Grease, A Shimmering Musical
In June 1978, the musical film 'Grease' was released in the United States, a high school love story that swept box offices around the world. The film is based on a Broadway musical that premiered in 1972.
The protagonists are Danny Zuko, a slightly cool but kind-hearted boy, and Sandy Olsson, a sweet and innocent girl. The story contains the typical elements of any teenage romance: friendship, falling in love, jealousy, disappointment and tears, reconciliation, and a happy ending.
However, as a good musical movie, Grease stands out for a soundtrack full of songs and dances that are already part of popular culture and have been passed down from generation to generation.
This year, the film starring Olivia Newton-John (Sandy) and John Travolta (Danny) celebrates its 40th anniversary. Although the film did not win major prizes, it was a worldwide success and since its premiere, it has raised close to 350 million euros.
Aesthetics from the 50s and lots of hair gel
In addition to dancing and singing, the set design of Grease is notable for its aesthetics: costumes, sets and cars are reminiscent of the United States of the 1950s, even though the film was shot 20 years later.
The name of the film, Grease, refers to the hair gel used by the male leads to keep their hairstyles intact, high quiffs and shiny hair.
At Rydell High School, the setting where the story takes place, boys and girls join gangs and wear jackets with their names on them. There are the T-Birds, Danny's group of friends, and the Pink Ladies, led by the rebellious Rizzo.
At first, the love story between Danny and Sandy is hampered by the rules of each gang: Danny is too bad to date a posh girl like Sandy, and she is too fine to be part of the Pink Ladies. Although in the end, they all end up making peace and being friends.
At its heart, the film parodied the stereotypes one often finds in a high school: the rebellious boy (Danny), the good girl that everyone falls in love with (Sandy), the bad girl who breaks the rules (Rizzo), the friend who appears as a fairy godmother (Frenchie).
Grease also deals with sensitive issues such as drugs, or adolescent rebellion. Throughout the story, Danny and Sandy evolve to discover who they are and what they really want to do with their lives... always to the rhythm of rock'n'roll.
