Why Do 80s Movies Seem So Cheesy Now?

When revisiting the films of the 1980s, many viewers today find themselves chuckling at the corny dialogue, exaggerated acting, and over-the-top special effects. This sentiment is not unique to cinematic experiences; other media from the era, including television and fashion, may also appear equally quaint. But why do 80s movies feel so cheesy in the modern day? Let's explore the reasons, based on the generation gap, the evolution of film trends, and the evolution of fashion sense.

The Generation Gap and Perceived Cheesiness

One reason why 80s movies can seem so cheesy now is a bit of generation gap and arrogance. Current generations often look down on the movies of the past, thinking that people from the 80s couldn’t have possibly experienced the same level of pretension and cheesiness. This attitude might stem from the idea that each generation is more enlightened and sophisticated than the last, resulting in a collective belief that the 80s were a time of unrefined and poorly crafted films.

The Decline of Westerns and Musicals in the 80s

During the 1980s, Western films and musicals, genres that were once beloved, experienced a significant decline in popularity. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including changing audience tastes and the evolution of entertainment options. Hated by some and memories by others, these genres were often perceived as childlike and naive, a stark contrast to the more sophisticated and mature narratives that dominated the cinema scene of the 1990s and beyond.

Reason 1: Changing Audience Taste
As time passes, people's preferences and tastes change. The audience for Westerns and musicals might have found these genres too heavy on plot clichés and overly fantastical elements, leading to a shift towards more complex, character-driven stories.

Reason 2: Competition With Other Forms of Entertainment
With the rise of video games, cable television, and other forms of entertainment, the traditional movie-going experience was altered. This shift in popular culture may have contributed to the decline in interest in these once-popular genres.

The Visual and Aesthetic Elements That Made 80s Movies Look Cheesy

But perhaps the most significant reason why 80s movies feel so cheesy is the visual and aesthetic elements that characterized the era. The hairstyles, fashion sense, and overall look of the 1980s add to the nostalgic yet comedic feeling that many people have when watching films from that period.

Hair and Fashion
Something that stands out is the hairstyles. In the 1980s, distinctive and bold hairstyles were the norm. Hair was often teased, styled into intricate shapes, and dyed bright colors. Actors and characters in 80s movies were not immune to these trends, leading to some very distinctive and over-the-top hair styles. From the iconic mullet to the teased hair, the styles of the 80s were exaggerated and theatrical.

Similarly, the fashion of the 80s was a reflection of the era’s confidence and self-expression. Tight, form-fitting clothing, shoulder pads, and bold colors were the hallmark of the decade. These fashion choices were often sensational and sometimes even uncomfortable, reminiscent of the exaggerated stylings of stage performances.

Conclusion

The cheesiness of 80s movies can be attributed to a combination of generational differences, shifts in audience preferences, and the iconic visual aesthetics of the era. While these films may seem dated and slightly quaint today, they serve as a reminder of a unique time in cinematic history that contributed to the evolution of the art form. Even if today's viewers find these films to be a bit ‘cheesy,’ they remain an integral part of the cultural fabric and a valuable source of nostalgia for those who were there during the 1980s.