We have a confession to make: we’re in love with the 80s. We love them so much, in fact, that our Confluence Conference sports a nifty 80s theme this year. To get you as pumped for the theme – and the conference – as us, we’ve been sharing 80s themed entertainment, as well as highlights from last year’s conference, so you have a fuller idea of what to expect. (If you haven’t read our previous posts yet, you’ve got some catching up to do.)
It seems like every other week, a new blockbuster comes out that shatters the box offices or otherwise leaves an impression in our minds. With that and our theme in mind, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the most iconic scenes from 80s films.
Relive some of the most monumental movie moments of the 80s with us:
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Originally, Han Solo’s response was supposed to be “Just remember that, Leia, because I’ll be back.” But at the time of filming, Harrison Ford wasn’t sure he would come back for the third installment of the series. A popular belief is that Han Solo’s response is improvised; however, a book detailing the making of the movie includes a transcription of a discussion between Ford and director Irvin Kershner, where Ford suggests the line.
The Shining (1980)
During the filming of this movie, Stanley Kubrick was living in England, and wasn’t familiar with the Johnny Carson show. Because of this, Jack Nicholson’s now-iconic “Heeere’s Johnny!” line almost didn’t make it into the film.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
In a 2014 AMA on Reddit, Harrison Ford explained the reasoning behind this scene. Originally, Indiana Jones was supposed to partake in a lengthy duel with the swordsman, but Ford was sick with dysentery and wanted to wrap up filming as quickly as possible.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Normally, music is edited to match a film. For John Williams’ score, though, Steven Spielberg decided to re-edit the film to match the music. Williams won that year’s Academy Award for Best Original Score.
Risky Business (1983)
Much like some of the other selections on this list, Tom Cruise’s iconic dancing scene was completely improvised. The script simply advised him to “dance to rock music.”
The Terminator (1984)
File another one under “iconic lines that almost weren’t”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous “I’ll be back” refrain, which would be repeated in later Terminator films, was originally scripted as “I’ll come back.” The line is one of only 14 lines Schwarzenegger speaks in the film.
The Karate Kid (1984)
The yellow car from this scene, a 1948 Ford Super De Luxe, was later given to Daniel by Mr. Miyagi as a birthday gift. The car was actually given to Ralph Macchio by the producer in real life – and he still owns it today.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
In the original ending to The Breakfast Club, Bender (Judd Nelson) was supposed to simply walk away into the sunset. Director John Hughes asked him to try a few different things for the ending scene, and Nelson came up with something he didn’t tell anyone about beforehand – throwing his fist up. The scene would go on to become an iconic symbol of the 80s.
Back to the Future (1985)
After they saw the smashing success of Reese’s Pieces product placement in E.T., California Raisins asked to be included somewhere in the film. They asked to have a bowl of raisins at a table during this scene, at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance. Their actual placement in the film (Red, sleeping on a bench advertising California Raisins) upset the company’s representatives so much that they demanded a refund of their money.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
In this scene, where Ferris performs “Twist and Shout” at the parade, many of the people dancing, such as the window washer and construction worker, weren’t even part of the film. Director John Hughes saw them dancing during filming and told the cameramen to record it.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Mandy Patinkin, who would later go on to star in popular TV shows Criminal Minds and Homeland, said that Inigo Montoya was still his personal favorite role over the course of his entire career. And yes, fans quote this famous line to him – every day.
Beetlejuice (1988)
In September 2010, Glenn Shadix, who played Otho, passed away. The last song performed at his service was “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” used in this well-known scene from the movie.
Back to the Future II (1989)
In 2016, Chicago Cubs fans everywhere rejoiced when the Cubs won the World Series for the first time in 108 years. Back to the Future II ‘predicts’ a Cubs World Series win in that universe’s 2015 – but in the film the Cubs defeat Miami, and in our universe, the Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians. Great Scott, indeed.
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If you haven’t gotten your ticket to Confluence Conference yet, hurry and get yours today. We can’t wait to see you all September 14 and 15 to share the best that the digital marketing industry – and Oklahoma City – has to offer!
