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The 80s had a defined style infiltrating all of Pop Culture. The dark comedy, Better Off Dead (1985), fully embraced this style. It is a masterpiece that embodied almost every teen movie trope of the time.
In celebration of Better Off Dead (1985) turning 40 let’s take a look back at this film.
Synopsis:
Lane Meyer is a teen with a peculiar family and a bizarre fixation with his girlfriend, Beth. When Beth dumps Lane, he decides to kill himself, making bumbling attempts at suicide. Outside of his morbid endeavors, Lane spends time with his oddball buddy, Charles, and befriends Monique, a visiting French student. Eventually, Lane resolves to race Beth’s obnoxious new beau on the ski slopes, with unexpected results.
Better Off Dead (1985) is directed by Savage Steve Holland. It stars a young John Cusack as well as multiple ladies who dabbled in horror like Diane Franklin (read our interview with her HERE), Amanda Wyss (A Nightmare on Elm Street 1984), and E.G. Daily (31 2016).
During the 80s, it was common to have an intro scene that was animated. For example, Mannequin (1987) and Who’s That Girl (1987) did this. Better Off Dead (1985) of course did not disappoint in this department. The intro of this film features animation that includes a green monster capturing a pretty blonde princess while a white knight in shining armor is chasing by horse.
Oh, claymation scenes! Better Off Dead (1985) found a way to even work this into the script. While Lane starts his first day working at the hamburger joint, his imagination runs wild, and he has visions of dancing hamburgers and fries. This scene has “Everybody Wants Some” by Van Halen playing. You can’t get any more 80s than Van Halen!
The infamous school dance scenes is also a must for an 80s teen film. Better Off Dead (1985) worked this in, and boy, did it not disappoint. The film provided a young E.G. Daily with her big hair and shiny silver dress belting out lyrics with the movie title intertwined. She truly steals this scene!
Is it even an 80s movie if there is not a montage scene of characters working together to achieve a goal while music is playing? Of course, Better Off Dead (1985) had to have one too! In the film, we get Lane and Monique fixing his broken-down black Camaro with “Mannish Boy” by Muddy Waters playing.
Well, the 80s were full of snow so of course Better Off Dead (1985) had no shortage of drug references. I mean, the film centers around the main character attempting to ski the K12. Do you even know the street value of that mountain? There is also the quirky best friend, Charles De Mar, always armed with a straw whether it be for Jello or the fresh slopes.
Having an over-the-top antagonist was another staple for 80s teen flicks. Usually, this is played by William Zabka. Better Off Dead (1987) gave him a break but still went big with the “bully” antagonist and provided three. There is rabid Paperboy who has a knack for destroying garage door windows and is relentless in collecting “$2.” Then there is Roy Stalin, the ski captain who stole Lane’s girlfriend and relentlessly bullies everyone he sees as beneath him. Oh, and we can’t forget Ricky and his tentacles.
Finally, the 80s loved a true teen underdog story. Better Off Dead (1985) handed up Lane. The film starts with Lane struggling with losing his girlfriend to the ski team captain. This dark teen comedy indulges in the hilariousness of Lane’s multiple failed attempts at suicide. I know. I know. How can failed suicide attempts be comical? It was the 80s and anything could go. Plus, it adds to his achievements when this underdog pulls out of it. Well, with the advice and support of his quirky friend and a beautiful foreign exchange student.
If you haven’t watched Better Off Dead (1985) in a while all you have to do is go that way really fast to HBO Max and if something gets in your way, turn!
Additionally, Diane Franklin has released a book about her experience with this film. It is called “Diane Franklin: The Excellent Comedy of the Last American, French-Exchange Babe of the 80s: The Better Off Dead Movie Tribute.” It is a great read for fans of the film!
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