American Graffiti (1973) is an American coming-of-age comedy film directed by George Lucas and written by Lucas and Gloria Katz. The film stars Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, Charles Martin Smith, Paul Le Mat, Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips, and Wolfman Jack. The film is set in Modesto, California, in 1962, and follows a group of teenagers on their last night of summer vacation.
Writer: George Lucas and Gloria Katz: THX 1138 (1971), Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983)
Release Date: August 17, 1973
Domestic box office: $115.6 million
Top 5 Cast:
- Richard Dreyfuss as Curt Henderson
- Ron Howard as Steve Bolander
- Harrison Ford as Bob Falfa
- Charles Martin Smith as Terry “The Toad” Fields
- Paul Le Mat as John Milner
“I don’t like that surfin’ shit. Rock and roll’s been going down hill ever since Buddy Holly died.” – John Milner
Critical Reviews:
- Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 4 out of 4 stars, calling it “a classic. American Graffiti is a classic. It is a funny, nostalgic, and beautifully made film that captures the essence of teenage life in the early 1960s. The film is also a great showcase for the talents of George Lucas, who went on to direct Star Wars. American Graffiti is a must-see for any fan of cinema.”
- Pauline Kael of The New Yorker called the film “a charming and nostalgic film. American Graffiti is a charming and nostalgic film that captures the innocence of teenage life in the early 1960s. The film is also a great showcase for the talents of the young actors who star in it. American Graffiti is a must-see for any fan of cinema.”
- Vincent Canby of The New York Times called the film “a minor classic. American Graffiti is a minor classic. It is a funny, nostalgic, and beautifully made film that captures the essence of teenage life in the early 1960s. The film is also a great showcase for the talents of George Lucas, who went on to direct Star Wars. American Graffiti is a must-see for any fan of cinema.”
- David Denby of New York magazine called the film “a delightful film. American Graffiti is a delightful film. It is a funny, nostalgic, and beautifully made film that captures the essence of teenage life in the early 1960s. The film is also a great showcase for the talents of the young actors who star in it. American Graffiti is a must-see for any fan of cinema.”
Cinematic Importance:Â American Graffiti is a significant film for several reasons. First, it is a classic coming-of-age film that has been praised by critics and audiences alike. Second, it is a landmark film in the history of American cinema, and it has been credited with helping to revitalize the teen film genre. Third, American Graffiti is a personal film for George Lucas, and it reflects his own experiences growing up in Modesto, California. American Graffiti is a beloved film that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.
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