Big Wednesday

 

Big Wednesday

Moviedrome Introduction

Film Details

Release Date: 1978

Director: John Millius

Stars:

Jan-Michael Vincent as Matt Johnson
William Katt as Jack Barlow
Gary Busey as Leroy Smith

Plot Summary: 

"Big Wednesday" is a classic surf film directed by John Milius, released in 1978. Set in Southern California during the 1960s and 1970s, the movie follows the lives of three friends – Matt, Jack, and Leroy – as they navigate the turbulent waves of adolescence, friendship, and the changing surf culture.

The film is not just about the thrill of riding big waves, but also a coming-of-age story that captures the essence of an era marked by social and political upheaval. The characters face challenges, grow, and evolve against the backdrop of a dynamic and ever-changing surfing landscape.

The film delves into the impact of the Vietnam War, the counterculture movement, and the changing dynamics within friendships as the characters mature. As the characters face the challenges of life and the ever-elusive "Big Wednesday" wave, the film becomes a metaphor for the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of change.

In summary, "Big Wednesday" is more than just a surf film; it's a nostalgic journey through the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s, using the backdrop of surfing to explore themes of friendship, change, and the pursuit of something greater. The film's timeless appeal lies in its ability to capture the spirit of an era while delivering breathtaking surf sequences.

Personal History

Yet another new one on me.

Current Review

Which is the greatest surfing film of all time? This or Point Break?  And Gary Busey (and his teeth) are in both.

Surfing USA - Busey Left.

Despite being filmed in 1978, this film appears even older and more innocent. Primarily, its about friendship and not wanting to grown up. We have three friends who surf. Well. They party... at times, the film appears like its heading into Animal House territory. There are endless crappy fist fights - which do take a turn for the sinister during one in Mexico. There's getting proper jobs, getting girls pregnant and then in a rather ham-fisted way - the Vietnam war.

The three lose touch. The best surfer loses his identity and hits the bottle in an unconvincing manner.  Rather like their mentor and the films best character - Bear.  There's a mad scene where they try and avoid the draft by conjuring up homosexuality, disability, mental health and nazism. That's the scene that will probably stay in the memory the longest. And if it was in any based on fact, its a wonder there was anyone enlisted to fight. Right up there with Blackadder wearing his pants on his head, with pencils up his nostrils. 

The rest of it is like a massive Old Spice advert, served with a quite horrendous film score. Even the pop music used doesn't feel quiet right. The Beach Boys didn't feature.

Quirky Facts 

• The film was set in California but filmed at Sunset Beach in Pupukea, Hawaii.
• Making my choice of sustenance even more apt
• The film was a commercial flop - there is a podcast to listen to that goes into this. Yet Spielberg and Lucas were that convinced it would be a hit they did a profit trade on Close Encounters and Star Wars. Milius made millions from those films.
• Jeff Bridges turned down the role of Matt. Jeff. In a surfing film. Imagine.
• Milius (who seemed a sound business man) manufactured boards under the Bear brand name. Still trading.

Quotes (Both from the Character, Bear)

• Jack, your friends are the most important thing you've got. Especially when you're wrong.
• No one surfs for ever

Sustenance

AI came up with the usual Americana food staples of burgers and more interestingly, nachos.

Due to the time the film was viewed, I decided to not to cook, as tempting as warm crisps coated in melted cheese and guacamole sounded.

An obvious choice of drink. An Hawaiian brewery, where the products have big waves and surfboards on the artwork.

Couldn't be found in supermarkets but House of Trembling Madness surpassing expectations with a less than 24hr delivery window from point of order. In what may be a first, delivery happened at the 1hr stage of the film, which left enough time to try both.

Longboard better than Big Wave.  

Future Inspiration 

John Milius looks the most obvious reference point - and AI is in lockstep with Alex Cox's Moviedrome introduction;

• He is a lifelong surfer and gun enthusiast.
• He is a member of the National Rifle Association's board of directors.
• He is a vocal supporter of the Republican Party and conservative causes.
• He has been known to make controversial statements about race, religion, and politics.
• He is a close friend of Oliver Stone and the two have collaborated on several films, including Conan the Barbarian and Apocalypse Now.

He also wrote one of my favourite films - Dirty Harry.

This is a list of his directional features - with ill health bringing his directional career to a halt.

• Marcello, I'm Bored (1970)
• The Reversal of Richard Sun (1970)
• Dillinger (1973)
• The Wind and the Lion (1975)
• Big Wednesday (1978)
• Conan the Barbarian (1982)
• Red Dawn (1984)
• Flight of the Intruder (1991)
• Farewell to the King (1989)
• Rough Riders (1997)

Red Dawn may be worth a re-watch after 40 years.

The film was based on a book by Dennis Aaberg - and seems to be loyal representation based on Goodreads review.

However, I think the inspiration will be from Jan-Michael Vincent appearing in Buffalo '66. I haven't got it on DVD but I know a band who have.