‘Still feel a jolt of joy’: why Dirty Dancing is my feelgood movie
The latest in our ongoing series of writers highlighting their most rewatched comfort films remembers a 1987 teenage girl classic
TL;DR
- The author experiences "turbo-nostalgia" when rewatching "Dirty Dancing," a 1987 film.
- The film was a significant part of the author's childhood, with its catchphrases and dance moves popular at her all-girls school.
- The soundtrack, while iconic, also evoked anxieties about slow dances and not being chosen.
- The movie's protagonist, Baby, is initially portrayed as awkward and child-like, a relatable figure for the author.
- The author notes the film's aesthetic, its blend of 1980s and 1960s elements, and a mournful quality in its visuals and music.
- The article touches upon the film's inspiration from Black culture in its dancing styles but notes a lack of prominent Black characters.
- A key aspect highlighted is the rare portrayal of the male character, Johnny, as the object of lust, with Baby being the active initiator in their relationship.
- Despite societal changes, the film's ending and Johnny's iconic line "nobody puts Baby in the corner" continue to evoke joy.