Tapeheads (1988)

A couple of creative losers accidently become big shots in the video music industry.

Director:

Bill Fishman

Writers:

Bill Fishman (story), Peter McCarthy (story)

Stars:

John Cusack, Tim Robbins, Mary Crosby

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Cusack	...	Ivan Alexeev
Tim Robbins	...	Josh Tager
Mary Crosby	...	Samantha Gregory
Clu Gulager	...	Norman Mart
Katy Boyer	...	Belinda Mart
Jessica Walter	...	Kay Mart
Sam Moore	...	Billy Diamond
Junior Walker	...	Lester Diamond
Susan Tyrrell	...	Nikki Morton
Doug McClure	...	Sid Tager
Connie Stevens	...	June Tager
King Cotton	...	Roscoe
Don Cornelius	...	Mo Fuzz
Ebbe Roe Smith	...	Mr. G.
Keith Joe Dick	...	Mr. B.

Storyline

After being fired from their jobs as security guards, Josh and Ivan form Video Aces, a video production company. Using Josh's talent and Ivan's business savvy, they attempt to hit it big in the business while doing projects they want to do. Among those whose paths cross with theirs are Norman Mart, an extremely right-wing presidential candidate; Samantha Gregory, a scheming music reporter; and Mo Fuzz, a producer willing to give them a chance or three if they'll work on spec.

---

Plot Keywords:

1980s | roses are red poem | music spoof | generation x | cult film | 

---

Taglines:

A funny movie with music.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Music

---

Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 October 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tapeheads - Verrückt auf Video

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$343,786

Company Credits

Production Co:

De Laurentiis Entertainment Group (DEG), Front Films, NBC Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Was set to be released by De Laurentiis Entertainment Group but picked up by Avenue Pictures due to DEG's bankruptcy.

---

Quotes

Norman Mart: Roses are red. Violets are blue. The Russians have satellite laser weapons. Why can't we, too?

---

Crazy Credits

Fetish Video Directrix...Abbe Wool

---

Alternate Versions

The 1990 UK video was cut by 48 secs by the BBFC to remove all footage of nunchakus and butterfly knives. The 2002 release is uncut.

---

Connections

Referenced in Jackie Brown (1997)

---

Soundtracks

Betcher Bottom Dollar
Performed by The Swanky Modes
Written by Brian Adler
Produced and Arranged by Bob Rose

User Reviews

Amusing commentary on 80's music-videos scene

In the 80's, back when MTV actually played videos, I spent plenty of time with it on in the background, the way radio was in earlier decades. Tapeheads captures that in spades - the glitzy, superficial, just plain stupid, yet weirdly captivating 80's music video scene, from behind. With spoof videos like King Cotton in the "Roscoe's Chicken and Waffle Commercial", and Devo backing Cube-Squared's video ("The hottest thing from Sweden since Abba") in mock-Swedish, and some stunningly good performances by "The Swanky Modes" (Sam Moore and Junior Walker), it sticks in your head. This is no "The Shawshank Redemption" or "Grosse Point Blank" - If you're seeing it for Tim Robbins and John Cusack - this is late-80s throwaway kitsch, and it shows - and there's nothing wrong with that. If you think more "Better off Dead" or "Cadillac Man", you're in the right ballpark. Frankly, it's refreshing to see them in something early in their careers, having some fun. If you enjoyed your videos in the 80's, it's worth checking out.