1980, USA
Drama
With $40,000 in his pocket from B-movie horror flicks (his first writing job was Piranha), 25 days and a cast of friends from his days at summer stock, director John Sayles created his first impressive ensemble piece in Return of the Secaucus 7.
This 1980 film paved the way for 1983's Hollywood-friendly The Big Chill. Both movies revolve around the reunion of idealistic college friends who have fallen away from their youthful rebellion into mainstream careers. However, whereas in The Big Chill the audience is introduced to the outward shells of the characters, Sayles brings viewers into the hearts and confusion of this cast of friends.
The audience is guided throughout the story by Chip (Gordon Clapp), an outsider boyfriend tagging along to meet his girlfriend's friends and exes. His numerous questions about the connections between the friends help to clarify their backgrounds and realistically sinks the viewer into the quagmire that comes from being outside a clique. Included in the cast is the director himself and his long-time partner Maggie Renzi, along with Sayles regular David Straithairn (Passion Fish, Limbo).
In the late '60s, these characters not only shared dorm rooms but prison cells. The film begins with their intense mug shots, which segues to one of the couples debating as to the wavering relationship statuses of their friends. These were students who protested so regularly they have their rap sheets memorized, and now they are finding themselves settling into more acceptable lifestyles in order to pay the rent. However, their discussions are still intelligent and engaging, and there is an obvious chemistry from their like-mindedness and history. The film draws on the effects of bonds over time and the strength of friends who have been through it all.
The long-awaited DVD presentation is slim but does not disappoint. It is a restored UCLA print in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio; Sayles had low expectations of having the no-budget film theatrically released and was aspiring to show it on PBS or cable. It can be viewed with the director's commentary and includes a featurette with Sayles and Renzi. A trailer for Sayles' upcoming film Casa de Los Babys is also included.