Arrow Review - Over The Edge (1979)

A popular VHS rental back in the day, Over the Edge (1979) took time to find an initial audience after a slim theatrical release by a distributor nervous that the troublesome youthful representation in the film, was going to incite trouble and affray among audiences.

What a mistake being judged unrealisable as nasty street gang film.

In hindsight that was naïve to say the least, misfit kids bond together in this terrific drama performed by a natural cast of mostly non-actors, including the great Matt Dillon, literally plucked off a New York street to appear in his debut role.

Potentially made with exploitation in mind due to his previous 1970s ‘grindhouse’ style films such as, Truck Turner or White Line Fever, it does not pan out that way for Director Jonathan Kaplan.

Over the Edge, is first-rate low budget storytelling.

This vision of suburban America where out of touch adults don’t seem to care what their kids are doing day or night, is ultimately sad.

Drugs, sex, rock and roll are experimented with on a regular basis in a carefree environment that builds to a crescendo of rallying to make a point, using violence.

Written by Charlie Haas and Tim Hunter, the latter went on to direct on of the underappreciated high voltage drama, Rivers Edge (1986), this movie does a great job portraying a wasteland of half-completed buildings and broken dreams.

In a town full of bad apples criminal activity compensates the boredom these kids suffer. Sorrowfully certain scenes involving a gun are included.

Backstories level out the multi character study, parents are not evil they are just blasé until tragedy strikes. Police are bullies too which insights trouble in itself. Real performances of adolescents being themselves works. Pamela Ludwig as Cory a standout whilst obviously future thespian Matt Dillon, is electrifying as likable delinquent, Richie, whilst cool, Vincent Spano as Mark, also good.

Important and rigorous, motivation should be high to check out this beautiful restoration of a forgotten celluloid anomaly. The brilliant soundtrack includes Cheap Trick, Ramones and The Cars.