STAY HUNGRY

US, 1976, 102 minutes, Colour.
Jeff Bridges, Sally Field, Arnold Schwarzenegger, R.G. Armstrong, Robert Englund.
Directed by Bob Rafelson.

Stay Hungry slipped in and out of theatres, but it is worth attention, an interesting look at contemporary America and its need to change. Set in Birmingham, Alabama, it shows the traditional wealthy unable to cope or doing shady deals; as a symbol of today's ordinary people, there is a group managing a gym. The interaction of the two worlds gives a message that old aristocracy has no place in a world where ordinary people strive for goals and stay hungry. With many excellent sequences, it is a film for reflection rather than popular entertainment. Jeff Bridges as the star, Bob Rafelson (Five Easy Pieces, Marvin Gardens) directed.

1. The meaning and tone of the title, as explained by Blake, its references to Joe? The theme of the ordinary way of staying alert and alive?

2. Was the film a comedy, a drama? How serious was it, how light? How well did it blend both aspects?

3. How valuable a piece of Americana? Its criticism of the old values of America, especially in the south? Its presentation of old wealth, acquired by gangster means and used in the modern day? Its presentation of the death of the old America, the emptiness of the modern America? The necessity of the modern young America coming down from its ancestral hill and changing, being ordinary and honest? How well was this communicated and explored?

4. The importance of the narrative technique, especially the letters from Uncle Albert and their comment on family, the south, on Blake himself? Uncle Albert when he eventually entered the film? The significance of the final letter from Blake to Uncle Albert and its content and themes?

5. The presentation of the Blake family and its traditions, the opening of young Blake writing, the vast house with its rooms, servant? The role of the servant rebuking his master and wanting to leave? The Blake relations and their way of life, pre-suppositions about living? The Blakes and Alabama high society, snobbery etc.? Big business deals.. the background of their parties and social life etc.? How interesting and accurate a picture of this kind of American society?

6. The contrast with the people from the gymnasium? The punch-drunk manager, his pre-occupation with sex, his role in running the place and interest in 'Mr. Universe' competitions? Mary, the ordinary girl from the country and acting as secretary? The girl who is the karate expert and her career and friendships? Joe and his training to be 'Mr. Universe'? The enthusiastic assistant? The other members of the staff? How did this Birmingham way of life contrast with that of the Blakes? The other side of American white society? The gymnasium as a symbol to be destroyed by the old aristocracy to make way for their present wealth? The gymnasium as a collection of odd but likable people? These being able to be joined by Blake for an ordinary life? Why was the gymnasium chosen, with its odd and humorous overtones, and the body-building world?

7. The picture of crookedness in Alabama high society? Land developers and their aims, the way they talked, the morality of doing deals, Blake and his involvement with them, gradually moving away, despite the plea of his peers and friends?

8. How callow a young man was Blake at the beginning of the film? His self-centredness, not caring? His agreement to do the deal against the gymnasium? His curiosity, the guided tour of the gymnasium and its effect on him? His relationship with Mary and the development of an affair? How much did this change him? What gained his interest in the gymnasium? His friendship with Joe? His gradual involvement, even wanting to supply the money?

9. The details of the outings and getting to know the main characters? Getting to know Blake by the people he moved with, the character of Mary, contrasting with high society people? Joe as the Austrian and partly out of place with these people? Admired only because of his bodily strength?

10. The significance and importance of the sequence with the hillbillies, their values, music, the participation of Joe, Blake’s dancing? The effect on all of them? A contrast and a different way of life with more humane values?

11. The contrast with the society party, the snobbery? Blake/s hurting of Mary by taking her and making her feel out of place? The snob attitudes towards Joe and the instrumental group? The way the film showed the tensions at the party, clashes of personalities and values?

12. The 'Mr. Universe' quest and its detail, preparation, the enthusiasm of the assistant? The role of the manager and his being able to be bribed seduced by the prostitutes? The satire in the presentation of the quest, the genuine values of such a quest. the competitors arriving, their participation.. the people in the crowd? The humorous artificiality of the poses on stage, the type of music played?

13. The contrast with the manager and his sexual appetites and seduction, sacrificing everyone and everybody to this?

14. The purpose and impact of the farce with the various competitors racing through the streets of the city, posing etc.? What tone did this give?

15. The contrast of the fight of Blake with the manager for Mary Kate? Her being abused by the manager? Her disillusionment with Blake and then the realization of the truth?

16. How had Blake changed throughout his experience? what decisions did he take, how wisely at the end? The significance of his letter to Uncle Albert?

17. What were the main values about American society that this film stood for?