Getting It On

"Getting It On" is a 1983 American comedy film that combines the humour of adolescence, high school crushes, and self-discovery, with the technophile's fascination to create a strangely entertaining and relatable depiction of teenage life. With a vivid depiction of the mid-80s era, it's a refreshing nostalgic trip for anyone who grew up in this time period.

Directed by William Olsen, the film stars Martin Yost as the protagonist Alex Carson, a high school teenager who is trying to navigate the tricky corridors of budding romance and teenage fascination. Alex isn't just your typical teen though. With a passion for technology, and specifically, video equipment, he prides himself on his ability to build and convert electronic gadgets.

In the film, Alex is suddenly drawn to his childhood friend, Sally Clark, played by Heather Kennedy, who he starts viewing in a different light. He is smitten by her charm and beauty. However, his shyness prevents him from expressing his feelings and this dilemma leads him to devise a unique plan. He decides to use his technological prowess to his advantage and pitches an idea of a video project to Sally; a voyeuristic project that would allow him to spend more time with her without the intimation of romantic interests.

Yet, things take a surprising turn when his project catches the attention of his friend, Nick Zorski (Jeff Edmond). Nick is intrigued by the idea and sees a business opportunity where they could commercially exploit the videos, which leads the trio into a series of comic and challenging situations.

"Getting It On" is a visual portrayal of adolescent dysphoria, the predicaments of platonic friendships turning into romantic interests, the ethical implications of voyeurism, and the budding business mind of teenagers. As the storyline unravels, the movie showcases the character development of Alex from a shy, introverted teenager into a more confident individual who learns to express his feelings.

The film is a delicate blend of comedy, coming-of-age drama and techno-thriller, with a surprising exploration of teen entrepreneurship. The way William Olsen captures Alex's struggles with self-expression and his innovative attempts to overcome these struggles, along with the business-minded approach of Nick, adds a unique spark to the storyline.

The performances in the movie add a layer of credibility and relatability to the tale. Martin Yost does an excellent job portraying the socially-awkward and techno-loving Alex, with his convincing acting skills that make the character authentic and genuine. Heather Kennedy brings an enchanting charm to her role as Sally, the object of Alex's affection, capturing the naivety and charm of a teenage girl. Jeff Edmond adds a distinct appeal to the movie as Nick, with his character bringing much-needed comic relief and offering a realistic depiction of the entrepreneurial curiosity of teenagers.

"Getting It On" also provides a stark illustration of the 1980s era, from its wardrobe to its set designs. With a rich soundtrack featuring popular songs from the era, the film offers a nostalgic trip down the memory lane, allowing audiences both young and old to appreciate the vibrant charm of the 1980s.

While ostensibly a light-hearted comedy, "Getting It On" tactfully brings up several ethical and moral dilemmas about privacy, voyeurism, and the exploitation of friendship for personal gain. It does so without being preachy or sanctimonious, preserving the movie's overall enjoyable feel.

In conclusion, "Getting It On" is a cleverly comedic and intriguing look at the rollercoaster ride of teenage life through the lens of a 1980s video camera. Mixing romance, comedy, and techno-enthusiasm, it captures the imperfect perfection of adolescence in an entertaining and relatable package.