Although relatively unknown, 1979's Over the Edge is now considered a key title in the “cinema of alienation” subgenre that arose as the socially tumultuous 1970s drew to a close. It also marked the feature-film debut of Matt Dillon, then a 14-year-old actor who stole the show from top-billed Michael Kramer with his unusually sophisticated turn as a charismatic but dissociated youth in a story that unfolds in New Granada, a planned suburban community where comfortably well-off teens seek diversion in the form of drugs, booze, and crime. Ultimately, their rebelliousness spirals out of control, leading to a virtual riot, with disastrous consequences. Reportedly inspired by real-life events in a California suburb, Over the Edge bristles with energy thanks to the vigorous staging of director Jonathan Kaplan, and a rock soundtrack featuring tracks by Van Halen, the Ramones, Cheap Trick, and The Cars, among others. Although the script eventually lurches into melodramatic territory, it mostly serves up perceptive characterizations and pungent dialogue—in fact, a full quarter-century after its release, Over the Edge remains a powerful and unsettling film. Presented with a fine DVD transfer, extras include a commentary track with Kaplan, screenwriters Tim Hunter (River's Edge) and Charlie Haas (Tex), and producer George Litto. Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)
Over the Edge
Warner, 95 min., PG, DVD: $19.98 Volume 20, Issue 6
Over the Edge
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