Film Review: Something Wild (USA 1986) by Jonathan Demme

Content:  In this podcast, we talk about “Something Wild” (USA 1986), directed by Jonathan Demme, starring Jeff Daniels, Melanie Griffith and Ray Liotta.  We discuss the plot, in which a yuppie named Charles is kidnapped by the unconventional Lulu and experiences unexpected twists and turns. We highlight the successful mix of comedy, drama, action and road movie, as well as the memorable soundtrack and the acting performances, especially that of Ray Liotta.  We emphasizes that despite its qualities, the film is often overshadowed by Demme's better-known works such as “Stop Making Sense” and “The Silence of the Lambs”.  In conclusion, we praise the film's humor, dialogue and energetic pace and recommend it as an entertaining “feel-good film”. The ending with Sister Carol's version of “Wild Thing” is particularly outstanding.  Plot:  In New York City, yuppie Charles meets the sexy and free-spirited Lulu after he jokingly skips paying the bill at a restaurant. Lulu takes Charles along in her car and essentially kidnaps him.  The two drive to a motel, where Lulu seduces her new acquaintance. After spending the night together, Lulu suggests to her new conquest that they drive to her home state of Pennsylvania to spend the weekend together. They attend Lulu’s high school reunion and pretend to be husband and wife. Lulu’s ex-husband Ray, who has just been released from prison on probation, doesn’t find this amusing at all...