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 II	...	Heckler #1 (as Don Brunner)
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:

male nudity | road movie | based on short film | college | texas | 

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Taglines:

It's the privilege of youth.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

The aerial chase scene between Truman's plane and a police helicopter was shot in and around Tulsa, Oklahoma. The scene is supposed to take place in Dallas, but the filmmakers couldn't secure permission to close a Dallas area freeway for shooting. The Oklahoma film authorities were more accommodating. Because of the complicated logistics, all of the flying shots had to be accomplished in single takes. According to an interview with Marvin J McIntyre, the shot where the police helicopter rises into frame next to the plane was accomplished by parking the plane next to a cliff. McIntyre sat inside pretending to pilot the plane, and the helicopter flew up below the level of the cliff, then rose into frame.

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Goofs

During the helicopter/airplane chase in Dallas, the highway exit signs mention Stillwater, apparently indicating that the scene was shot somewhere in Oklahoma.

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Quotes

Gardner: [taking his morning piss] What'll it be for breakfast, boys? Barbecue?
Philip: [vomiting and retching]
Gardner: All right then... chili.

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Connections

Referenced in Pulp Fiction (1994)

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Soundtracks

Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
Written by Elton John (uncredited) and Bernie Taupin (uncredited)
Performed by Elton John
Courtesy of This Record Co., Ltd.

User Reviews

More than a mere film.

Quite simply the best film I've ever seen and as someone mentioned earlier, the `perfect' film. I've never known a film to captivate me to such a degree, and by the time Kevin Costner holds aloft his farewell beer at the end, you feel as though you're saying goodbye to a lifelong friend. There are so many scenes throughout which seem so uncannily familiar that its almost eerie, yet so comforting to watch. In those final few minutes, you're treated to some of the most beautiful scores that you could possibly wish to hear, a handshake that could tell a thousand words, and a stunning landscape which is the final destination for a group of friends who make the perfect combination. This will always be more than just a film to me. It's a key to unlock all those wondrous emotions that you once experienced many moons ago.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 January 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Fandango

Filming Locations:

Alpine, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$50,437, 27 January 1985

Gross USA:

$91,666

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$91,666

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros., Amblin Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1