Coming Attractions ( 1978 )

Coming Attractions (1978): A Deep Dive into Early Parody and the End of an Era

Coming Attractions, released in 1978, is a unique and often overlooked film that serves as a fascinating time capsule and a surprisingly prescient parody of Hollywood's marketing machine. Directed by Tony Silver and written by Ivan Reitman, Michael Simmons, and Lorne Michaels (credited as Editor), it's a mockumentary framed as a compilation of trailers for upcoming movies, all of which are intentionally absurd and hilariously unwatchable. While not a critical or commercial success upon release, Coming Attractions has slowly gained a cult following for its sharp satire of cinematic trends, its star-studded cast (albeit playing mostly uncredited roles), and its nostalgic glimpse into the sensibilities of the late 1970s.

The Premise: A Cavalcade of Cinematic Chaos

The film's central conceit is simple yet effective: present a series of fictional film trailers as if they were genuine previews for upcoming Hollywood productions. These trailers cover a wide range of genres, from disaster films and science fiction epics to gritty dramas and cheesy musicals. Each trailer is meticulously crafted to resemble the style and tropes of its respective genre, often exaggerating them to the point of absurdity. The brilliance of Coming Attractions lies in its ability to both mimic and mock the prevailing trends in cinema at the time, highlighting the often formulaic and predictable nature of Hollywood filmmaking.

Key Trailers and Their Parodic Targets

The individual trailers within Coming Attractions are the heart of the film. Each one is a miniature masterpiece of parody, perfectly capturing the essence of the genre it's lampooning. Here are some of the most memorable examples:

• Skateboard: A gritty urban drama about a young skateboarder battling gang violence and corruption. This trailer parodies the wave of blaxploitation films and the growing popularity of skateboarding culture at the time.
• Test Tube Babies: A ludicrous science fiction film about genetically engineered babies who develop superpowers. This trailer satirizes the over-the-top nature of many science fiction films of the era, particularly those dealing with genetic experimentation.
• The Divorcees: A melodramatic soap opera about a group of wealthy women navigating the complexities of divorce. This trailer pokes fun at the often-exaggerated emotions and dramatic situations found in soap operas.
• I Was A Teenage Zombie: A horror-comedy (pre-dating many similar films) about a teenager who transforms into a zombie. This trailer mocks the low-budget horror films that were popular at drive-in theaters.
• Die Laughing: A bizarre action film that mixes comedy and extreme violence. This trailer satirizes the trend of blending genres in an often-incongruous way.

The Cast: A Galaxy of Uncredited Stars

One of the most intriguing aspects of Coming Attractions is its impressive cast, many of whom appear in uncredited roles. The filmmakers managed to attract a number of talented actors and comedians, likely due to the involvement of Ivan Reitman and Lorne Michaels, who were both influential figures in the comedy world. The anonymity of the cast adds to the film's satirical edge, as it suggests that even established actors are willing to participate in the often-absurd world of Hollywood filmmaking. Notable cast members (many unconfirmed due to the nature of the production) reportedly include:

• Bill Murray (rumored to be involved in various skits)
• Dan Aykroyd (speculated to have contributed to writing and performances)
• Harold Ramis (likely involved due to his collaboration with Reitman)
• Gilda Radner (potentially involved in comedic segments)

The presence of these comedic heavyweights further solidifies Coming Attractions' position as a precursor to the sketch comedy films and television shows that would become popular in the 1980s.

Satire and Social Commentary

Beyond its comedic value, Coming Attractions offers a subtle but insightful commentary on Hollywood's commercialism and the changing landscape of American society. The film's exaggerated trailers highlight the industry's reliance on formulas, sequels, and special effects, often at the expense of originality and artistic merit. It also reflects the growing anxieties and cultural shifts of the late 1970s, including concerns about technology, social unrest, and the breakdown of traditional values. For example, the trailer for Test Tube Babies taps into the growing anxieties surrounding genetic engineering, while Skateboard reflects the rise of urban youth culture and its associated challenges.

The Significance of 1978: A Transition Period

The year 1978 was a pivotal one in film history. It marked a transition period between the gritty, auteur-driven cinema of the 1970s and the blockbuster-focused Hollywood of the 1980s. Films like Star Wars (1977) had already demonstrated the potential for massive commercial success, and Hollywood was increasingly focused on producing films that would appeal to a wider audience. Coming Attractions captures this shift perfectly, satirizing both the excesses of the old Hollywood and the emerging trends of the new. It can be viewed as a lament for the loss of artistic integrity in favor of mass appeal.

Influence and Legacy

While not a mainstream success, Coming Attractions has had a lasting impact on comedy and filmmaking. It is considered a precursor to mockumentaries like This Is Spinal Tap (1984) and sketch comedy shows like Saturday Night Live. Its influence can also be seen in the work of filmmakers who have used parody and satire to critique Hollywood, such as Robert Altman and Paul Verhoeven. The film's ability to blend humor with social commentary has also inspired a new generation of filmmakers who are using comedy to address important issues.

Furthermore, Coming Attractions foreshadowed the increasing importance of marketing and trailers in the film industry. Today, trailers are often as highly anticipated as the films themselves, and studios invest heavily in creating trailers that will generate buzz and attract audiences. The film's satirical portrayal of trailers as exaggerated and often misleading representations of the films they promote remains relevant in an era where marketing often overshadows the actual content.

Reception and Critical Analysis

Contemporary reviews of Coming Attractions were mixed. Some critics praised its originality and satirical wit, while others found it to be uneven and lacking in substance. The film's unconventional format and its reliance on parody may have alienated some viewers who were expecting a more traditional narrative. However, in retrospect, Coming Attractions is now recognized as a clever and insightful commentary on Hollywood's excesses. Its cult following has grown steadily over the years, and it is now considered a minor classic of satirical cinema.

Availability and Preservation

Unfortunately, Coming Attractions has not been widely available on home video or streaming platforms. This has contributed to its relative obscurity, despite its cult following. However, copies of the film can sometimes be found online, and it occasionally screens at repertory cinemas and film festivals. Preserving Coming Attractions is important for future generations of film scholars and enthusiasts, as it provides a valuable glimpse into the history of Hollywood and the evolution of cinematic satire.

Conclusion: A Time Capsule of Satire

Coming Attractions (1978) is more than just a collection of funny trailers; it's a time capsule of a specific moment in film history, a satirical commentary on Hollywood's commercialism, and a precursor to the mockumentary genre. Its star-studded cast, its clever writing, and its insightful social commentary make it a film that deserves to be rediscovered and appreciated. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece in the traditional sense, Coming Attractions is a valuable and entertaining document of a bygone era, and its satirical insights remain relevant even today.

Tables for enhanced understanding

Table 1: Key Trailers and Genre Parodies

Table 2: Rumored Cast and Potential Roles

Table 3: Themes and Social Commentary