“Smithereens 1982” is a gritty and raw portrayal of a young woman’s turbulent journey towards fame and fortune in the bustling punk scene of New York City. The protagonist, Wren, is a drifter with dreams of reaching stardom but only succeeds as far as being the queen of the losers. With her poor judgment, she crosses boundaries to get what she wants, leaving behind broken relationships like shattered glass. Wren’s world is a reflection of the gritty punk scene through handheld camera shots, dingy apartments, and an infectious soundtrack that heightens the film’s emotional tension. Ultimately, “Smithereens 1982” is a cautionary tale about ambition and its consequences while also being a love letter to New York City punk culture in its heyday.
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Review
In 1982, director Susan Seidelman released her debut feature “Smithereens,” a gritty and raw portrayal of the New York punk scene. The film follows Wren, an aimless young woman who dreams of becoming a rock star, as she navigates through the city’s underground music scene.
The story begins with Wren (played by Susan Berman) desperately trying to get her foot in the door of the music industry. She spends her days hanging out at record stores and attending concerts, all in hopes of landing a gig with a band. But despite her best efforts, she keeps hitting dead ends.
One day, Wren meets Paul (Brad Rijn), a sleazy talent manager who promises to help her make it big. But when Wren realizes that Paul has no intention of keeping his promises, she becomes consumed by anger and resentment. She sets out to prove him wrong and become a star on her own terms.
At its core, “Smithereens” is a tale of ambition and desperation. It’s a portrait of a young woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her dreams – even if it means lying, cheating, and stealing from those around her.
The film earned critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of the punk scene in New York City. Seidelman herself was heavily involved in the punk movement during the late 1970s and early 1980s; she drew on her own experiences to create an accurate depiction of the culture.
“The movie captures something essential about being young and poor in New York City,” wrote New Yorker editor David Remnick in his review of the film. “What makes ‘Smithereens’ so invigorating is its rawness.”
The film also launched the career of Susan Berman as an actress – though she tragically was murdered several years later – and introduced audiences to Seidelman as a filmmaker.
Though “Smithereens” was a critical success, it didn’t exactly set the box office on fire. It grossed just over $100,000 during its initial run in theaters. However, it has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic of independent cinema.
One of the most striking aspects of “Smithereens” is its use of music. Seidelman worked with a number of notable musicians, including punk rock bands The Feelies and The Lounge Lizards, to create an authentic soundtrack that perfectly captures the spirit of the scene.
The film was also notable for its realistic depiction of New York City – something that would become a hallmark of Seidelman’s later work. She shot the film on location throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, giving viewers a glimpse into the gritty streets and dingy clubs where young punks congregated.
Overall, “Smithereens” remains a powerful testament to the ambition and grit it takes to make it in any industry – but especially in the world of punk rock. Seidelman’s bold vision and raw energy still resonate with audiences today, making “Smithereens” an unforgettable piece of cinema history.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 94
- Release : 1982-11-19
- Genre : Drama, Music
- Cast : Susan Berman as Wren, Brad Rijn as Paul, Richard Hell as Eric, Nada Despotovich as Cecile, Roger Jett as Billy (Eric’s Roommate)
- Crew : Ed French as Special Effects Makeup Artist, Susan Seidelman as Director, Susan Seidelman as Editor, Susan Seidelman as Producer, Susan Seidelman as Story
- Popularity 5.187
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Domestic Productions
- Summary : A narcissistic runaway engages in a number of parasitic relationships amongst members of New York’s waning punk scene.
- Tagline : She was a legend in her own mind.
