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Over the Edge (1979)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 1/20

1/20: Matt Dillon was fourteen years old when he made his screen debut in Over the Edge, a familiar picture that ran on HBO a lot during the 80's.

The legend is Matt Dillon didn't actually want or expect to be cast in the movie but only auditioned so he could skip school. Imagine how many great films would've been lost if he wasn't discovered.

Now, there's no question of Matt Dillon's talent despite his zero acting experience. He's largely the reason why the film sees the light of day for anyone curious enough to go that far back in his career. Screenwriter Tim Hunter will direct his first film Tex with Matt Dillon in the leading role and repeat the experience of Over the Edge for River's Edge.

Taking advantage of high realism, the story works well although the ending is a bit extreme, hence the movie title. It's a case of kids versus authority, and to me, the obvious culprit is lack of time the parents have for children. Had they worked less, the relationship with their kids might improve more. Then again, to make ends meet, they need to work, but living standards play a big deal. Of course, there are more toys, electronic and otherwise, today than ever before. I can understand life was boring for the kids back then since I lived through it, so their high indulgence of drugs and alcohol isn't a surprise.

All in all, Richard Linklater sure ripped off the style of Over the Edge to make a pseudo 70's picture called Dazed and Confused.

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