Nothing Lasts Forever

Nothing Lasts Forever from 1984 is an offbeat and intriguing mix of science fiction, comedy and drama, directed by the acclaimed Tom Schiller. The movie stars hot prospect Zach Galligan, Apollonia van Ravenstein, and Lauren Tom in key roles, further complimented by a stellar ensemble cast. This blend of satire, dystopia, and romance made its debut amidst a changing backdrop of Hollywood in the 80s, bringing a uniquely refreshing slant to the comedy and sci-fi genre.

The youthful and dynamic Zach Galligan, known for his memorable role in Gremlins, heads the cast as Adam Beckett. Adam, an aspiring artist, hopes to make a successful career in Manhattan; however, he quickly finds that the city isn't quite the land of opportunities that he had hoped for. Instead, his journey turns into a warped and twisted odyssey, where he confronts peculiar characters and bizarre experiences like nothing he's ever encountered before. Watching Galligan transition from a bewildered newcomer to coping with the absurdities around him forms the comedic backbone of this film.

Opposite Galligan, Apollonia van Ravenstein plays Mara, a mysterious and enchanting woman capably. Her performance brings an allure and otherworldly charm as this clandestine character whose interactions with Adam only further mystifies his already confounding journey. Veteran actress Lauren Tom plays Eloy, a fun, and lively character who adds more depth to the storyline, her performance full of charm and vivacious energy.

The movie traverses across diverse shooting locations from bustling New York to an imaginary moon colony, showcasing startlingly inventive set designs. Nothing Lasts Forever beautifully captures the soul of the 80s with its retro-futuristic aesthetic, playing with an intriguing contrast of black and white sequences and technicolor. This unique visual treatment serves to create a surreal, dreamlike world that pulls in viewers and keeps them watching.

Schiller's direction makes apt use of the satire genre to explore broader themes. It's a bedsit dissertation on consumerism, capitalism, and the idea of art in our world, where these conceptual issues mesh with instances of laugh-out-loud comedy. The blend of elements in the plot and the variety of genres that Schiller mixes together create an enthralling watch, reflecting the chaotic and occasionally absurd nature of life.

What sets Nothing Lasts Forever apart is its fascinating and humorous look into a dystopian future, featuring an absurd blend of storyline and poignantly crafted characters. This is combined with a distinctly vintage visual treatment, stirring retro music, and performances that are charming and engaging.

The movie is also elevated by its supporting cast, featuring acting stalwarts like Dan Aykroyd, who enlivens the screen with his characteristically energetic performance, and Mort Sahl, who brings a touch of stark realism to the comedic landscape of the film. The vibrancy that each supporting character brings makes for a captivating viewing experience.

Moreover, the film's score, composed by Howard Shore, provides the perfect ambiance and atmosphere, with melodies ranging from whimsical to thrilling. The music beautifully complements the film's visual style and narrative structure, adding another layer of allure to the overall viewing experience.

However, the central thread of the film is Galligan's character Adam's quest to make sense of this strange world he finds himself in. It is a journey of self-discovery manifesting through an artist's struggle and a lover's longing. It shows how a young man's dreams take him on a surreal odyssey, revealing an unexplored side of life.

In summary, Nothing Lasts Forever is a wonderfully dystopian satire that presents an engrossing story. The film successfully incorporates life's chaos and absurdity into its narrative and does an excellent job of it. The actors put on compelling performances and work well together to bring this story to life. It provides a unique and refreshing take on the nature of dreams, illusions, and the human desire for connection and meaning.

If you are an enthusiast of movies that think outside the box, are daring and experimentally artistic, then Nothing Lasts Forever is a film you shouldn’t miss.