When it comes to cult classics, the 1980s gave us a treasure trove of memorable films. Among them, one movie stands out as an enduring favorite among the GenX generation – The Lost Boys. This 1987 vampire film is a unique blend of horror and comedy that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades.
Set in the 1980s, The Lost Boys follows the story of a group of vampires wreaking havoc in the fictional town of Santa Carla. The film’s combination of witty dialogue, thrilling action, and tongue-in-cheek humor struck a chord with viewers, making it a cult classic in the vampire film genre.
The Lost Boys has garnered a passionate following over the years, captivating audiences with its memorable characters and iconic soundtrack. It has become a beloved film for many in the GenX generation, reminding us of the nostalgia and magic of 1980s cinema.
The Making of The Lost Boys
In the early stages of development, The Lost Boys was set to be directed by Richard Donner and feature a younger cast. However, the project underwent significant changes, with Joel Schumacher taking over as director. Schumacher decided to age up the characters, making them teenagers instead of children. This decision altered the tone of the film and added a sense of rebellion and danger.
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The film was originally going to include stronger references to Peter Pan, with the character of David, portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland, being called Peter. However, these references were toned down, and the focus shifted towards creating a unique vampire story set in the 1980s. Despite these changes, traces of Peter Pan symbolism can still be found throughout the film.
Joel Schumacher’s vision for The Lost Boys, combined with the talented cast and crew, resulted in a film that has stood the test of time. The movie’s unique blend of horror, comedy, and coming-of-age themes captured the imaginations of audiences and cemented its status as a beloved cult classic.
Filming Locations and Santa Carla
In the cult classic film The Lost Boys, the fictional town of Santa Carla serves as the backdrop for the story. But did you know that Santa Carla is actually based on a real-life location? The city of Santa Cruz in California provided the inspiration for Santa Carla, allowing the filmmakers to use various locations within the city for filming.
Santa Cruz embraced its association with The Lost Boys and welcomed the production team, offering them the opportunity to use iconic spots in the city. Local residents even had the chance to be part of the film as extras, adding an authentic touch to the movie.
However, it’s worth noting that the city initially had some reservations about being linked to the film. Santa Cruz had gained a reputation in the past as the “Murder Capital of the World” due to a history of notorious serial killers operating in the area. The city was not thrilled about the negative associations that could arise from the film’s portrayal of Santa Carla.
Despite these concerns, Santa Cruz has since embraced its connection with The Lost Boys. In fact, the city now offers a locations map for fans and tourists to explore and visit key spots from the film. You can walk in the footsteps of the characters and experience the real-life settings that brought the fictional town of Santa Carla to life.
Influence on Buffy The Vampire Slayer
The TV series Buffy The Vampire Slayer and its spinoff, Angel, owe a significant debt to the cult classic movie, The Lost Boys. Creator Joss Whedon has openly acknowledged the influence of the 1987 film on his vampire-themed shows. In fact, Whedon attributed certain aspects of Buffy The Vampire Slayer to the inspiration he drew from The Lost Boys.
One of the key influences is the idea of vampires who appear as regular people. In The Lost Boys, the vampires blend in seamlessly with the human population, making it difficult to distinguish them from ordinary individuals. This concept found its way into Buffy The Vampire Slayer, where vampires were often depicted as nonchalant and part of everyday life, lurking amongst humans undetected. This portrayal of vampires as “one of us” added an intriguing dynamic to the shows, blurring the line between good and evil.
Additionally, The Lost Boys introduced the phrase “vamp out,” which referred to vampires revealing their true nature by baring their fangs and taking on a more menacing appearance. This phrase became a familiar term in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, used to describe the act of vampires unveiling their supernatural abilities.
“The phrase ‘vamp out’ came from The Lost Boys. You know, the one where they start to be a vampire, but they’re still in the gang. That was in my head when I wrote that. I said, ‘His vamp face is gonna be like when they vamp out, like in the movie!'” – Joss Whedon
It’s not just the thematic elements that were influenced by The Lost Boys. The character of Spike, played by James Marsters in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, drew inspiration from the character of David, portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland in The Lost Boys. Spike’s charisma, rebelliousness, and leather-clad bad-boy persona were heavily influenced by David’s character and Sutherland’s performance in the film.
The impact of The Lost Boys on Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel cannot be overstated. It influenced the portrayal of vampires, the use of certain phrases, and even the development of iconic characters. Without The Lost Boys, the vampire-filled world created by Joss Whedon might have been very different.
Influences from The Lost Boys:
- Vampires blending in with human society
- The phrase “vamp out” to describe a vampire’s transformation
- The character of Spike, inspired by Kiefer Sutherland’s performance as David
Family Connections
The Lost Boys not only showcased captivating performances from its cast but also brought together several family connections behind the scenes. One notable example is Kiefer Sutherland, who portrayed the enigmatic vampire David in the film. Interestingly, Kiefer’s half-brother, Angus Sutherland, also made an appearance in The Lost Boys as Shane, further adding to the familial ties within the production.
Another familial connection in the movie involves Jason Patric, who portrayed the protagonist Michael Emerson. In a curious coincidence, Jason’s real-life half-brother, Joshua John Miller, played a vampire in the cult classic film Near Dark, which was released in the same year as The Lost Boys.
Furthermore, Angus Sutherland, who played Shane, left an indelible mark in cult classics beyond The Lost Boys. He also appeared in Halloween III: Season of the Witch, solidifying his presence in the genre.
“The Lost Boys created a unique bond both in front of and behind the camera, with family connections bringing an added layer of intrigue to the film’s legacy.”
Stay tuned for more fascinating insights into the making of The Lost Boys and its enduring impact!
The Music of The Lost Boys
The music in The Lost Boys played a significant role in creating the film’s unique ambiance. One of the most iconic songs from the movie is “Cry Little Sister,” performed by Gerard McMann. This haunting track has become synonymous with The Lost Boys and has had a lasting impact on popular culture. Its dark and atmospheric sound perfectly captures the eerie atmosphere of the film.
“Cry Little Sister” has not only become a beloved song among fans, but it has also been covered and sampled by several artists over the years. Its mesmerizing melody and haunting lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, showcasing the enduring influence of The Lost Boys.
Furthermore, The Lost Boys has not only left a mark on the music of the film industry, but it has also influenced the names of bands. Bands like Death By Stereo and Vampires Everywhere! took inspiration from the film’s vampire theme and incorporated it into their own identities, paying tribute to The Lost Boys in their names.
Sampled Songs and Inspired Tracks
“Cry Little Sister” and The Lost Boys have also served as inspiration for other songs. Lizzy Borden’s “Be One of Us” draws inspiration from the film, embracing the vampire motif and the sense of allure and danger that The Lost Boys portrays. Finland’s 69 Eyes also paid tribute to the film with their song “Lost Boys,” adding their unique rock sound to the legacy of The Lost Boys.
The impact of The Lost Boys goes beyond the film itself. Its music has become an integral part of the movie’s legacy, influencing other artists and inspiring new creations in the years that followed.
Behind the Scenes Details
Let’s take a closer look at some intriguing behind-the-scenes details from the making of The Lost Boys. These lesser-known facts add an extra layer of fascination to the beloved cult classic.
Dedication to Character: Kiefer Sutherland’s Gloves
One interesting detail lies in the wardrobe choices of Kiefer Sutherland’s character, David. Throughout the film, David can be seen wearing motorcycle gloves, which became an iconic part of his look. What many fans may not know is that the gloves were not solely for style. In fact, Sutherland wore them to cover up a broken wrist that he had sustained off-screen. This dedication to his character’s appearance and the commitment to hiding his real-life injury is a testament to Sutherland’s professionalism.
Unscripted Emotion: The Tear on David’s Face
Have you ever noticed the tear running down David’s face after the death of Marko? Surprisingly, this emotional moment was not scripted. It was an unintended but powerful display of discomfort caused by Sutherland’s contact lenses. The intensity of the scene and the discomfort Sutherland experienced while wearing the lenses resulted in a genuine tear, adding an authentic touch to his character’s emotions.
Subtle Foreshadowing: The Vampires’ Carousel Departure
Pay close attention to the order in which the vampires step off the carousel in the film’s iconic scene. This seemingly innocent detail actually serves as a subtle foreshadowing of their ultimate demise. The departure order of each vampire predicts the sequence in which they will be defeated later in the film. It’s a clever and subtle way of building suspense and adding a layer of depth to the storytelling.
Planned Sequels and Connections
The success of The Lost Boys opened the door to potential sequels and connections within the franchise. One of the planned sequels was titled The Lost Girls, which would have focused on female vampire bikers. The idea of exploring another aspect of the vampire world was exciting, but unfortunately, The Lost Girls never came to fruition.
Instead, fans of The Lost Boys were treated to a couple of direct-to-DVD sequels. These included Lost Boys: The Tribe and Lost Boys: The Thirst. While these sequels may not have reached the same level of acclaim as the original film, they continued the vampire storyline and provided additional entertainment for fans.
Interestingly, there were also plans for a post-credits scene in the original film. This scene would have set up the potential for a sequel and left audiences eager for what would come next. However, for various reasons, the post-credits scene was never filmed.
Despite the plans for sequels and connections, The Lost Boys franchise remains a beloved cult classic with a strong fanbase that continues to enjoy the original film.
GenX’s Favorite Films
Generation X, the demographic born between the early 1960s and early 1980s, holds a special place in their hearts for certain films from their youth. These movies capture the essence of their childhood and resonate with their experiences and emotions during that formative period. Let’s take a look at some of Generation X’s favorite films that have become iconic in their own right:
- Stand by Me: This coming-of-age film directed by Rob Reiner depicts a group of young boys on an adventurous journey to find a dead body, showcasing the importance of friendship and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
- The Breakfast Club: John Hughes’ classic film explores the lives of five high school students from different cliques who are brought together during Saturday detention, challenging societal stereotypes and celebrating the power of empathy.
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High: Directed by Amy Heckerling, this raunchy yet heartfelt comedy takes a humorous and honest look at the lives of high school students, capturing the ups and downs of teenage life.
- Pretty in Pink: Molly Ringwald stars in this John Hughes romantic comedy as a teenager from a working-class family who navigates the complexities of love and social class in her quest for happiness.
- Dazed and Confused: Directed by Richard Linklater, this cult classic reflects on the last day of school in 1976, exploring the experiences, friendships, and the sense of freedom that comes with the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.
These films hold a special place in the hearts of Generation X, as they transport us back to a time of innocence, rebellion, and self-discovery. They serve as nostalgic reminders of our own coming-of-age experiences and continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Films That Messed Us Up Good
We, the Generation X, were exposed to several films during our formative years that left a profound impact on us. These movies, such as Jaws, Blue Velvet, The River’s Edge, and Fight Club, delved into the dark and disturbing aspects of the human psyche. They not only shaped our perspectives but also influenced our tastes in cinema.
Jaws, the iconic thriller directed by Steven Spielberg, instilled an irrational fear of the ocean and its hidden creatures. Blue Velvet, directed by David Lynch, took us on a twisted journey into the underbelly of small-town America, challenging our notions of normalcy. The River’s Edge, a haunting portrayal of teenage apathy and moral decay, exposed us to the harsh realities of suburban life.
Fight Club, directed by David Fincher, delved into the depths of masculinity, identity, and societal disillusionment. Its message of rebellion and the blurring line between reality and illusion struck a chord with many of us. These films, though unsettling, played a significant role in shaping our cultural landscape and our understanding of the complexities of the human condition.
While these movies may have messed us up, they also sparked critical thinking and introspection, challenging us to question societal norms and conventions. They pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on our generation. As we reflect on these influential films, we can’t help but appreciate the impact they had on our lives and the lasting legacy they have left.
Sources
- https://movieweb.com/lost-boys-movie-facts-trivia/
- https://www.aarparrow.com/inside-dope/the-88-films-that-define-generation-x
- https://www.seanpcarlin.com/tag/the-lost-boys/
Bicycle cards in my spokes, flimsy ramps, gravel under my skin, Star Wars, Atari, and chucks. We had it all. Claim to fame: Neighborhood’s largest snow tunnel network built during the blizzard of ’77.
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