SWINGERS (1996)

30^TH ANNIVERSARY PRESENTATION

Thirty years ago, a scripting exercise turned into one of the best L.A. films and a career-boosting hit. Jon Favreau’s father had given him a screenwriting software program, so the young actor decided to see if he could write a movie. Taking off from his own experience of having moved to L.A. and breaking up with his girlfriend, he created a fictional story about young would-be actors trying to establish themselves and build romantic relationships in Los Angeles. With locations in actual hangouts like The Derby and The Dresden Room, the film captured a moment in the city’s history and capitalized on the growing popularity of swing music. Its success put phrases like “You’re so money” into the lexicon and helped promote the careers of director Doug Liman, writer-star Favreau and cast members Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, and Heather Graham. It even helped propel a swing dancing revival and put modern swing bands like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on the popular music charts.

d. Doug Liman, 96m, Digital

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.