Discuss The Boy in the Plastic Bubble
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Indelible film.
posted by RockySullivanSTAFFMOD on December 27, 2023 at 1:00 AM
Here's an interesting one from the '70s back when movies evolved quite a bit. Screen idol John Travolta stars as young Tod Lubitsch, whose immune system is so messed up that he cannot even interact with the outside world. W/o giving away too much, I will just say that this one really had an impact on my younger days. As Spike Lee's '90s movie Crooklyn points out, here was the last decade where kids could be kids. I mean, what youth back in the days wasn't seduced by the idea of wiling their days away in a 'bubble' of some sort? Still, I couldn't stop feeling sorry for Tod. In my own socially designated "youth," I ran across a neighborhood street that actual cars drove through, from time to time. I drank water from an actual hose to cool myself down. I did adventurous things. Get it?
How does a kid living in a bubble actually grow?
Comments, anyone?
Reply by bratface
on December 27, 2023 at 3:12 AM
This one is better.
https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/9683-bubble-boy
Reply by RockySullivan
on December 28, 2023 at 2:47 AM
Interesting. It sounds like almost precisely the same premise updated to current day.
Reply by bratface
on December 28, 2023 at 2:49 AM
Are you talking about Bubble Boy? I suppose I can safely assume that you haven't seen it?
Reply by genplant29
on December 28, 2023 at 5:46 AM
I don't recall this made-for-tv movie, other than the unique subject matter and that I watched it and was interested, and that the film was a ratings success, when it was originally broadcast. Back then Travolta was strictly a tv sitcom star, so this was a breakout role for him.
Reply by genplant29
on December 28, 2023 at 9:21 AM
Good question you asked, Rocky. I (having been born during first half of the 1960s) remember well the days you've mentioned. Doors and windows didn't need locking (unless no one was home), a kid could go out on their bike, or with their neighbourhood friends, for hours, sight unseen, no cell phones, and parents didn't assume the worst; etc., etc.
Ah, the good old days. Kids actually developed normally, rather than the weird stunted abnormal way they do today pinned, transfixed, to devices continuously and thinking endless messaging and status updating people (including internet strangers they'll never meet), not to mention insecurely selfies-ing themselves ridiculously frequently, seeking appearance validation and judgment whether they look up to everyone's liking, is normal, or true healthy social development.
Reply by RockySullivan
on December 29, 2023 at 4:46 PM
Nope.
Reply by bratface
on December 29, 2023 at 6:39 PM
If you have the chance, do. It is hilarious!