The Legend of Billie Jean (1985)
“The Legend of Billie Jean” had a little something for each Shat The Movies host. Gene got his Honda Elite scooter. Ash got her Christian Slater. And Big D got Helen Slater with no bra.
But that’s not why listener BreAnn M. commissioned this 1985 coming-of-age film. For her, “The Legend of Billie Jean” was an inspiration, a gateway to feminism and a radical view of what kids could do.
In this episode, the Shat Crew debates whether all Gulf Coast states are the same, whether men are as bad as the movie makes them out to be and whether teens are a powerful force or apathetic losers.
Gene offers some tips on how to make a powerful video for the media. Ash rails against the “these darn kids” messaging of ’80s films. And Big D describes what would really happen to Billie Jean and her gang in the real world.
Other topics range from the accuracy of police snipers to the plausibility of life in Vermont. And, of course, everyone loves Pat Benatar.
Plot Summary:
In the 1985 teen drama The Legend of Billie Jean, directed by Matthew Robbins, Helen Slater stars as Billie Jean Davy, a fearless Texas teenager who becomes an unlikely folk hero after standing up against injustice. Living in a trailer park with her younger brother Binx (Christian Slater), Billie Jean dreams of escaping their small-town life. When Binx’s beloved scooter is vandalized by a group of local bullies led by Hubie Pyatt (Barry Tubb), Billie Jean demands restitution from Hubie’s father, Mr. Pyatt (Richard Bradford), a sleazy pawnshop owner. Instead of making things right, Mr. Pyatt attempts to assault Billie Jean, leading to a scuffle where he is accidentally shot.
Fearing for their lives, Billie Jean, Binx, and their friends Ophelia (Martha Gehman) and Putter (Yeardley Smith) go on the run, quickly becoming media sensations as they elude capture. Inspired by Joan of Arc, Billie Jean cuts her hair short and makes a stand against the corrupt authorities and those who wronged her and her brother. As they move from place to place, Billie Jean’s message of fairness and justice gains a following, with teenagers across the country rallying behind her battle cry, “Fair is fair!”
The Legend of Billie Jean captures the spirit of youthful rebellion and the fight for what is right, set against the backdrop of 1980s America. With its memorable soundtrack featuring Pat Benatar’s “Invincible” and a compelling performance from Helen Slater, the film has become a cult classic.
Join our podcast review as we revisit this 80s gem, exploring its themes of courage, defiance, and the enduring power of standing up for justice. Does this tale of teenage rebellion and empowerment still resonate with today’s audiences?
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