Hello and Welcome to my first FearStyle Friday. I have decided to alternate Fridays with a couple of different themes, mostly because I love obscure titles and topics and I feel like I have plenty to say about them. So, expect some Friday's where I talk about old movies, books, or horror documentaries because I have more opinions on those topics. With that PSA all said and done, I present Xanadu.
This may not be a horror movie, but it is a movie that not a lot of people have seen. Plus, it has a really rad soundtrack by the timeless and eternally cool sounds of ELO. Starring cult movie titian's Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, and Micheal Beck, Xanadu has become a staple in the Cult Classic genre. Not to mention that it is one of the best roller skating movies of all time.
Roughly, the movie is about struggling artist Sonny and his dream to be world famous. Not making any money as a freelance artist, Sonny is on the verge of giving up on his dream when he is asked to paint a giant mural of an album cover called The Nine Sisters. After the painting is finished, Sonny is bumped into by a roller skating woman who kisses him and rollers away.He becomes obsessed with finding the mystery woman and eventually the two meet in an abandoned auditorium where we learn that her name is Kira. The only thing we learn about Kira is that she lives with her sisters. During their journey together, the two befriend an old band director named Danny, who recognizes Kira from somewhere in his past. Kira convinces the two to become business partners to pursue both of their dreams resulting in the pair opening up a roller boogie complete with a live band. Feeling more inspired than ever, Sonny learns that Kira is a muse who emerged from the mural that he had painted. Kira and her sisters have come to Earth to inspire those who struggle to follow their dreams. Throughout their story, the two fall in love and this creates conflict. Kira is from another planet called Xanadu and mortals cannot visit there. Kira convinces her Olympic God parents to allow her to stay on Earth with Sonny. However, the time in which she can stay is indeterminate because the Gods are confused by mortal time, so we are left to wonder how long she will be able to stay with Sonny. Nonetheless, Sonny and Kira live happily ever after in their own roller skating heaven called Xanadu.Xanadu is one of those movies that just stays with you. Plus the soundtrack is bomb. ELO and Olivia Newton-John come together on that album and just make magic, so needless to say I am a huge fan. In fact, I love to roller skate and there are certain songs from this album that are a must when I do. These songs would be Suddenly and Dancin', those two are my fave's. Unfortunately, I don't skate as often as I once did, but I always have time for the soundtrack.
The final thing I want to add is the choreography in the film. Obviously this was a very physically demanding roll for all the actors. There was singing, dancing, skating, dancing on skates enough maneuvers to make your head spin. My favorite dancing scene is when they are first opening the roller rink and there is a battle between different types of music. There is two genres, we have a classic, swing type music V.S rock'n'roll. This is where the song Dancin' comes from in the soundtrack. In this scene we are watching the two musics battle it out until they form this unique new style of rock and swing roll. It's classic. Plus, the whole time we are watching there are terrific costumes and people jumping, kicking, and flipping in the background. It's a lot of fun to watch. However, the greatest musical scene is the finale. There is more costumes than you can count including, but limited to, a cowboy outfit and a leopard spandex number. All coming to the conclusion that this is Xanadu and neon light's do shine for you, Xanadu.
There is more I could say, but I think we will end this here. I might want to talk about this again in the future. Xanadu is a childhood favorite for me, provided by my wonderful mother. Without her guidance in movies like this who knows how I would have ended up. I certainly wouldn't be here talking about this movie with you, that's for sure. So, have you seen Xanadu? Do you know the soundtrack? Have you never seen it and this is your first encounter with the movie and it's music? Tell me your thoughts either here or on my social medias. You can find me on Instagram (@cameronmothershed) or on Twitter (@Cameronmarie96). You can follow me on all of the above, if you like. With all that said, thank you for joining me on my first FearStyle Friday and join me next time. Stay Spooky!
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