I have a thing for dark comedies, and teen movies, especially from the ’80s, so it’s no surprise that my head whips around when I hear a Heathers quote. Unless, of course, you haven’t seen Heathers–then I bet it’s a bit of a surprise.
Heathers completely failed at the box office when it came out in 1988, but became a cult phenomenon among people who were comfortable enough saying they’d seen it. Seriously, I have no idea who you recommend this movie to (me?) and yet, somehow, it’s now a Broadway musical. I suppose it’s because, as JD says:
The extreme always seems to make an impression.
Anyhow, what’s this movie about? Well…
“Dear Diary, my teen-angst bullshit now has a body count.”
There are the Heathers, and their reluctant fourth, Veronica, who has grown a little tired of high school politics. And then there’s a new boy at school, and he’s all, dark and cute and fun and really likes slushies and then… some murder. Classic high school tale, yeah?
I always say that I’m not sure how they’d get away with making this movie today at all, but like I mentioned earlier, they went and made a Broadway musical.
You can find songs from the musical online (they have a free download on their website) or you can hear a couple songs on Spotify right here:
I swear, the best thing about this movie, is quoting it. I think the people who made the musical agree, because it is absolutely full of quotes direct from the film. Some of the stand outs:
Our love is god. Let’s go get a slushie.
If you were happy every day of your life you wouldn’t be a human being. You’d be a game-show host.
Heather McNamara: It’s your turn Heather.
Heather Chandler: No, Heather, it’s Heather’s turn. Heather?
Heather Duke: Sorry Heather.
People will look at the ashes of Westerburg and say, “Now there’s a school that self-destructed, not because society didn’t care, but because the school was society.” Now that’s deep.
Veronica, you look like hell.
So, how about you? You a Heather?