Released in 1983, Risky Business is not just another coming-of-age film. Directed by Paul Brickman and starring a young Tom Cruise in what would become a career-defining role, the film deftly combines elements of comedy, drama, and social commentary to create a narrative that remains as relevant today as it was over three decades ago. The movie is an incisive exploration of adolescent turmoil, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the pervasive materialism of the 1980s. Through its sharp wit, memorable performances, and iconic moments, Risky Business has earned its place as a cultural landmark, influencing not just the teen film genre, but the broader cinematic landscape.
Overview of Key Themes
Adolescent Guilt: Navigating the Moral Complexities of Youth
Risky Business delves deeply into the theme of adolescent guilt, a feeling that permeates the entire narrative and serves as a driving force for its protagonist, Joel Goodsen. As a high school senior on the cusp of adulthood, Joel is burdened with the weight of his parents’ expectations and the strict moral code they have imposed on him. He is a product of his environment—an affluent, conservative suburb where success is measured by academic achievement, social standing, and adherence to societal norms.
However, Joel’s inner world is far more complicated than it appears. Beneath his seemingly perfect exterior lies a young man grappling with the conflicting desires for freedom and the fear of disappointing those around him. The film brilliantly captures this internal conflict, portraying Joel’s guilt not just as a reaction to his actions, but as a reflection of the broader societal pressures he faces.
As Joel begins to test the boundaries of his sheltered existence—most notably through his interactions with Lana, a call girl who introduces him to a world far removed from his own—the weight of his guilt becomes more pronounced. He struggles with the realization that his actions, while thrilling and liberating, carry consequences that could unravel the carefully constructed life his parents have envisioned for him. This theme of guilt is universal, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the pressure to live up to expectations while yearning for the freedom to forge their own path.
Coming-of-Age Experience: The Journey from Innocence to Experience
At its core, Risky Business is a quintessential coming-of-age story, but one that goes beyond the typical narrative of teenage rebellion. It explores the complexities of growing up in a way that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Joel’s journey from innocence to experience is marked by a series of events that force him to confront the realities of the adult world—realities that are often at odds with the idyllic, orderly life he has known.
The film begins with Joel as a model student, obedient son, and aspiring college applicant, firmly entrenched in the expectations of his parents and his suburban community. Yet, there is a restlessness within him, a desire to break free from the constraints of his upbringing and explore the unknown. This restlessness is what drives him to take risks, starting with the fateful decision to call Lana.
Lana’s entrance into Joel’s life is a turning point in the film. She represents everything that is forbidden and exciting—an embodiment of the adult world that Joel both fears and longs to be a part of. Through his relationship with Lana, Joel is exposed to the harsh realities of life outside his suburban bubble, including the moral ambiguities and compromises that come with it. The experiences he undergoes—ranging from exhilarating to terrifying—serve as the catalysts for his transformation from a naive boy to a young man who must learn to navigate the complexities of adulthood.
What makes Joel’s coming-of-age experience so compelling is the authenticity with which it is portrayed. The film does not shy away from the darker aspects of growing up—the mistakes, the regrets, the moments of doubt and fear. Instead, it embraces them, presenting a nuanced and realistic depiction of the transition from adolescence to adulthood. By the film’s end, Joel has not just aged; he has evolved, gaining a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him.
Materialism in the Reagan Era: A Satirical Commentary on the American Dream
Risky Business is set against the backdrop of the 1980s, a decade defined by its pursuit of wealth, status, and the outward trappings of success. The film offers a sharp critique of the materialism that pervaded the Reagan era, exploring how this obsession with wealth impacts individuals and society as a whole.
Joel’s parents are the epitome of 1980s materialism. They are obsessed with maintaining their social status and ensuring that Joel follows the prescribed path to success: good grades, a prestigious college, and a lucrative career. For them, success is measured in tangible terms—money, possessions, and social standing. This mindset is reflected in their interactions with Joel, as they push him to achieve the same level of material success they have attained, often at the expense of his personal happiness and well-being.
Throughout the film, materialism is portrayed as both seductive and corrupting. Joel is initially drawn to the idea of wealth and success, believing that it will bring him the freedom and happiness he desires. However, as he becomes more deeply entangled in the world of business and prostitution, he begins to realize that the pursuit of wealth comes with significant moral and ethical compromises.
One of the most satirical elements of the film is Joel’s entrepreneurial venture into running a high-end prostitution service. What begins as a simple act of rebellion quickly spirals into a full-blown business, with Joel exploiting his newfound connections to turn a profit. This portrayal of capitalism run amok serves as a biting commentary on the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve the American Dream, particularly in a society that equates success with material wealth.
Risky Business does not offer easy answers or a clear moral message. Instead, it presents a world where the pursuit of wealth is fraught with moral ambiguity, forcing both Joel and the audience to grapple with the ethical implications of their desires. The film’s critique of materialism and the American Dream is as relevant today as it was in the 1980s, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of valuing money and status above all else.
Plot Structure
Initial Setup: Establishing the World of Joel Goodsen
Risky Business opens with a glimpse into the life of Joel Goodsen, a high-achieving high school senior living in the affluent suburbs of Chicago. From the very beginning, it is clear that Joel’s life is one of privilege, but also one of immense pressure. His parents, particularly his father, have high expectations for his future, charting a course for him that includes attending an Ivy League school and securing a prestigious career.
This initial setup is crucial in establishing the central conflict of the film: the tension between Joel’s desire for freedom and the weight of his parents’ expectations. Joel is introduced as a typical teenager, concerned with his grades, his future, and his social life. However, there is also a sense of unease in Joel, a restlessness that suggests he is not entirely comfortable with the life that has been laid out for him.
The film’s opening scenes are a masterclass in subtle storytelling, as they quietly establish the key themes and conflicts that will drive the narrative. Joel’s interactions with his parents, his friends, and his peers reveal a young man who is beginning to question the values and expectations that have been imposed on him, setting the stage for the dramatic events that will follow.
Rising Action: The Escalation of Conflict and Moral Dilemmas
The rising action of Risky Business begins when Joel’s parents leave for a vacation, leaving him home alone for the first time. Seizing the opportunity, Joel decides to break free from his usual routine and indulge in the freedoms of adulthood. This decision marks the beginning of a series of escalating events that will ultimately force Joel to confront the realities of the adult world.
The turning point in the rising action occurs when Joel, on the advice of his friend Miles, decides to call a call girl named Lana. What begins as a simple act of rebellion—an attempt to experience something new and exciting—quickly spirals out of control. Lana’s arrival introduces Joel to a world that is far removed from his sheltered suburban life, a world of luxury, danger, and moral ambiguity.
As Joel becomes more involved with Lana, the stakes continue to rise. His relationship with her becomes increasingly complex, blurring the lines between business and personal involvement. At the same time, the consequences of his actions begin to weigh heavily on him. The fear of being caught by his parents adds an element of suspense, as Joel struggles to maintain the facade of normalcy while his life spins out of control.
The rising action is characterized by a mounting sense of tension and urgency, as Joel’s situation becomes increasingly precarious. The film expertly builds suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as they watch Joel navigate the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise from his choices.
Climax: The Moment of Crisis and Transformation
The climax of Risky Business is a pivotal moment in the film, representing the peak of tension and conflict. This moment occurs when Joel’s house is robbed, and all of his parents’ prized possessions are stolen. The robbery is a devastating blow, not just in terms of the physical loss, but also in terms of the psychological and emotional impact it has on Joel.
This moment of crisis forces Joel to confront the reality of his situation. He realizes that his actions have serious consequences, not just for himself, but for his parents and their carefully constructed life. The robbery is a symbolic turning point in the film, representing the complete collapse of the world Joel has known. It is a moment of reckoning, where Joel must decide whether to continue down the path of rebellion or to take responsibility for his actions and try to restore order to his life.
The climax is intense and emotionally charged, with the film’s use of lighting, music, and pacing heightening the sense of urgency and desperation. It is a moment that forces Joel to grow up, to move beyond the naive and impulsive decisions of his youth, and to take control of his life in a way he has never had to before.
Falling Action: The Resolution of Conflict and the Return to Normalcy
The falling action of Risky Business sees Joel taking decisive action to resolve the chaos he has created. Realizing that he cannot simply return to his old life, Joel devises a plan to earn enough money to replace the stolen items before his parents return home. With Lana’s help, Joel sets up a high-end prostitution service, using his suburban home as the base of operations.
This decision represents a significant shift in Joel’s character. He is no longer acting out of rebellion or desperation but out of a calculated need to solve the problem at hand. The falling action is marked by a sense of urgency, as Joel races against time to restore order to his life. It is a moment of growth for Joel, as he takes control of his situation and begins to navigate the adult world on his own terms.
The falling action also serves to resolve the film’s central conflicts. Joel successfully replaces his parents’ belongings, restoring the appearance of normalcy. However, it is clear that the experience has fundamentally changed him. He is no longer the naive boy who was content to follow the rules; he is now a young man who has tasted the freedoms and dangers of adulthood.
Resolution: A New Beginning and an Uncertain Future
The resolution of Risky Business is both satisfying and ambiguous, leaving the audience with much to ponder. On the surface, it appears that Joel has succeeded in restoring order to his life. His parents return home, none the wiser to the chaos that unfolded in their absence, and Joel is once again the dutiful son.
However, the final scenes of the film suggest that Joel’s experiences have left a lasting impact on him. There is a subtle but noticeable shift in his demeanor—a newfound confidence and maturity that was not present at the beginning of the film. He has navigated the challenges of the adult world and come out on the other side, but it is clear that he is no longer the same person he once was.
The resolution also raises important questions about the cost of success and the nature of the American Dream. Joel has learned how to navigate the complexities of the adult world, but at what cost? The film leaves this question unanswered, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions about the lessons Joel has learned and the future that lies ahead for him.
Character Analysis
Joel Goodsen: The Reluctant Rebel
Joel Goodsen, portrayed by Tom Cruise, is the heart and soul of Risky Business. He is a character defined by contradictions—obedient yet rebellious, naive yet curious, driven yet uncertain. At the beginning of the film, Joel is the epitome of the all-American boy: good-looking, intelligent, and well-behaved. However, beneath this polished exterior lies a young man grappling with the weight of his parents’ expectations and his own burgeoning desires.
Joel’s journey throughout the film is one of self-discovery. He starts as a passive participant in his own life, allowing others to dictate his actions and decisions. However, as the story progresses, he becomes more proactive, taking control of his life and making choices that reflect his true desires and ambitions. This transformation is at the core of the film’s narrative, driving the plot and providing the emotional depth that makes Risky Business more than just a typical teen movie.
Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Joel is one of the standout performances of his early career. He captures the character’s vulnerability and uncertainty, as well as his growing confidence and determination. Through Cruise’s performance, Joel becomes a relatable and sympathetic character, one whose struggles and triumphs resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
Lana: The Catalyst for Change
Lana, portrayed by Rebecca De Mornay, is the catalyst for Joel’s transformation. She is a complex character, embodying both the allure and danger of the adult world. When she first enters Joel’s life, she represents everything that is forbidden and exciting—a stark contrast to the safe, controlled environment in which Joel has been raised.
Lana is more than just a love interest; she is a driving force in the narrative. Through her, Joel is introduced to a world that is both thrilling and perilous, forcing him to confront his own desires and fears. Lana’s character is multi-dimensional—she is at once a businesswoman, a lover, and a mentor, guiding Joel as he navigates the complexities of adulthood.
Rebecca De Mornay’s performance is both captivating and enigmatic, bringing depth and nuance to a character that could easily have been one-dimensional. Lana’s motivations and feelings are often ambiguous, adding to the film’s tension and intrigue. She is a character who defies easy categorization, challenging both Joel and the audience to look beyond first impressions and consider the deeper complexities of human relationships.
Supporting Characters: Friends, Foes, and Family
The supporting characters in Risky Business play crucial roles in shaping Joel’s journey. Each character represents a different aspect of the world Joel inhabits, contributing to the film’s exploration of themes such as materialism, morality, and the pressures of societal expectations.
- Miles Dalby (Curtis Armstrong): Joel’s best friend and the instigator of many of the film’s key events. Miles is the one who encourages Joel to take risks and step outside his comfort zone, setting the stage for the film’s central conflict. He represents the voice of temptation, pushing Joel to embrace his desires and challenge the status quo.
- Guido (Joe Pantoliano): A menacing figure in the film, Guido is the pimp who seeks to control Lana and, by extension, Joel. He serves as a reminder of the darker side of the adult world, embodying the dangers and moral compromises that come with the pursuit of wealth and success.
- Joel’s Parents (Nicholas Pryor and Janet Carroll): The epitome of 1980s materialism, Joel’s parents are obsessed with maintaining their social status and ensuring that Joel follows the prescribed path to success. Their expectations and pressure serve as a constant source of tension for Joel, driving much of his internal conflict.
Each of these characters contributes to the film’s exploration of its central themes, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Together, they create a rich tapestry of relationships and interactions that drive Joel’s journey and underscore the film’s commentary on the American Dream and the challenges of growing up.
Cinematic Techniques
Directorial Style: Paul Brickman’s Vision
Paul Brickman’s direction is a key element in the success of Risky Business. His vision for the film is both focused and expansive, blending elements of comedy, drama, and social commentary to create a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Brickman’s directorial style is characterized by its subtlety and attention to detail. He allows the story to unfold naturally, without resorting to excessive dramatization or melodrama. This approach gives the film a sense of realism, making Joel’s journey all the more relatable and engaging. Brickman’s use of visual symbolism and thematic motifs adds layers of meaning to the film, inviting the audience to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper implications of the narrative.
One of the most striking aspects of Brickman’s direction is his ability to balance the film’s various tones. Risky Business seamlessly shifts between moments of humor, tension, and introspection, creating a dynamic and engaging viewing experience. Brickman’s skillful handling of these tonal shifts is a testament to his directorial prowess, ensuring that the film remains compelling from beginning to end.
Use of Music: A Soundtrack for the Ages
The soundtrack of Risky Business is one of its most iconic elements, playing a crucial role in setting the tone and enhancing the emotional impact of the film. The music, composed by Tangerine Dream, is a blend of electronic and atmospheric sounds, creating a mood that is both haunting and evocative.
One of the most memorable uses of music in the film is the now-iconic scene where Joel dances in his living room to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll.” This scene has become synonymous with Risky Business and is a perfect example of how music can be used to capture the essence of a character and a moment. The choice of music reflects Joel’s desire to break free from the constraints of his life and embrace his true self, making it one of the most memorable and beloved scenes in cinema history.
Throughout the film, the music serves as an emotional undercurrent, amplifying the tension, excitement, and uncertainty that Joel experiences. The soundtrack is not just a background element but an integral part of the film’s narrative, enhancing the storytelling and deepening the audience’s connection to the characters and themes.
Visual Aesthetic: The Look of Risky Business
Visually, Risky Business is a film that captures the essence of the 1980s while also creating a timeless aesthetic that resonates with audiences today. The film’s visual style is characterized by its clean lines, polished surfaces, and carefully composed shots, reflecting the controlled and orderly world in which Joel has been raised.
The cinematography, by Bruce Surtees, is a key element in creating the film’s visual aesthetic. Surtees uses lighting and framing to create a sense of tension and unease, particularly in the scenes that take place in Joel’s home. The contrast between the bright, orderly suburban setting and the darker, more chaotic world that Joel enters is visually striking, underscoring the film’s exploration of the conflict between appearance and reality.
The use of color in the film is also notable, with a palette that reflects the film’s themes of materialism and moral ambiguity. The bright, vibrant colors of Joel’s suburban world contrast sharply with the darker, more muted tones of the adult world he encounters. This visual contrast reinforces the film’s exploration of the complexities and contradictions of the American Dream, adding depth and nuance to the narrative.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Influence on the Teen Film Genre
Risky Business has had a lasting impact on the teen film genre, influencing countless films that followed in its wake. Its blend of humor, drama, and social commentary set a new standard for coming-of-age films, inspiring filmmakers to explore the complexities of adolescence in more nuanced and authentic ways.
The film’s success also paved the way for other films that dealt with similar themes, such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) and The Breakfast Club (1985). These films, like Risky Business, explore the challenges and conflicts of growing up, but do so with a sense of humor and insight that resonates with audiences of all ages.
In many ways, Risky Business redefined what a teen film could be, moving beyond the simple narratives of rebellion and romance to explore deeper, more meaningful themes. Its influence can be seen in the way that subsequent films have approached the coming-of-age genre, with an emphasis on character development, moral complexity, and social critique.
Tom Cruise’s Star-Making Turn
Risky Business was a pivotal moment in Tom Cruise’s career, catapulting him to stardom and establishing him as one of Hollywood’s most promising young actors. Cruise’s performance as Joel Goodsen is widely regarded as one of his best, showcasing his range and charisma and earning him widespread acclaim.
The success of Risky Business opened the door for Cruise to take on more prominent roles in major films, leading to a string of hits throughout the 1980s and beyond. His portrayal of Joel Goodsen remains one of his most iconic roles, a defining moment in a career that has spanned over four decades.
The film also solidified Cruise’s status as a cultural icon, with his image in the white shirt and sunglasses becoming one of the most enduring symbols of 1980s pop culture. Cruise’s star-making turn in Risky Business is a testament to the film’s lasting impact on both the industry and the cultural landscape.
A Reflection of Its Time
Risky Business is often seen as a reflection of the values and anxieties of the 1980s, a decade marked by its obsession with wealth, success, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The film captures the spirit of the era, exploring the tensions between individual desires and societal expectations in a way that resonates with audiences both then and now.
The film’s critique of materialism and the moral compromises that come with the pursuit of wealth is particularly relevant today, as society continues to grapple with the consequences of unchecked capitalism and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Risky Business serves as a reminder of the dangers of valuing material success above all else, offering a cautionary tale that is as timely now as it was in 1983.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Risky Business
Risky Business is more than just a film; it is a cultural touchstone, a cinematic exploration of the complexities of growing up in a materialistic society. Through its compelling characters, sharp social commentary, and iconic moments, the film has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, influencing generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.
As a coming-of-age story, Risky Business stands out for its depth and nuance, offering a portrayal of adolescence that is both realistic and thought-provoking. As a critique of materialism and the American Dream, it remains as relevant today as it was over three decades ago, serving as a reminder of the ethical and moral dilemmas that come with the pursuit of success.
Ultimately, Risky Business is a film that has stood the test of time, continuing to captivate and inspire audiences with its timeless themes, memorable performances, and innovative storytelling. It is a film that will be remembered for generations to come, a true classic that has earned its place in the pantheon of great American cinema.
