E! True Hollywood Story Season 4 Episode 14 Flashdance

In the 1980s, the movie "Flashdance" danced its way into the hearts of millions of people around the world. This iconic film starred Jennifer Beals as Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel worker by day and exotic dancer by night who dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. The movie's soundtrack included unforgettable hits such as "Flashdance...What a Feeling" and "Maniac," cementing its place in pop culture history.

In this episode of E! True Hollywood Story, we take a deep dive into the making of "Flashdance." We'll hear from the film's cast and crew, as well as industry experts who will shed new light on why this movie was so groundbreaking. We'll explore the creative process behind the film's dance sequences, which are still imitated and parodied today. And we'll learn about the controversy that surrounded the movie, including accusations of plagiarism and criticism of its portrayal of women.

We'll start at the beginning, with the original idea for the movie. We'll hear how writers Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas came up with the concept of a female welder who dreams of being a dancer, and how they sold the idea to producer Jerry Bruckheimer. We'll also learn about the actress who was originally cast as Alex Owens before Jennifer Beals ultimately landed the role.

Next, we'll delve into the making of the movie itself. We'll hear how Beals prepared for the role, including the intensive dance training she underwent. We'll also explore the challenges of filming the dance sequences, which often required the use of stunt doubles and carefully choreographed camera movements.

But it wasn't just the dance sequences that made "Flashdance" so memorable - it was also the music. We'll take a closer look at the movie's soundtrack, which became a phenomenon in its own right. We'll hear from Irene Cara, who sang the movie's signature song "Flashdance...What a Feeling," as well as Michael Sembello, who wrote and performed "Maniac." We'll also learn about the process of creating the other songs on the soundtrack, which are still beloved by fans today.

Of course, no Hollywood story would be complete without a little controversy. We'll explore the accusations of plagiarism that surrounded the movie, including claims that some of the dance sequences were lifted from a French dance company. We'll also hear criticism of the movie's portrayal of women, with some accusing it of being exploitative or sexist. We'll get different perspectives on these issues, as well as the impact they had on the movie's reception.

Finally, we'll examine the legacy of "Flashdance" and its impact on popular culture. We'll hear from fans who were inspired by the movie, as well as from industry experts who will talk about its influence on other films and on the dance world more broadly. We'll also explore some of the ways in which "Flashdance" has been referenced or parodied in pop culture, highlighting its enduring appeal.

Overall, this episode of E! True Hollywood Story provides a comprehensive look at one of the most iconic movies of the 1980s. Whether you're a die-hard fan of "Flashdance" or simply curious about its cultural significance, this episode is a must-watch.