FORGOTTEN FILM: PERMANENT RECORD (1988)

When we think of the teen films of the 1980's, we either go for the PORKY's style of comedy, or the John Hughes high school movies.

1988's PERMANENT RECORD doesn't fit either genre. It was a very serious look at high school. Not exploitative, not sugar coated like an after school special.

Because of that, it was barely released. Even though it was a Paramount film, I don't remember the film playing at any of my local theatres.

I caught it on video when it was first released, and wondered why no one had talked about it more. Later, my sister rented it and it would become a favorite of hers as well.

Set in Portland Oregon, the film is about David, an over achieving student played by Alan Boyce. David wants everything in his life to be perfect. An accomplished musician, heading to music school, he is busy at work on the charts for the school's version of H.M.S. PINAFORE.

At a party one night, he wonders off to the cliff, a popular hang out place. His best friend (Keanu Reeves) follows him. But, something happens. David disappears. Keanu goes to look for him, only to see that he fell off the cliff.

But did he fall or did he jump? Why would this guy, who had everything going for him commit suicide?

SLIGHT SPOILER WARNING

The climax of the film has Jennifer Rubin going out to do a solo for PINAFORE, only instead of singing the song, she sings a song that David wrote in memory of him.



Beautiful scene. Rubin herself isn't singing. It is voiced by Shea Adamson.

END SPOILER WARNING

The film is filled with great performances. Reeves gives one of his most serious, and arguably one of his best performances. I particularly liked Richard Bradford as the principal. A very sympathetic portrayal in what could have been a one note role. Michelle Meyrink (profiled here), Jennifer Rubin, Kathy Baker and Barry Corbin all appear. Lou Reed has a cameo as himself.

Director Marisa Silver (daughter of Joan Micklin Silver) did a very nice job with the material. She wouldn't do much after, VITAL SIGNS, HE SAID SHE SAID and some TV work. Nothing since 1992. She is now a novelist.

PERMANENT RECORD is largely forgotten when talking about films of the 1980's, but it deserves its place among the best.

The film is out of print on Paramount DVD, but used copies are still available.