Swingers (1996)

Wannabe actors become regulars in the stylish neo-lounge scene; Trent teaches his friend Mike the unwritten rules of the scene.

Director:

Doug Liman

Writer:

Jon Favreau

Stars:

Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston

3 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jon Favreau	...	Mike
Vince Vaughn	...	Trent
Ron Livingston	...	Rob
Patrick Van Horn	...	Sue
Alex Désert	...	Charles (as Alex Desert)
Heather Graham	...	Lorraine
Deena Martin	...	Christy
Katherine Kendall	...	Lisa
Brooke Langton	...	Nikki
Blake Lindsley	...	Girl with Cigar
Kevin James Kelly	...	Vegas Dealer
Stephanie Ittleson	...	Vegas Waitress
Vernon Vaughn	...	$100 Gambler
Joan Favreau	...	$5 Winner
Rio Hackford	...	Skully

Storyline

This is a story about Mike, a guy who left his girl in New York when he came to LA to be a star. It's been six months since his girlfriend left him and he's not doing so good. So, his pal and some other friends try and get him back in the social scene and forget about his 6 year relationship.

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Plot Keywords:

friend | actor | reference to quentin tarantino | tears | photograph | 

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Taglines:

cocktails first. questions later.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language throughout

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 April 1997 (Brazil)

Also Known As:

Adiorthotoi gletzedes

Filming Locations:

5874 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$200,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$74,118 (USA) (18 October 1996)

Gross:

$4,505,922 (USA) (31 January 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Independent Pictures (II), The Alfred Shay Company Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The scene with Mike and Trent talking in the car on the side of the road was also filmed without a permit (not only could the production not afford one, it is actually impossible for any film production to acquire one to film on that particular highway). Originally they had planned to film just an establishing shot of the two of them in the car, and a shot of them driving away, and then film the dialog shots later. But director Doug Liman decided instead to film the entire scene on the actual side of the road. During filming, several police showed up, and demanded to see a permit. The assistant director held up the police by telling them that they had a permit, but it was in the office across town, several miles away. To get away with the rest of the scene being filmed, Liman had to pretend he was not filming, and didn't look in the viewfinder, and used a microphone inside of the car instead of a boom. Most of the scene was filmed like this, with the police waiting just out of shot, and the two actors and the director pretending they were in fact not shooting.

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Goofs

Mikes pants are hanging off the right side of his desk. When Rob walks into Mikes apartment his pants have moved to the left side.

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Quotes

Trent: Y'know, it's not so much me as Roenick; he's good.

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Crazy Credits

The rabbit in this production was trained with care and concern for its safety and wellbeing.

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Connections

Spoofed in Chasing Kevin (2000)

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Soundtracks

"Magic Man"
Performed by Heart
Written by Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson
Courtesy of Capitol Records
Under license from EMI-Capitol Music Special Markets

User Reviews

This movie is so money!

Before watching "Swingers," I saw Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn paired off in "Made." Now, I didn't like "Made" all that much, but that didn't lower my expectations when watching "Swingers." I already knew the two actors had a great chemistry and as long as the script is well-written, they can really go places. "Swingers" is a thoroughly original, wonderfully written comedy that's filled with big laughs.

Favreau and Vaughn's characters are like polar opposites, and it's hilarious to watch them argue. The rest of the actors are also good (I think the black guy is the blind character from "Becker"--I could be wrong), but Vince Vaughn steals the show as the smooth-talking Trent. We all have friends like Trent. Some of us aspire to be like Trent. Some of us are Trent. I admit, I would compare myself more to Favreau's character--the more reserved, sensitive type. But the great thing about a film like this is it's down to earth. It's about everyday people in everyday situations, and I guarantee many of us can relate to the characters in "Swingers" in one way or another, just like how many of us relate to the characters on "Seinfeld." This isn't a plot-driven film, so you can call this a movie about nothing. It's simply about a group of studs on the prowl, hitting the clubs and casinos, and sharing their philosophies on sex and dating. There are several films that tried to replicate this format and failed ("Whipped" comes to mind).

If you're in the mood to laugh hysterically and be wildly entertained, "Swingers" is the movie for you. About my only criticisms would be a few lame attempts to be stylish. Come on, would 5 guys really drive in their own cars and follow each other all the way without anyone cutting them off?

My score: 8 (out of 10)