The Big Chill (1983)

Director:

Lawrence Kasdan

Writers:

Lawrence Kasdan (written by) &
Barbara Benedek (written by)

Release Date:

28 September 1983 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Music

Tagline:

The story of eight old friends searching for something they lost, and finding that all they needed was each other.

Plot:

A group of seven former college friends gather for a weekend reunion at a posh South Carolina winter house after the funeral of one of their friends.

Plot Keywords:

Funeral | Suicide | 1960s | Reunion | Reflection

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Tom Berenger	...	Sam Weber
Glenn Close	...	Sarah Cooper
Jeff Goldblum	...	Michael Gold
William Hurt	...	Nick Carlton
Kevin Kline	...	Harold Cooper
Mary Kay Place	...	Meg Jones
Meg Tilly	...	Chloe
JoBeth Williams	...	Karen Bowens
Don Galloway	...	Richard Bowens
James Gillis	...	Minister
Ken Place	...	Peter the Cop
Jon Kasdan	...	Harold and Sarah's Son
Ira Stiltner	...	Running Dog Driver
Jake Kasdan	...	Autograph Seeker (as Jacob Kasdan)
Muriel Moore	...	Alex's Mother

Runtime:

105 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

UK:15 | Denmark:A (DVD rating) | Singapore:M18 | South Korea:18 | Argentina:18 | Australia:M | Chile:18 | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | USA:R | West Germany:16 | Italy:T | Iceland:12

Filming Locations:

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Company:

Carson Productions

Trivia:

Lawrence Kasdan wrote the parts of Karen and Sarah specifically for JoBeth Williams and Glenn Close respectively, however both actresses initially wanted to play the role of Meg as both felt that they better related to that character over the ones chosen by Kasdan.

Goofs:

Factual errors: The Michagan football game is being played on a Sunday (as it is two days after Friday and the day before Monday), but college football is played on Saturdays.

Quotes:

Michael: [explaining to his editor at People Magazine why he's delaying his interview with a 14-year-old blind baton twirler] That's why I'm calling, Jim. That way, I can have a story for you this week and for next week, and... Jim, Jim, give me a break. I'll fly to Dallas on Monday. She won't regain her eyesight over the weekend. I know, but I think I've got something good right here. I don't know, it's about everything: Um... suicide, despair, where did our hope go? Lost hope, that's it, lost hope. Yeah, well, you think everything is boring. I mean, you know, you wouldn't say that if it was the Lost Hope Diet.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in A Tour of the Inferno: Revisiting 'Platoon' (2001) (V)

Soundtrack:

Good Lovin'

great movie about friendship, love and loss-a must see.

Growing up, I saw this movie numerous times. It's tough to watch when your a kid, in spite of the funnyness of some of the scenes, it is a pretty heavy movie. It's also a wonderful movie about freindship, love and loss. I'd recomend Big Chill to anyone who hasn't seen it. It is the type of movie that you just don't see anymore and the characters and situations are touching, bittersweet, and quite true to life.

Anyone who likes movies about real people and friendships that can withstand just about anything will love this movie. It's filled with everything that life is-highs, lows and all that's in between. a must see-10 of 10.