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Title: Fame (1980)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Eddie Barth | ... | Angelo | |
| Irene Cara | ... | Coco | |
| Lee Curreri | ... | Bruno | |
| Laura Dean | ... | Lisa | |
| Antonia Franceschi | ... | Hilary | |
| Boyd Gaines | ... | Michael | |
| Albert Hague | ... | Shorofsky | |
| Tresa Hughes | ... | Mrs. Finsecker | |
 |
Steve Inwood | ... | François Lafete |
| Paul McCrane | ... | Montgomery | |
| Anne Meara | ... | Mrs. Sherwood | |
| Joanna Merlin | ... | Miss Berg | |
| Barry Miller | ... | Ralph | |
| Jim Moody | ... | Farrell | |
| Gene Anthony Ray | ... | Leroy | |
At the New York City High School for the Performing Arts, students get specialized training that often leads to success as actors, singers, etc. This movie follows eight students from the time when they audition to get into the school, through graduation. Among these are the brazen Coco Hernandez, shy Doris Finsecker, sensitive gay Montgomery MacNeil, and brash, abrasive Ralph Garcy. Written by Reid Gagle
Fame is more than a movie about high school and a group of developping teenagers. It is about what it means to go after a dream and the successes and failures along the way.
Increddibly crafted and edited, Fame is a joy to watch that keeps you invested in the journey of many characters despite its long runtime. The piece poignently captures some of the more meaningful moments of the students four years at performing high school while inserting some showstopping numbers along the way ("Fame" and "Out Here on My Own" for example). However, the film never strays from the more painful decisions and experiences of growing up and chasing a dream. It tackles a variety of topics with care and decisiveness.
Many complaints I have seen are against the film's openended nature. I would argue that this is part of the film's realism. High school is only the beginning of these students lives and there are countless more hurt and highs in their future that they have yet to experience. The film is about the lack of knowledge of whether one has talent or will "make it" in a nearly impossible business, and this choice only further upholds it.
The film is a wonderful drama that stands the test of the time for anyone who's been young with a wild dream and determination. It is definitely worth watching.