Director: Ivan Reitman
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actresses in Hollywood have made movies treasure like Sigourney Weaver. Ever since her rise to fame in the 1990’s, Weaver has made memorable movies. Whether it is feminist warriors, space survivors or strong political leaders, Weaver has played several compelling characters. Arguably, Weaver’s finest strength as an actress has often been commitment. She is one of those rare movie-stars that has always poured her heart and soul into every role. Weaver has never been afraid to take risks in her career portraying complex characters which are not likeable. Through her willingness to take risks in her career, Weaver has become a commemorated actress with timeless movies that audiences value. Throughout her enduring career, Weaver has made many memorable movies that are definitely worth taking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of the actress and adore all the movies she has made in her career. However, “Ghostbusters” is definitely my favourite. Ever since its release in 1984, Ivan Reitman’s movie has stood test of time as a classic. Packed with breathtaking production design, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best science fiction films ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Sigourney Weaver, who plays a courageous woman seeking to combat ghosts that cause a catastrophic disaster. Ultimately, what makes “Ghostbusters” a timeless classic is universal appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles powerful themes everyone would relate to. Viewers do not need to be familiar with the sci-fi genre to appreciate it. An engaging masterpiece about ghosts that are frightening, there are countless reasons why “Ghostbusters” is a movie which is worth seeing.
Set in a prestigious university, “Ghostbusters” tells the story of a team of scientists seeking to combat ghosts which cause catastrophe. Bill Murray plays Peter Venkman, a scientist with flair for investigating ghosts causing disaster. Peter has always had a passion for resolving supernatural ghosts causing tension. Assisted by comrade Ray (Dan Aykroyd), Peter seeks to investigate ghosts causing tragedy. However, Peter soon discovers that fighting ghosts that cause disaster isn’t going to be as easy as he once thought. Just when all hope appears to be lost, Peter finds newfound happiness when he is assisted with Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver). Dana is a skilled therapist with an aptitude for investigating ghosts. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Peter is forced to wonder whether it’s possible for him to overcome ghosts causing disaster. Faced with a dilemma, Peter questions whether it is possible to overcome dark ghosts that cause trauma.
Ivan Reitman is a newcomer towards stories of ghosts. Before he directed “Ghostbusters”, he had never made a movie about ghosts causing disaster. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of scientists seeking to fight ghosts causing catastrophe but he succeeded immensely. Using captivating cinematography, Reitman captures the lives of scientists which seek to overcome ghost tragedy. Visually, the movie is a feast for the eyes. Reitman expertly uses montages to capture tensions scientists seeking to investigate ghosts are enduring. For instance, montages elevate the ghost fridge scene. During this frightening scene, Dana is shocked to find ghosts in her house’s fridge. One appreciates montages capturing tension that women affected by ghosts are enduring. Montages are a tricky technique to use in film. As Ridley Scott’s “Alien” suggested, montages elevate movies about aliens. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through strong visuals. Reitman captures tensions of ghosts that are frightening.
Another admirable aspect of “Ghostbusters” which merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Reitman effectively uses practical effects to capture ghosts which are frightening. Throughout the movie, Reitman uses stunning practical effects capturing the tension that scientists investigating ghosts are facing. For instance, practical effects enhance the library monster scene. During this heartfelt scene, Peter and his friends come across a frightening ghost in the library. Through bold practical effects, Reitman creates ghosts that are easy to relate to. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Elmer Bernstein’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing hardship ghosts bear. Through phenomenal production design, Reitman captures ghosts experiencing a decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Ghostbusters” is a film about ghosts which are compelling. The film is expertly written, and effectively uses comedy to capture ghosts causing tragedy. Throughout the film, Reitman uses comedy to capture ghosts which cause a catastrophe. For instance, comedy elevates the hotel ghost scene. During this hilarious scene, Peter and his friends seek to fight a ghost causing catastrophe in a hotel. Through comedy, Reitman creates ghosts audiences can easily relate to. Comedy is tricky to use in most movies. Most ghost movies often adopt a serious tone capturing creatures which prove to be dangerous. Nevertheless, it works well on this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Reitman captures scientists that fight ghosts causing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Sigourney Weaver delivers one of her finest career performances as Dana. Weaver first achieved appreciation playing survivors of space alien disasters. With “Ghostbusters”, however, she took on her most comedic role. It’s not easy to portray a woman affected by ghosts causing catastrophe but she pulled it off successfully. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, hilarious and emotional in her most memorable role. With riveting expressions, she captures the angst, fear and resentment of a woman affected by ghosts causing catastrophe. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most beloved actresses today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Weaver, the supporting cast is also superb and merits recognition. Bill Murray is brilliant, capturing the intelligence of a scientist which seeks to investigate ghosts causing a price to pay. Dan Aykroyd is superb, capturing bravery of a scientist seeking to inspect ghosts which cause tragedy. Lastly, Harold Ramis deserves appreciation. As an intelligent scientist, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Ghostbusters” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing ghosts that cause disasters. Unlike most movies about ghosts, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film discusses strong themes including grief, identity and trauma which would resonate with everyone. Despite taking place in the 1980’s, its themes remain relevant today. Therefore, “Ghostbusters” is one of those rare films about ghosts everyone would adore.
Fans of Sigourney Weaver will definitely enjoy “Ghostbusters” and so will movie-goers which seek exhilarating entertainment. A captivating science fiction classic, it honours an actress that is iconic.
Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking comedy about scientists seeking to apprehend ghosts which are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has built a lasting legacy earning a huge fan following for her abilities to portray compelling characters in captivating movies which are worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 