Footloose: More Than Just Kicking Off Your Sunday Shoes - Behind the Scenes of a Dance Revolution
Footloose brings images of teens, 80s fashion, and thrilling dancing. This film hides fascinating stories behind its scenes. Casting surprises await. It's more than a feel-good movie; it’s a cultural marker filled with layers you might not expect.
The Cast of Characters (and Casting Chaos)
Let’s explore Footloose's heart – its characters and the actors involved. Ren McCormack shakes up a small town with his dance passion. Kevin Bacon became synonymous with Ren. Did you know Bacon’s route wasn't a straight shot? A-list royalty circled this project like hawks.
Ren McCormack: The Role That Almost Was... Everyone Else
Imagine John Travolta as Ren! It almost happened! He turned down the role after being offered it, likely letting his agent down. Tom Cruise was also tied to the role. Picture him sliding on the floor. Rob Lowe was another considered option; imagine his charm as Ren.
Zac Efron got tempted by the remake, yet decided on a different path. He wanted to grow his acting skills. A burn at McCormack, perhaps? Enter Kevin Bacon. At 25, he wasn't a household name, but his energy fit the role perfectly. Now, let's discuss his moves.
Kevin Bacon's Dancing Prowess (and Secret Doubles)
Kevin Bacon's dance moves dazzle us. Yes, he did most of his own dancing. He has charisma and skills. Yet, even skilled actors have limits. For extreme stunts, the production hired a double. Not just one, but multiple yet kept it secret to help the myth of Bacon as a super dancer. Pure movie magic!
A fun trivia note: Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick? Distant cousins! A small Hollywood world indeed.
Ariel Moore: Rebellion and Rejected Royalty
Ariel Moore, the preacher's daughter, is vital in Footloose. Lori Singer captured this teen angst perfectly. Like Ren, her casting had almost-runs. Daryl Hannah passed on the role for a mermaid gig instead! Could have had Ariel over Splash? Priorities!
In 2011, new actresses like Miley Cyrus and Amanda Bynes were considered for the role. Picture Miley twerking as Ariel? No thanks. Ultimately, Julianne Hough, then 23, claimed the role, bringing her dance background to life.
Ariel is more than just rebellious. She battles grief and emotional struggles too. The film hints at "suicidal tendencies," her brother's death looms over her, straining her bond with her strict father.
Rusty: Sarah Jessica Parker's Almost-Cut Dance Moves
Rusty, Ariel's friend, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, shines bright. At 18, she brought liveliness to Rusty. However, there was drama; she almost missed the iconic final dance scene! Can you imagine Footloose without that finale?
During early screenings, audiences felt lacking in excitement. The studio insisted on retakes to enhance that dance scene. It is a mystery if Parker was available then, but fun nonetheless.
From Oklahoma Ban to Utah Hills: The Production Story
Footloose, set in Bomont, originates from a true story in Elmore City, Oklahoma. Small-town America did impose a dancing ban. This ban dates back to 1898 to curb "heavy drinking." Then, in 1980, the junior class bravely requested a prom against this backdrop. The school board's tie-breaking vote allowed it. Life imitating art!
Footloose was filmed in Utah not Oklahoma. Several Utah towns step in as Bomont: Payson, American Fork, Provo, Lehi, Orem made Bomont alive on screen.
- Payson: Payson High School served as Bomont High; tractor scenes shot around town. So, those school scenes? Utah magic!
- American Fork: The church scenes were filmed at the First Presbyterian Church. Hallowed ground for the movie's conflict.
- Provo: Drive-in scenes featured an old Hi-Spot burger joint in Provo. Rowdy bar scenes? The Silver Spur in Provo again.
- Lehi: Lehi Roller Mills stood as Ren McCormack's workplace; industrial meets dance rebellion.
- Orem: While listed as official shots, specific details remain unclear; perhaps just background visuals.
Utah’s backdrop provided scenic beauty and small-town vibes for young rebels against stiff rules.
More Than Just Dancing: Themes and Content
Beyond catchy songs, Footloose explores deep themes. It's about grief and oppression too. Ariel’s backstory holds tragedy; her brother's death from a car accident weighs heavily on her actions.
This fuels Reverend Moore's no-dance attitude and much of Ariel’s rebellion. The film carries more depth than expected for a light story.
The theme extends to sexual repression too. Ariel shocks her dad by sharing she lost her virginity. His horrified reaction shows societal attitudes on sex. Her sarcastic jab at him illustrates futile control attempts.
Interestingly, the movie uses scripture to counter anti-dance attitudes. A character quotes Psalm 149 about praising God through dance in a pivotal moment. It cleverly defends freedom of expression through movement.
You might wonder if Footloose suits Christian viewers. Opinions vary widely. Some may find rebellion and sexuality troubling, while others focus on overcoming grief and unjust rules alongside joy. The 2011 remake toned down some original content to avoid offending conservative views; whether this is good or not can spark debate.
Footloose Re-Booted: The 2011 Remake
The 2011 remake introduced Footloose to a new audience. Julianne Hough took up Lori Singer's dancing role as Ariel while Kenny Wormald became Ren McCormack.
This remake felt contemporary yet honored the original film’s heart. Notably, Blake Shelton’s country rendition of the classic theme song made waves. It was a solid update but for many fans, the 1984 version remains the unforgettable Footloose.
The next time you hear Kenny Loggins sing "Footloose," remember it’s more than just a catchy song. It’s a layered story with fascinating casting tales and a production journey that's as captivating as the film itself. Excuse me now; I must kick off my Sunday shoes and dance!
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