Foxes 1980
Directed by
Adrian Lyne
Made by
United Artists
Plot Summary
A group of four teenage girls navigating the tumultuous landscape of the San Fernando Valley during the late 1970s face deep emotional struggles. Deirdre (Kandice Stroh), a disco-loving queen, is intrigued by her burgeoning sexuality but finds herself tangled in a web of romantic difficulties. Madge (Marilyn Kagan), the introspective bookworm, wrestles with her unhappiness over being overweight and is frustrated by her virginity, compounded by overprotective parents and a pesky younger sister. Annie (Cherie Currie) is a rebellious runaway, succumbing to the vices of alcohol and drugs while escaping an abusive father who happens to be a police officer. Jeanie (Jodie Foster), feeling a sense of responsibility for her friends, battles with her divorced mother, who flits from one boyfriend to another, while yearning for a closer bond with her absent father, a tour manager for the band Angel.
The girls dismiss school as irrelevant, find their boyfriends immature, and feel substantially disconnected from the adults around them. They become engrossed in the captivating yet reckless ambiance of the 1970s, experiencing a chaotic world that mirrors the tumultuous nature of their lives. Seeking solace, they use parties as an escape, but their contrasting personalities create tension—Annie’s irresponsible nature grips the group with worry, while Jeanie struggles with the desire to mature and stop clinging to her childhood.
An unexpected catastrophe occurs when Annie’s erratic behavior results in her tragic death from a car accident, sending shockwaves through the group. This heartbreaking event proves to be a catalyst for change among the remaining friends. Madge, now married to Jay (Randy Quaid), the older man with whom she lost her virginity, finds a new direction in life. Deirdre abandons her reckless relationships, and Jeanie, having graduated high school, is on the verge of leaving for college, stepping into adulthood.
In a poignant visit to Annie’s grave after Madge and Jay’s wedding, Jeanie reflects on Annie’s quirky wish to be buried under a pear tree, “not in a box or anything,” allowing her friends to reminisce each year by sharing a pear and commenting, “Annie’s tastin’ good this year, huh?” This bittersweet remembrance encapsulates the nostalgia and sorrow of their youth, marking an end yet also a beginning for the girls left behind.
Timeline
Introduction to the Group
The film introduces four teenage girls navigating life in the San Fernando Valley during the late 1970s. Each girl embodies distinct personalities and struggles, highlighting their emotional complexities within their friendship.
Deirdre's Struggles
Deirdre, the disco-loving queen, finds herself exploring her sexuality amidst romantic difficulties. Her journey reveals the challenges young women face while trying to understand their desires in a confusing world.
Madge's Insecurity
Madge, the introspective bookworm, battles her feelings of unhappiness due to her weight and frustration with her virginity. Her overprotective parents and annoying younger sister further complicate her journey to self-acceptance.
Annie's Escapism
Annie, the rebellious runaway, turns to alcohol and drugs as a way to escape her abusive father, a police officer. Her situation reflects the darker paths some teenagers explore in search of freedom.
Jeanie's Family Dynamics
Jeanie feels the weight of responsibility for her friends while grappling with her tumultuous relationship with her divorced mother. Her longing for a connection with her father, who is often absent, complicates her emotional landscape.
Rejection of Authority
The girls reject school as irrelevant and feel disconnected from adults, illustrating their struggle to find their identity. They are often frustrated with immature boyfriends, which adds to their feelings of isolation.
Embracing the 1970s Lifestyle
The group immerses themselves in the reckless and captivating atmosphere of the 1970s. Parties become their refuge as they attempt to forget their various struggles, creating moments of joy amidst chaos.
Annie's Tragic Death
Annie's reckless behavior culminates in a tragic car accident that takes her life, sending shockwaves through the group. This devastating event forces the girls to confront the fragility of life and their friendships.
Catalyst for Change
Following Annie's death, the remaining friends experience a profound transformation. Each girl begins to re-evaluate her life choices, marking a pivotal moment that propels them toward personal growth.
Madge's New Chapter
Madge, now married to Jay, whom she lost her virginity to, begins to find a new direction in her life. This relationship represents a step toward her maturity and acceptance of her identity.
Deirdre's Transformation
Deirdre decides to abandon her reckless relationships, choosing a more stable path for her future. This decision reflects her growth and desire for a more meaningful existence post-Annie.
Jeanie's Graduation
Having graduated high school, Jeanie stands on the brink of adulthood as she prepares to leave for college. This transition symbolizes her move toward independence and self-discovery.
Visiting Annie's Grave
Following Madge and Jay's wedding, Jeanie and the group visit Annie's grave, reflecting on their shared memories. Jeanie recalls Annie's quirky wish to be buried under a pear tree, establishing a poignant connection to their past.
Bittersweet Remembrance
The girls commemorate Annie by sharing a pear each year, reinforcing their friendships and cherishing the memories. This ritual encapsulates their nostalgia while embracing the bittersweet nature of growing up.
The Next Chapter
The film concludes with the girls looking forward to their futures despite their loss. Their experiences have shaped them, marking an end to childhood yet opening up new beginnings for each of them.
Characters
Deirdre
Deirdre is a disco-loving teenager curious about her sexuality but frequently finds herself in complicated romantic situations. Her carefree attitude masks deeper emotional struggles, reflecting the tumult of adolescence. Ultimately, she learns to navigate her tangled relationships and seek a more meaningful connection.
Madge
Madge is the introspective member of the group who grapples with insecurities about her weight and virginity while yearning for acceptance. Highly affected by her overprotective parents, she exhibits resilience as she eventually finds strength in her marriage, showcasing personal growth and new perspectives on life.
Annie
Annie is the rebellious spirit amongst her friends, often succumbing to vices in a bid to escape her troubled home life. Her erratic behavior and struggles with substance abuse reveal her pain, making her tragic death a powerful turning point in the narrative. She embodies the recklessness and dangers tied to teenage rebellion.
Jeanie
Jeanie is the responsible friend feeling the weight of her friends' struggles while trying to balance her own desire for maturity. Her journey toward adulthood is complicated by her family's dynamics, marking her as a relatable character seeking connection and understanding amid growing pains.
Setting
Time period
Late 1970s
The late 1970s was a transformative decade marked by cultural shifts and social changes, including the rise of youth counterculture. This period saw the emergence of disco music, a changing fashion landscape, and increasingly liberal attitudes towards sexuality and personal freedom. These social dynamics play a crucial role in shaping the lives and challenges faced by the characters.
Location
San Fernando Valley
The San Fernando Valley is a spacious region in Los Angeles, known for its diverse neighborhoods and vibrant culture. It is often associated with the entertainment industry and serves as a backdrop for many Hollywood stories. The valley's suburban feel contrasts with the bustling city life, providing a unique setting for the teenage experiences depicted in the film.
Themes
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Loss
The theme of loss permeates the film, particularly through the heartbreak of Annie's tragic death. Her passing serves as a pivotal moment that forces the remaining friends to confront their lives and the importance of their relationships. Through grief, they find the strength to evolve and embrace new beginnings.
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Friendship
Friendship is central to the narrative as the four girls support and navigate the complexities of their adolescent lives. Despite their differences, they share deep connections that bring both joy and tension. The bond they forge ultimately leads them through turmoil and the bittersweet experiences of growing up.
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Coming of Age
The film encapsulates the coming-of-age journey of the main characters as they grapple with identity, sexuality, and the transition to adulthood. The struggles they face highlight the challenges of growing up, dealing with societal pressures, and discovering one's self amidst chaos and growth.
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