Fandango (1985)

Five college buddies from the University of Texas circa 1971 embark on a final road trip odyssey across the Mexican border before facing up to uncertain futures, in Vietnam and otherwise.

Director:

Kevin Reynolds

Writer:

Kevin Reynolds

Stars:

Kevin Costner, Judd Nelson, Sam Robards

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kevin Costner	...	Gardner Barnes
Judd Nelson	...	Phil Hicks
Sam Robards	...	Kenneth Waggener
Chuck Bush	...	Dorman
Brian Cesak	...	Lester Griffin
Marvin J. McIntyre	...	Truman Sparks
Suzy Amis	...	The Girl
Glenne Headly	...	Trelis
Pepe Serna	...	Gas Station Mechanic
Elizabeth Daily	...	Judy
Robyn Rose	...	Lorna
Stanley Grover	...	Phil's Dad
Jane A. Johnston	...	Phil's Mom
Don Brunner	...	Heckler #1
Michael Conn	...	Heckler #2

Storyline

It's 1971 at the University of Texas, Austin. College buddies, facing graduation, marriage, and the draft, skip out of their own graduation party and head to the Mexican border for some adventure, a buried secret, and one last go-around at "the privileges of youth".

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Plot Keywords:

texas | college | trip | desert | dusty | 

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Taglines:

It's the privilege of youth.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 January 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Breaking Loose

Filming Locations:

Alpine, Texas, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$85,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros, Amblin Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the end, Steven Spielberg was so disappointed with this film, he took his name off of it when it was released.

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Goofs

According to the date shown on the screen at the beginning, the movie takes place in May 1971. One of the first songs we hear at the frat house is Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting", which wasn't released until 1973.

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Quotes

Gardner: "Hey, how we gonna stop?"

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Connections

Referenced in Archer: Coyote Lovely (2013)

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Soundtracks

"Spooky"
Written by 'Buddy Buie' (uncredited), James Cobb (uncredited), Harry Middlebrooks (uncredited) and Mike Shapiro (uncredited)
Performed by Classics IV
Courtesy of Liberty Records

User Reviews

A genuinely thoughtful film with a cool soundtrack

I first saw Fandango in 1990 on BBC2 by chance and as I knew I would be out part of the night I also recorded it. In the end I never went out but it was fate that I got to see and also record one of my favorite films of all time. How this film has never made it to DVD or video release is beyond me, but hey who am I. I'm not American and I never went to Vietnam but this film really hit a cord with me especially at a time when the world was going to war with Iraq and people genuinely thought that if it turned into a holy war we would eventually get drafted. I thought this was by far one of Kevin costners best roles as the cocky Gardner Barns who genuinely cared about his friends and what might happen to them, so before they go off to war they go and find a bottle of champagne who they have christened DOM which is their last link with youth and the good times they shared. It is a very subtle and poignant film and the characterization is played superbly. There are some extremely funny moments in this film especially the sky diving scene together mixed with very thoughtful and endearing moments one in particular when Phil shakes Doormans hand and they say goodbye to each other for the last time. All this along with a wonderful sound track by Pat Matheny and Lyle Mays made this a film I cannot speak highly enough of. Go and see it and also by all Pat Mathenys work which I have. Incidentally everyone who I have ever shown this film to have thoroughly enjoyed it and asked where they can get it, alas I could not help with their request.