One of the first CD’s I ever bought was the soundtrack for this film. I have no idea why. For some reason in my head it was a necessity. I wasn’t wrong. I must have listened to that thing about a hundred times. I heard that the soundtrack was the best part and not to bother with the film but something kept drawing me to it. I tried (unsuccessfully) to stay up late and watch it when it was on TV so I forgot about it for several years and about 3 months ago got it out and watched it beginning to end. WOW. I can’t believe it had taken me so long. It was a great film. It captures all of the grittiness of 70’s New York films (there are some pretty morally questionable acts that take place) but juxtaposes it with the flashy lights and escapism of the disco. Unlike any of the myriad of ‘losers triumph through dance’ movies that populate cineplexes on any given week the dancing never feels forced or inorganic. This really is how he deals with all the crappy stuff going on with his family and his friends. And c’mon the music is amazing ;)