for the historic look of a vest beneath their suit jacket. Cowboy chic is how we would describe pretty much every outfit John Travolta wore in Urban Cowboy. Titanic: David Warners Tweed Norfolk Jacket as Lawrence Beesley, The Professional: Belmondos Blue Leather Jacket, Roger Moores Ivory Dinner Jacket in Octopussy, Single-breasted 2-button jacket with wide peak lapels, patch breast pocket, patch hip pockets, 4-button cuffs, and long double vents, Single-breasted 5-button vest with two slim-welted pockets and notched bottom, Flat front high-rise beltless trousers with straight side pockets, button-through jetted back pockets, and flared plain-hemmed bottoms, Black polyester shirt with white-stitched broken stripes, point collar, plain front, and mitred adjustable-button cuffs, Black-and-gray leather 5-eyelet wingtip brogue half-boots with stacked heels, Gold short necklace with saint pendant and Italian cornicello pendant, Thick gold ring with dark set-in rectangular stone. While Deney Terrio has been credited with teaching John Travolta how to dance disco, members of the . Express. Tony (Travolta) sees an opportunity to replace the lead male dancer at the show and asks Jackie (Rhodes) to help him succeed, by rehearsing with him. I think thats why it was used for the poster, she explained in a 2011 interview with Media Mikes. I first sawSaturday Night Fever, and for better or worse I was able to identify with Tony and his pals who shielded their insecurities with macho swagger and who strove for no greater ambition than to land a date for the night. Pretty much nobody agrees with me on that particular subject, and thats fineI made the best case I could that Cuarns impossible camera movements are the director distractingly showing off, in a way that I still believe undermines the very tension theyre meant to sustain. Wanneer u onze sites en apps gebruikt, gebruiken we, gebruikers authenticeren, veiligheidsmaatregelen toepassen en spam en misbruik voorkomen, en, gepersonaliseerde advertenties en content weergeven op basis van interesseprofielen, de effectiviteit meten van gepersonaliseerde advertenties en content, en, onze producten en services ontwikkelen en verbeteren. "So, for me, white was the only choice for the suit. The suiting had a subtle brown hairline pinstripe that differed it from Travoltas solid-colored suit, but at $10.99, I wasnt going to complain. Tony Manero's white suit for the finale of . Nowhere is this better displayed than in a climatic scene in Saturday Night Fever. (Dont worry, reading about it wont ruin the movie, which runs on for another 20 minutes.) Didnt realise until recently that the inspiration for Tony Manero was a Shepherds Bush (West London) mod acquaintance of the writer Nik Cohn in his sixties youth (Tribal rites of the New Saturday Night) A black leather jacket was paired with black jeans and a simple white tee. In 1985, the world witnessed Princess Diana dancing with John Travolta to the song Saturday Night Fever. The now famous moment occurred at a White House dinner hosted by former President Ronald Reagan, in which the late princess and Travolta were both in attendance. John Travolta Stayin Alive GIFs | Tenor Its made up of 14 separate shots. Three are cutaways to Tonys audience enjoying his display, and I think those are a big mistake (especially the final, embarrassing one of the woman sitting on the floor, who says two words that sound like a weird combination of Oh yeah! and All right!). Tonys white suit takes the 30s revival a step further as a three-piece suit with matching waistcoat. Now Tony wants to be a Broadway star and keeps his struggle for a more mature purpose, as he himself is more mature. Which brings us to Tonys shirt. John Travolta's Saturday Night Fever suit is found We, AOL, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. Other songs playing when Travolta is on-screen: "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees (opening credits) "Night Fever" by the Bee Gees (disco line . The dance sequence tells us whats important to the main characters each other. Alex Borstein had quite a moment with Brett Goldstein at the Emmy's, Alex Borstein had quite a moment with Brett Goldstein at the Emmys. John Travolta and Karen Lynn Gorney in an iconic promotional image for Saturday Night Fever (1977). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And suddenly we know that this kid is into his feet, just as deeply as this movie is into its main character. Like the film and its soundtrack, the white suit had an immediate cultural impact. Perhaps. Hes wearing some pointy-toed mid-calf boots and hes pumping his way down the street. Parents should be aware of the fact that, despite the films R rating (persons under 17 not admitted unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian), it will be the rare theater owner, I predict, who, faced with long lines, will demand to see identification from his potential audience. Girl-next-door Cynthia Rhodes (Flashdance, Dirty Dancing) and vampy Finola Hughes (General Hospital, All My Children) compete for Tony's heart. See more ideas about john travolta, saturday night fever, staying alive. Tonys pals thoughtfully ordered him his signature drink, aSeven and Seven, that would be waiting for him upon completion of his dance. From his bad boy ensemble in Grease to his white tux in Staying Alive, check out this list of 1980s outfit inspiration courtesy of John Travolta. Badham then cuts, right in the middle of an established right-left-right pointing bit (it goes R-L-R, R-L-R, R-cut-L-R), to a low-angle, dead-center shot of the dance floor. John Travolta slips back into a white suit 41 years after Saturday Schaefer first came onto the American beer scene in 1842 when the first brewery opened in New York City, though this would be relocated to Brooklyn in 1916 when Rudolph J. Schaefer constructed what the company itself calls the very best in pre-Prohibition breweries (Source). The funniest thing about "Staying Alive" is that it is directed by Sylvester Stallone! The single-breasted matching waistcoat (vest) rises to mid-torso with a single-breasted, five-button front. Tony correctly leaves the lowest button undone at the notched bottom. I don't understand why critics always scorn this film. As an Amazon Associate, Kutoku affiliate, Partnerize affiliate, and ShopStyle Collective affiliate, I may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made through links in these posts. Here is John Travolta, TV star, darling of millions of young kids, in an R-rated picture that takes a couple of powerful shots at religion and at teen-age materialism. The vest also has two narrowly welted lower pockets between the axis of the third and fourth buttons. Share the best GIFs now >>> JOHN Travolta delighted fans when he sported a white suit like the one he wore in Saturday Night Fever in New York on Tuesday. The iconic white suit that was worn by John Travolta in the popular 1977 film "Saturday Night Fever" can be yours, but you'll definitely need some deep pockets. Within a year, Siskel purchased the suit at a charity auction for $2,000, and it would be one of his most prized possessions until 1995 when it sold to an anonymous bidder at a Christies auction in 1995. Tony and his crew illustrate this point with their single-breasted suit jackets with wide peak lapels and straight shoulders with roped sleeveheads. Premiering in theaters on Dec. 16, 1977, the disco blockbuster opened by blasting the Bee Gees anthem, "Stayin' Alive," and the combination of the band's music and Travolta's swagger catapulted the movie into the box office stratosphere. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Tony (John Travolta) finds the family distraught because his brother, Father Frank Jr. (Martin Shakar), has come home to announce he's leaving the priesthood, in Saturday Night Fever, 1977. The suit, which features a three-button jacket and flared trousers, was custom-made for Travolta for the film, and he wore it in several iconic scenes, including the famous dance sequence set to the Bee Gees' hit song "Stayin' Alive." (I think people were afraid of another 'Bee Gees fever'). Its the story of a 19-year-old disco dancer, a very fine disco dancer, the very best at his local Brooklyn club. One of my favorites as well, that often gets dismissed as camp. with Tony literally strutting to "Stayin' Alive" in the opening credits taking a very . To make it, just pour a shot or two of Seagrams into a highball glass, add ice, and top it off with enough 7 Up until youre satisfied. Not only would a white suit photograph better in the dark but colorful discotheque, but she felt strongly that white represented Tony Maneros personal journey from ignorance to enlightenment, as described in V&As press release that was posted byDezeen in August 2012. Of course, John Travoltas Tony Manero would need something special for the films climax, a major dance number with Stephanie (Karen Lynn Gorney) set to the Bee Gees More Than a Woman. But maybe thats quibbling too much. The shorter but thicker necklace has both a round saint-embossed pendant and a gold cornicello (or corno), a horn-shaped amulet traditionally worn by Italians to protect themselves from bad luck. Kennedy has twenty-five years of experience in the antiques and collectibles field, including book publishing. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Travolta on the dance floor is like a peacock on amphetamines. Now in 2017, as Ive turned 28 and the film turns 40, I have a greater appreciation for what the film was communicating and that, rather than glorifying this lifestyle,Saturday Night Fever is merely putting it on display, providing an immortal voice for a short-lived but significant era in American culture and allowing future generations to take from it what we will. The longer, simpler necklace has a plain gold cross. when Ted Stryker (Robert Hays) whips off the jacket of his U.S. Navy service dress white uniform, revealing a white vest and black disco shirt as he immediately strikes a pose. As the soundtrack plays one Bee Gees hit after another (including \"Stayin' Alive\"), we watch white-suited Tony strut his stuff amidst flashing lights and sweaty, undulating bodies. John Travolta dances with Karen Lynn Gorney in Saturday Night Fever (1977). The dialog in this film is as real as that shoe-comparing scene. Burnsreview continues to ably summarize the film and set the scene for its final act: The slender thread of a plot follows Tonys attempts to woo Stephanie into being his partner in a local dance contest, but shes outgrown guys like him. The disco era won't die, it just keeps "Stayin' Alive.". Nay. The ideal style of a disco dancers trousers was to keep them as tight around the hips as possible, so theres nary a pleat to be found on these flat front trousers. It has nothing to do with "Saturday Night Fever" but the main character Tony Manero (once again played by John Travolta) and his mother (Julie Bovasso) in a brief appearance. To win Stephanie, Tony invites her to be his partner in his local clubs annual dance contest. The only way Tonys night is getting any worse is if Bernie Goetz boards the same train. As a wannabe dancer struggling to make it on the stage, John Travolta is at his sexy, sizzling best. Five years ago, I rewatchedSaturday Night Fever and was disgusted by the misogyny and racism of the characters, perhaps out of embarrassment that these were characters with whom I was once able to identify without recognizing these awful traits. This crossover between music and movies set the pace for many movies to come, as it also marked the rise and fall of 1970s disco culture. Film note: Saturday Night Fever is going to be a very popular motion picture, especially with the teen-age audience. Your email address will not be published. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. Moving to Manhattan and taking night classes, Stephanie is trying to better herself and it is very much to the credit of [Norman] Wexlers script that shes stumbling every step of the way. Why Tom Cruise Was a Fashion Legend in the 80s, Iconic Prince Outfit Ideas for Any Occasion, Boy George Provides Endless 80s Inspiration. The film begins with a helicopter view of New York City. Feet first. Dance Scene John Travolta and Finola Hughes Staying Alive - YouTube It doesnt get more 80s than Danny Zukos black ensemble in Grease. Months of extensive costume design and custom bespoke tailoring? Travolta's suit is one of only two known to exist that was used during production of Saturday Night Fever. InScenic Routes, Mike DAngelo looks at key movie scenes, explaining how they work and what they mean. Well, except maybe for that index-fingers-tour-my-crotch bit. The auction also sold other classic parts of cinematic history, from costumes to props that have become defining features of the movies they appeared in. John Travolta's celebrated solo dance routine in Saturday Night Fever is a perfect example. Saturday Night Fever's huge success grew meteorically thanks to the towering popularity of its soundtrack; during the first half of 1978, when the movie's disco songs saturated the singles charts up to four at a time, it was no longer clear whether the hit movie was feeding the hit songs or the hit songs were feeding the hit movie. First up, flared pants (especially jeans) have made their way back into the mainstream in both mens and womens fashion. John Travoltas celebrated solo dance routine in Saturday Night Fever is a perfect example. Black tuxedos have been fashionable for as long as we can remember. Though no self respecting mod would be found dead in the a white polyester suit. December 12, 2019 at 5:20 PM. Princess Diana's "Travolta Dress" Unexpectedly FAILS to Sell at Auction The film rocketed Travolta to superstardom and was based on aNew York magazine article by Nik Kohn called Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night, about the role disco played in the lives and dreams of working-class Italian kids. First prize: $500. 'Ten Commandments' Robe Sells for $447,000, 'Wizard of Oz' Hourglass Sells for Nearly $500,000, Marilyn Monroe Signed Love Photo to Joe DiMaggio Sells for $300,000. Three years after its release, when disco was effectively considered dead, this scene was spoofed inAirplane! Having grown up in a household that was totally taken over by 80s music and fashion its only natural that May lives and breathes the 80s! Both are important, but the latter has been getting an increasingly bad rap for decades now, starting with the advent of music videos and continuing through the ascendancy of Michael Bay. Arguably, its the most important tool of all. "Staying Alive." The title and lyrics make sense because "Saturday Night Fever" isn't just a happy . It is a. Be aware: This film is spiked with graphic sex and violence. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. I just found it today, but Im sure to be a regular reader. Patrizia von Brandenstein, Saturday Night Fevers costume designer, said her thoughts behind the creation of the outfit would be reminiscent of a white knight reflective of heroes throughout history. Tony slumps in the corner of the subway, Marlboro dangling from his mouth. Travolta plays Tony Manero, a Brooklyn paint-store clerk who'd give anything to break out of his dead-end existence. In the 30th anniversary retrospective published byVanity Fair in 2007, cast member Paul Pape fondly recalls accompanying costume designer Patrizia Von Brandenstein to Times Square to shop for the characters clothing and accessories. With Tenor, maker of GIF Keyboard, add popular John Travolta Staying Alive Dance animated GIFs to your conversations. Ultimate Guide On How To Get The 80s Fashion Look For Women, 15 Outfit Ideas on How to Style Long Skirts, Bow Top Basics: How to Tie Your Tie-Neck Blouse (+12 Outfit Ideas to Try! It helped that he was a pretty good dancer who was easy on the eyes. It is a wonderful dance scene, where Travolta and Rhodes dance beautifully; it is a very magical moment. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. However, Id like to take another stab at a defense of montage, which Im not using in the Team America sense (In anything, if you want to go / From just a beginner to a pro / You need a montage / Even Rocky had a montage), but in opposition to that oft-confusing French term mise-en-scne. See production, box office & company info, At the Movies: National Lampoon's Vacation/Class/Staying Alive/Krull/A Star Is Born, Philharmonic Auditorium - 427 West 5th Street and South Olive Street, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA. (According to the DVD commentary, Travolta actually had two identical suits for the dance sequence; after performing (and sweating profusely) in one, he would switch into a second while the other suit dried.). When choosing what goes in to such a major dance costume, I paid attention to the usual factors of cut, danceability, and maintenance, and I thought about the character of Tony Manero, commented Von Brandenstein in V&As press release. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. John Travolta look alike busts out Saturday Night Fever dance - YouTube He was the ultimate cool guy, with his killer voice, epic dance moves, and of course, his effortless fashion sense. Ebert questions why it meant so much to his late friend Gene Siskel, and the question made me consider if I, too, would have such fondness for the film if I had first seen it at any other time in my life. It was too small, he said. John Travolta's 'Saturday Night Fever' suit up for auction What was the song John Travolta danced to in his white suit - Answers Theyre all very fluid. Staying Alive - Final dance - Act III - YouTube In that moment, director John Badham cleverly tightens his focus on Tony and Stephanie. Even at the height of Fevers euphoria, grim reality keeps intruding, which is the films plan of attack in a nutshell. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The movie ends on a note of hesitant uncertainty. In every other instance, however, the cut is seamless, occurring in the middle of a particular move thats still in progress when the angle changes. Make your patio the place to beThis 7-piece outdoor sectional furniture set is marked down from $900 to $600 on Amazon right now. The Bee Gees had been singing in a high-falsetto style since their 1975 . The actor, 64, wore the suit at an event honouring his services to N Eberts review mentions that he once had the opportunity to inspect theSaturday Night Fever suit that Siskel had in his possession and he noticed that it came with a shirt that buttoned under the crotch, so it would still look neat after a night on the dance floor. The Christies auction listing elaborates on this device, explaining that the shirt was attached to the waistband of the trousers with an elastic fabric; this allowed Mr. Travolta the freedom to dance and strike his now legendary poses.. Its a medium-defining momentif I were trying to demonstrate what cinema is to someone with no knowledge of it whatsoever, that cut is one of the examples Id use.