Retro Film Review: Singles (1992)

drax(76)

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The author of this review knew that the popular media was one of the most influential forces in modern world. However, I was nevertheless impressed by the power such media had over people, including my good friends. One of them, whom I knew to be intelligent, educated man seemingly resistant to manipulation, suddenly began displaying affection for a film that just happened to appear in our nation's cinemas. He began dressing and talking like the characters, got all CDs with the bands featured on soundtrack and used every opportunity to express his desire to indulge in lifestyle displayed in the film. Only few years later, when asked about the film, he could barely remember its name while being infatuated with new style of fashion and music. This probably happened with many other people and can explain why Singles, 1992 romantic comedy written and directed by Cameron Crowe, quickly lost its "mojo" and became one of the more obscure titles of 1990s.

The plot of the film is rather loose and takes place in Seattle, town that used to be viewed as "hip" due to the enormous popularity of its local rock bands and their "grunge" style of music in early 1990s. It deals with few people in their twenties who share the same house, same musical tastes and variety of problems in their romantic relationships. Workaholic city planner Steve Dunne (played by Campbell Scott) and environmentalist Linda Powell (played by Kyra Sedgwick) have been hurt in their previous liaisons so they somewhat are reluctant to commit themselves to another, despite obvious attraction they feel to each other. Waitress Janet Livermore (played by Bridget Fonda), faced with indifference by her boyfriend and wannabe rock star Cliff Poncier (played by Matt Dillon), wants to save relationship by surgically increasing her breasts size. Debbie Hunt (played by Sheila Kelly), faced with the lack of any romantic relationship, wants to find Mr. Right by employing bizarre methods, including making personal ads in the form of outrageous videos.

Singles is seemingly different than most of Hollywood's romantic comedies made in recent time due to episodic nature of plot, ensemble cast and unusual storytelling techniques like characters talking to camera. The acting is very good, especially in the case of Bridget Fonda, and even the actors in smaller parts (like Bill Pullman as cosmetic surgeon with a conscience) make more good impression. Cameron Crowe also provides script with more than few funny and some touching moments. On the other hand, the script still follows Hollywood conventions, including obligatory and rather predictable happy ending. The soundtrack and scenes featuring Seattle "grunge" bands and nightclubs is going to be distracting, at least to those who aren't particularly fond of this musical style and subculture. Flaws of Singles are becoming even more apparent to generations exposed to low-budget, independent or non-Hollywood romantic comedies that employed similar techniques or dealt with same subject in last decades. Compared to them, Singles looks like a typical commercial product of Hollywood and it is quite understandable why this film, although entertaining at times, can be enjoyed and truly enjoyed only by those who harbour nostalgia for early 1990s.

RATING: 5/10 (++)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on December 18th 2001)