Say Anything... 1989
Made by
Fox Network
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Say Anything... (1989). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
At the conclusion of their senior high school year, the well-meaning underachiever Lloyd Dobler finds himself enchanted by the valedictorian, Diane Court. Despite belonging to different social circles, he plans to ask her out. Living with his single mother sister Constance while his parents serve in the U.S. Army in Germany, Lloyd has no concrete plans for his future. On the other hand, Diane comes from a privileged academic background, raised by her caring divorced father, Jim, who runs the retirement home where she is employed. She has aspirations of accepting a prestigious fellowship in England after summer.
Unexpectedly, Diane agrees to attend their graduation party with Lloyd, which surprises many. Their next outing takes place over dinner at Diane’s home, where Lloyd finds it challenging to make a good impression on Jim. Furthermore, complications arise when the Internal Revenue Service informs Jim that he is under investigation.
As their relationship develops, Lloyd introduces Diane to the elderly residents at the retirement home and even teaches her how to drive her newly gifted manual Ford Tempo. Their bond deepens, but it raises concerns for Diane’s protective father. Meanwhile, Lloyd’s musician best friend Corey, who is struggling with her own heartbreak from a previous relationship, cautions him to protect Diane’s feelings.
Seeing Lloyd as an unsuitable partner for his daughter, Jim pressures Diane to end her relationship with him, suggesting she part with a pen as a farewell gift. Anxious about her father’s disapproval, Diane reluctantly tells Lloyd she needs to focus on her studies, handing him the pen. Heartbroken, Lloyd seeks guidance from Corey, who urges him to “be a man.” Amidst this turmoil, tension rises as Jim’s financial troubles escalate when he discovers his credit cards have been canceled due to the IRS investigation.
In a heartfelt gesture, Lloyd stands outside Diane’s bedroom window at dawn, playing “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel— the song that accompanied their intimate moment. The following day, Diane meets with the IRS investigator, who presents evidence against Jim for embezzling funds from the retirement home. He suggests that she accept her fellowship since her father’s issues are set to worsen.
Confronting her father about the hidden cash, Diane learns that Jim had taken it to ensure her financial independence, justifying his actions by claiming he cared for the residents better than their families ever could. Overwhelmed by the revelations, Diane seeks comfort in Lloyd at his kickboxing gym.
As summer concludes, Jim faces a nine-month imprisonment sentence. Lloyd visits him, revealing plans to accompany Diane to England; Jim reacts with disappointment. Despite the tension, Diane arrives to bid farewell, and they share a heartfelt embrace. She gifts the same pen back to Lloyd, asking him to write her while in England. As they board their flight, Lloyd supports and comforts Diane, who is apprehensive about flying, ensuring they stand united in their new chapter together.
Timeline
Track the key events of Say Anything... (1989) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Lloyd's Infatuation
At the conclusion of his senior high school year, Lloyd Dobler, an underachiever, finds himself captivated by valedictorian Diane Court. Despite their different social circles, Lloyd becomes determined to pursue her and asks her out.
Diane Accepts the Invitation
Unexpectedly, Diane agrees to attend the graduation party with Lloyd, which catches everyone by surprise. This moment sparks the beginning of their relationship and sets the stage for their next outing together.
Dinner at Diane's Home
Lloyd nervously joins Diane for dinner at her home, where he tries to impress her father, Jim. The evening becomes complicated when Jim reveals that he is under investigation by the IRS, creating a tension-filled atmosphere.
Bonding Moments
As their relationship blossoms, Lloyd introduces Diane to the elderly residents at the retirement home where she works. He also teaches her how to drive her newly gifted manual Ford Tempo, further strengthening their bond.
Father's Concerns
Diane’s father, Jim, grows increasingly worried about their relationship and pressures her to end things with Lloyd. He suggests she should package her farewell with a pen, symbolizing his desire for her to focus on her future.
Diane Breaks the News
Conflicted by her father's wishes, Diane reluctantly tells Lloyd that she needs to concentrate on her studies. She hands him the pen, symbolizing their separation, leaving Lloyd heartbroken and searching for support.
Heartfelt Advice
Devastated by Diane's decision, Lloyd turns to his best friend Corey for guidance. She urges him to be a man and not to give up on Diane, prompting him to take action to win her back.
Jim's Financial Woes
In the midst of their emotional turmoil, Jim's troubles escalate when he discovers that his credit cards have been canceled due to the IRS investigation. This added pressure further complicates Diane's feelings about her relationship with Lloyd.
A Romantic Gesture
In a bold romantic move, Lloyd stands outside Diane's bedroom window at dawn, playing 'In Your Eyes' by Peter Gabriel. This moment reminds Diane of their intimate connection and stirs her feelings for Lloyd.
Diane's Confrontation
Diane meets with the IRS investigator the next day, who reveals evidence against her father for embezzling funds from the retirement home. She is urged to accept her fellowship in England, as her father's situation is likely to worsen.
Truth About Jim
Confronting her father about hidden cash, Diane discovers that Jim took the money to ensure her financial independence. Jim justifies his actions by stating he cared for the residents better than their families did.
Seeking Comfort
Feeling overwhelmed by the truth about her father's actions, Diane seeks comfort in Lloyd at his kickboxing gym. Their growing closeness helps Diane find solace amidst her family crisis.
Jim's Imprisonment
As summer comes to an end, Jim is sentenced to nine months in prison, leaving Diane in a state of confusion. Lloyd visits Jim to express his plans to go to England with Diane, but Jim reacts with disappointment.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Diane arrives to say goodbye to Lloyd before his flight to England, and they share an emotional embrace. In a touching gesture, she gifts the same pen back to Lloyd, encouraging him to write her while she's away.
A New Chapter Begins
As they board their flight, Lloyd supports Diane, who is nervous about flying. Together, they step into this new chapter of their lives, hopeful for their future despite the uncertainties ahead.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Say Anything... (1989) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack)
Lloyd is a charming underachiever, characterized by his unwavering romantic spirit and earnestness. His journey revolves around pursuing Diane, balancing his lack of concrete plans with genuine affection. His determination illustrates the struggles of youth in the face of life's uncertainties and familial obligations.
Diane Court (Ione Skye)
Diane is intelligent, ambitious, and carries the weight of her father's expectations. Torn between her aspirations and her developing feelings for Lloyd, her character embodies the pressures faced by students transitioning to adulthood. She is relatable, bridging a conservative upbringing with the complexities of first love.
Jim Court
Diane's father, Jim, is a caring yet misguided figure whose protective instincts lead to conflict. His financial issues and the resulting tension strain his relationship with Diane, showcasing the complexities of parental love and fear. His actions reveal a deep concern for his daughter's future, albeit through a flawed lens.
Corey
Corey is Lloyd's supportive best friend, serving as a voice of reason amid Lloyd's romantic endeavors. Facing her own heartbreak, she provides insights and advice, although her experiences also reflect the emotional trials of young adulthood. Her encouragement reflects a deep friendship grounded in understanding.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Say Anything... (1989), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Late 1980s - Early 1990s
The movie is set during a pivotal transitional period for many youths facing life after high school. The late 1980s to early 1990s was characterized by a culture of change and self-exploration, with young adults grappling with autonomy and future aspirations. Events like economic challenges and shifts in societal norms play a background role in shaping the characters' narratives.
Location
Retirement Home, High School, Lloyd's Home, Diane's Home
The story unfolds in a mix of common places representative of young adulthood. The retirement home, run by Diane's father, serves as a backdrop for both relational discovery and moral dilemmas. Lloyd's and Diane's homes showcase their contrasting backgrounds—Lloyd's being a modest space filled with familial love, while Diane's reflects privilege influenced by her father's academic aspirations.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Say Anything... (1989). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love and Heartbreak
The central theme revolves around the complexities of young love and the heartaches that accompany it. Lloyd's earnest pursuit of Diane contrasts sharply with external pressures, showcasing the fragile dynamic of their budding relationship. Ultimately, it explores the impact of familial expectations and personal dreams on romantic connections.
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Father-Daughter Relationships
Diane's relationship with her father, Jim, highlights themes of protection and expectation. As a divorced parent, Jim's overly cautious nature and misguided actions can significantly affect Diane’s decisions. This theme captures the struggle between seeking independence and the desire to meet parental approval.
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Youth and Aspirations
The film encapsulates the hopes and dreams of youth, along with the existential uncertainties that accompany life after high school. Both Lloyd and Diane represent different paths and societal pressures faced by graduates, with Diane particularly dealing with the weight of high expectations and ambitions.
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