Slam Dance

Slam Dance is a thrilling crime drama from 1987 starring Tom Hulce, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Virginia Madsen. The movie follows the life of a talented artist named C.C. Drood (Tom Hulce) who is going through a rough time in his personal and professional life. He is going through a divorce, and his career as an artist is going downhill. One night he meets a beautiful and mysterious woman named Yolanda (Virginia Madsen), who introduces him to the exciting world of slam dancing in underground clubs.

The two hit it off, and C.C. ends up falling for Yolanda, but little does he know that she has a dark secret. Her ex-boyfriend is a dangerous criminal who wants her back, and he will stop at nothing to get her back. Yolanda becomes a victim of domestic abuse, and C.C. becomes a witness to it all. He tries to help her, but it puts him in danger as well.

The movie features some excellent performances from all the leads, with Tom Hulce particularly shining in the role of C.C. Drood. He perfectly embodies the character, who is going through a mid-life crisis and trying to find his way back on track. He is a flawed protagonist, but you can't help but root for him.

Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio plays the role of Helen, a tough and no-nonsense cop who is investigating the case involving Yolanda and her ex-boyfriend. She is a great contrast to the sensitive and artistic nature of C.C. and adds a much-needed grounding to the movie.

Virginia Madsen's Yolanda is a complex character, who is both vulnerable and strong-willed. She is a victim of domestic abuse, but she doesn't just sit around waiting for someone to save her. She takes matters into her own hands and fights back.

Slam Dance is a visually stunning movie with a fantastic soundtrack. The slam dancing scenes are particularly well-shot and capture the energy and excitement of the underground club scene. The movie's use of light and shadow is impressive, and the neon-drenched streets of Los Angeles become the perfect backdrop for the movie's dark and gritty atmosphere.

The themes of the movie revolve around love, art, and violence. It's a commentary on the art world and how the mainstream commodifies it, leaving little room for true creativity. It's also a critique of society's tendency to undervalue and ignore the experiences of women who are victims of abuse.

Overall, Slam Dance is a fantastic movie that deserves more recognition than it received at the time of its release. It's a thrilling crime drama that features excellent performances, a killer soundtrack, and impressive visual style. It's a must-watch for fans of art-house movies and crime dramas.