Smithereens
Director: Susan Seidelman
Actors: Susan Berman, Brad Rijn, Richard Hell
PlotWren is a brash and ambitious young woman who moves to New York City with dreams of making it big in the punk rock scene. She spends her days plastering the city with flyers featuring her own face, trying to gain recognition and find her place in the chaotic urban landscape. Her lifestyle is chaotic and unstable as she hops from one scheme to another in an attempt to push her way into the punk subculture. Through her journey, she crosses paths with Paul, a naive but well-meaning young man living out of his van, and Eric, a disillusioned punk rocker who has seen better days. Both men become intrigued by Wren's tenacity, but soon discover the complexities of her character and ambitions.
As Wren navigates her fractured world, she must deal with the conflicting forces of desperation and desire. Her interactions become increasingly tense, pushing her closer to a precipice where her decisions could have significant consequences. She's faced with moments of tough self-realization, driven by the contrasting influences and intentions of Paul and Eric, and must wrestle with what it truly means to be seen and heard in a city teeming with people fighting for their own slice of notoriety. Her relentless pursuit of fame and identity in the gritty New York punk scene sets the stage for a series of encounters that force her to re-evaluate her aspirations and the cost of her dreams.
Writers: Susan Seidelman, Ron Nyswaner, Peter Askin
Release Date: 25 Feb 1983
Runtime: 93 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Smithereens' honest portrayal of 80s NYC is captured in Criterion's superb 2K restoration, combining raw storytelling with exceptional bonus features. RECOMMENDED.
Read our review of Smithereens Blu-ray to find out more