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'Reality Bites' Is Turning 25 With NYC Celebration Next Year
By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 19, 2018
Modified Nov 19, 2018
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 19, 2018
Modified Nov 19, 2018
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In February 1994, one of the greatest films of my generation hit the big screen—Reality Bites delivered a portrait of both driven and disaffected Gen Xers coming of age in the early '90s, complete with plenty of thrift store props and one of the finest soundtracks. Shockingly, 25 years have now passed since it premiered, and unless you wanna be a lamestain, you're gonna put on your wack slacks and bundle up in some fuzz for the big celebration at Tribeca Film Festival next year.
This morning TFF announced that they will be "giving big anniversary treatments to Rob Reiner and Ben Stiller's feature directorial debuts," The Is Spinal Tap* and Reality Bites, respectively. The screening for the former (which is turning 35) will feature musical performance and a Q&A with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, and Rob Reiner. For Reality Bites, they'e got Ben Stiller and the the entire cast (Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garofalo and Steve Zahn) coming in a for a Q&A.
"Reality Bites was a formative experience in my life," Stiller said. "To have a 25 year anniversary screening is very exciting. Looking forward to seeing the whole cast, and possibly changing the ending so Michael gets Lelaina."
However, there's one big name missing from the Q&A roster: Helen Childress, who wrote the screenplay and then basically went off the grid. A TFF rep told Gothamist it's unclear at this time if she'll be added. So Helen, if you are reading this, email me so we can plan our own panel discussion.
The Tribeca Film Festival returns next April and May, so you've got some time, but here's more info on purchasing passes if you want to plan ahead. Here are the original trailers for a little hit of nostalgia until then.
*Apologies for not putting focus on 'This Is Spinal Tap' but I am less emotionally attached to this wonderful mockumentary!
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25 year anniversary
reality bites
tff
this is spinal tap
tribeca film festival
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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