It was the dance. It was all about the dance.
After Tom Cruise, who had appeared previously in small film roles, danced in his underwear to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock And Roll” in the living room of his character’s house in an upscale northern Chicago suburb in “Risky Business, a star was born. Everyone in Hollywood knew it. And, when you got right down to it, this awareness was all that really mattered.
“Risky Business” was released on August 5, 1983, and it became a smash, end-of-summer box office hit, taking in 10 times its $6.2-million production budget. Until then, Cruise had acted in noticeable ensemble roles in four features: starting with “Endless Love” in 1981, followed by “Taps,” “The Outsiders,” and “Losin’ It.”
Two months after “Risky Business,” Cruise cemented his actor-to-watch status with the high school football drama, “All The Right Moves.” The fantasy adventure “Legend” was next in 1985, but it proved to be only a minor hiccup on the Cruise train to success. It didn’t matter because the actor was busy making movies.
Before you could blink, he was on-screen in “Top Gun” and “The Color Of Money” in 1986 and “Cocktail” and “Rain Man” in 1988, all of them major hits. No one would dare deny that Cruise’s persona had an essential part to play in the films being successful. Next came “Born On The Fourth Of July” and with it a Best Actor Academy Award nomination. The Cruise mythology was certified. He was a grade-A movie star.
“Risky Business,” which has been given a restoration by The Criterion Collection is a modern-day classic. And, importantly, it wasn’t made for young teenagers. It’s an R-rated satire about business ethics, sexual awakenings, and the power of money in a quickly changing economic world. Superbly written and sharply directed by Paul Brickman, the fast-paced comedy delivers an intelligent look at the changing political scene in the United States (the story takes place during the middle of Ronald Reagan’s first term as president), as well as college dreams and, something that energized audiences at the time, the acceptance of prostitution as a tool for survival and success.
Moviegoers appreciated the humor, and they especially responded to how the character of high school senior Joel Goodsen, played to perfection by Cruise, solves the many problems he faces after his wealthy parents go on vacation and leave him in charge of taking care of the house. The story begins with a sense of the hefty responsibility the parents have left their son and quickly becomes a clever and completely engaging study of what can go wrong because of decisions made, friends with bad ideas, and meeting new people. Interesting people, to say the least.
I’m not going to get into specifics for those who haven’t seen the film, but consider Joel’s need to raise money through the good graces of a hooker, his schoolmate’s dare about his father’s beloved Porsche 928, and his mother’s adored Steuben glass egg sculpture. Hanging over all of this is an interview college-bound Joel must have with an official from Princeton University, his father’s alma mater.
The casting is flawless with highly polished performances from everyone. As noted, Cruise, with his character’s keen sense of responsibility and elfin grin, is top-notch. Equaling him is Rebecca De Mornay, in her first major role, as Lana, the prostitute who Joel relies on for a lot of things. An excellent Curtis Armstrong made his motion picture acting debut as Joel’s best school pal Miles. And, Joe Pantoliano’s first starring role finds him showcasing energetic intimidation as Guido, a low-level thief and Lana’s pimp. The arrival of an outstanding Richard Masur as the representative from Princeton delights the audience in every way. Also, watch for Megan Mullally as a call girl. Mullally would go on to Emmy Award-winning television greatness as the wealthy, acid-tongued Karen Walker on “Will & Grace.”
“Risky Business” looks wonderful because of the glossy cinematography from Bruce Surtees and Reynaldo Villalobos. The editing by Richard Chew is split-second timing brilliance – the Porsche and the returning the furniture sequence figure justifiably in the highlights. Tangerine Dream’s music score is enhanced with songs by Muddy Waters, Talking Heads, Bruce Springsteen, The Police, Jeff Beck, Prince, Journey, and Phil Collins.
Criterion is delivering a major package with “Risky Business.” There are 4K digital restorations of both the director’s cut and the original theatrical release, which were supervised and approved by director Brickman and producer Jon Avnet, and feature 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks. There is one 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features. Audio commentary by Brickman, Avnet, and Cruise accompanies the original release. There are new interviews with Avnet and casting director Nancy Klopper, as well as a new conversation between film editor Chew and film historian Bobbie O’Steen. “The Dream Is Always the Same: The Story of ‘Risky Business,’ ” is a special background program featuring interviews with Brickman, Avnet, cast members, and others. Cruise and De Mornay’s screen tests are shown. Also included are English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, the trailer, and an essay by film curator and critic Dave Kehr.
What’s impressive about “Risky Business” is how daring a movie it is. It feels as fresh thematically as if it were a brand-new release. It’s brave in both its writing and in a profound respect for its characters. No one is demeaned. Everyone faces challenges, small or large. You recognize what the Hollywood studios saw in Cruise as an actor a little over 40 years ago. His appeal to an audience, especially regarding this film, is off-the-charts. For me, his absolute best performance is as the hitman Vincent in the 2004 crime drama “Collateral.” As an actor, he submerges everything that made him the iconic “Tom Cruise.” He reveals dimensions and layers that surprised audiences at the time.
If you’ve never seen “Risky Business,” Criterion offers the perfect opportunity to see it at home in a gleaming new edition. If you’ve seen it before, revisiting the restoration of the movie should delight you.