A love letter to the comedy classic that defined a generation and saved the world.

 

Overthinking Ghostbusters
by Adam Bertocci

Shout "Who ya gonna call?" in a crowded room and everybody knows the answer.

It's been almost thirty years since Ghostbusters hit theaters, yet the spirit lives on. But what makes this movie such an enduring classic? Is it the memorable characters, the endlessly quotable dialogue, the eye-catching effects? Or is there something more in the mix?

I decided to try and answer that question.

I decided to create a critical companion to one of the best-loved blockbusters of all time.

A serious work that extols, explores and excessively overanalyzes my favorite film since childhood—one that illustrates not only how Ghostbusters works, but how great movies work.

But I didn't stop there. I wanted to dig into the messages the movie conveys. What does Ghostbusters say about cinema, romance, religion, the '80s, America? How did 1984's breakout hit reflect the fears and concerns of that crucial election year, and define its iconic decade? And how did the film impact the Millennial generation, who grew up adoring it and who've now come into their own as an economic and political force?

And, most importantly, what about the Twinkie?

Well, we'll find out together. One step at a time…

START HERE | INTRODUCTION | THE PLOT | THE FILMMAKERS
SHOT BY SHOT | CINEMATOGRAPHY | EDITING | MUSIC | NEW YORK | THE HERO'S JOURNEY
HORROR | GENDER | RELIGION | POLITICS
CONCLUSIONS: THE GHOSTBUSTERS GENERATION

NATIONAL FILM REGISTRY CAMPAIGN (update: we did it!)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR | PRESS | CONTACT
AUTHOR WEB SITE | AUTHOR FACEBOOK | AUTHOR TWITTER


BIBLIOGRAPHY (will open in separate window)

Overthinking Ghostbusters © 2012 Adam Bertocci.

Ghostbusters and related elements ™ and © Columbia Pictures. This site is a non-fiction fan project
and has not been approved, authorized, licensed or endorsed by any entity or person involved
with the production of the Ghostbusters films or franchise.

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