Screening as part of our Cinemasters: Polly Platt season, co-curated with Invisible Women.
With that indelible image of John Cusack holding his boombox aloft outside Ione Skye’s window, Say Anything lodged itself into the imagination of generations of teenagers. Yet there’s much more to Cameron Crowe’s lovable directorial debut than one iconic scene. Endearingly awkward and beautifully observed, this high school love story boasts an array of memorable supporting performances but is anchored by a star-making turn from Cusack as Lloyd Dobler, a gawky wannabe kickboxer who falls hard for the beautiful valedictorian Diane (Skye).
Say Anything was one of the last films Polly Platt worked on as a producer, and the film’s enduring success is a testament to her passion and perseverance. Throughout her career, Platt is credited with spotting the potential of many young filmmakers (aside from Crowe, she also discovered a young Wes Anderson). On Say Anything, Platt served as a dedicated mentor to Crowe, fiercely advocating for the project and protecting the first-time filmmaker’s vision from studio interference. Keep an eye out for a cameo from Platt in a rare on-screen appearance as Mrs Flood.
Read our Polly Platt Season Programme Notes here.
