GHOSTBUSTERS (1984)

Film of the Day #194 - 31 Days of Halloween #30

GHOSTBUSTERS
1984 • Ivan Reitman

Screenplay: Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis
Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, William Atherton, David Margulies, Michael Ensign
Cinematography: László Kovács
Music: Elmer Bernstein
Producer: Ivan Reitman

Columbia Pictures

Why worry? Each one of us is carrying an unlicensed nuclear accelerator on his back.

In mid-1980s New York City, a wacky trio of paranormal scientists, stumbles upon a terrifying surge of supernatural activity. Doctors Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stanz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), start a paranormal pest control business called “Ghostbusters.” Armed with nuclear-powered proton packs and a battered hearse-turned-ghost-catching jalopy, Ecto-1, the trio become local celebrities by eradicating pesky apparitions from the Big Apple. When an ancient Sumerian deity awakens inside a client’s (Sigourney Weaver) refrigerator (it makes sense in the movie), threatening to plunge the city into chaos, the Ghostbusters, along with new recruit Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) have to step up to save the city by battling ghosts, ghouls, poltergeists, zombie taxi drivers, Slimers, terror dogs, giant marshmallow monsters, the mayor’s office and the Environmental Protection Agency (?!) all while making sure NOT to cross the streams. Perhaps one of the quintessential films of the 1980s, Ghostbusters is an all-time classic that begs the question: if there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call?

As I mentioned in previous articles, as an immigrant to this country in the 1980s, movies, specifically taped off TV, were how I steeped myself in American culture and learned English. Two films in particular helped the most with this process, as I watched them almost daily after school. The first one was Back to the Future, and the second was Ivan Reitman’s Ghostbusters. While nostalgia plays heavily into my love for both these films, the cultural zeitgeist has also deemed these films to be the classics I have always considered them to be.

In a city overrun by restless spirits and malevolent apparitions, the Ghostbusters become the last line of defense against the paranormal. From the iconic scene of the team zapping Slimer in a hotel ballroom with their proton packs to the um, “Dream” ghost, the film delivers more laughs than scares. The camaraderie between the team members is infectious, pitch-perfect 1980s comedy casting. As the Ghostbusters navigate through a series of chaotic encounters with the supernatural, they not only save the city from impending doom but also win the hearts of jaded New Yorkers (and 80s kids) everywhere.

Watching the film with modern eyes, it indirectly highlights the dearth of what used to be a pretty popular genre: the high-concept special effects comedy. Movies like Ghostbusters and Back to the Future used to rule the box office. In the 1980s and 90s, this genre was quite popular, characterized by imaginative premises, cutting-edge special effects, and a healthy dose of comedy. These films combined fantastical elements with comedy in ways that resonated with audiences, creating memorable movies that stand the test of time. Back to the Future, where time travel and humor were seamlessly blended, resulting in a beloved trilogy. Who Framed Roger Rabbit, a groundbreaking film that integrated live-action with animated characters, setting new standards for visual effects and comedy. Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice presented a quirky afterlife inhabited by ghosts and a mischievous "bio-exorcist" named Beetlejuice, delivering a unique blend of macabre humor and special effects. The Mask starring Jim Carrey, combined slapstick comedy with groundbreaking CGI effects, transforming the protagonist into a zany, green-faced character with incredible powers. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids utilized special effects to shrink its protagonists to miniature sizes, leading to a family-friendly comedic adventure. Men in Black seamlessly integrated extraterrestrial elements with humor, presenting a world where secret agents maintain order by dealing with intergalactic aliens. Death Becomes Her showcased a darkly comedic tale of immortality gone awry, exploring the consequences of eternal youth and beauty with a perfect blend of insane make-up effects, digital VFX, and satire. These films, including Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II, captured the essence of high-concept special effects comedy, offering audiences a delightful escape into imaginative worlds filled with laughter and wonder. Ghostbusters reminds viewers of a golden era in cinema where inventive storytelling and cutting-edge effects came together to create movie magic.

Upon closer inspection, Ghostbusters transcends the boundaries of conventional comedy and horror by delving into the realm of science fiction, albeit in a delightfully far-fetched manner. While the film's surface charm lies in its comedic and spooky elements, the underlying foundation is rooted in imaginative science fiction concepts. The protagonists, our beloved Ghostbusters, are not just quirky exterminators of the supernatural; they are scientists armed with an arsenal of fantastical gadgets, elevating the story into the realm of speculative fiction. The very essence of the Ghostbusters' work is grounded (if that’s the word) in sci-fi, albeit with a creative twist. Their proton packs are marvels of speculative engineering. These high-tech laser guns, which every 8-year-old wanted, resemble something out of a futuristic laboratory and shoot proton streams (don’t cross the streams!) to trap spectral entities. The containment units, where captured ghosts are stored, are a testament to Hollywood-ized advanced theoretical physics, encapsulating the essence of the supernatural within a man-made contraption. In this fantastical universe, the film explores the limitless possibilities of scientific imagination, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. By portraying scientists as the heroes of the story, Ghostbusters not only entertains but also celebrates the spirit of exploration and discovery. It reminds the audience that even in the face of the unknown, science can be a beacon of hope and a source of ingenious solutions, even if those solutions involve trapping ghosts with laser guns.

Additionally, the Ghostbusters are not only scientists but also genuine working-class heroes. Unlike traditional scientists often portrayed in pristine laboratories, the Ghostbusters are hands-on, rolling up their sleeves and getting down and dirty to combat the supernatural threats lurking in New York City. Their profession as exterminators adds a touch of the gritty, real-world endeavors blue-collar workers can relate to. Armed with their scientific knowledge and fearless (sometimes, they can, after all, be terrified beyond the capacity of rational thought) determination, they face ectoplasmic goo, slime, and all manners of spectral messiness in the line of duty. In essence, Ghostbusters showcases that heroism can come from unexpected places, reminding us that anyone, regardless of their profession or background, can rise up to confront the unknown and protect the world from the things that go bump in the night.

Indeed, Ghostbusters stands as a testament to the brilliance of its cast and crew, transcending its supernatural premise to become one of the greatest comedies of all time. Bill Murray's portrayal of Peter Venkman is nothing short of comedic mastery; his witty charm and impeccable timing elevate the film to unparalleled heights, making it arguably his greatest comedic role. His performance in Ghostbusters stands as a masterclass in comedy. Dr. Peter Venkman is the perfect blend of suave charisma and irreverent wit, making it the defacto personality we all ascribe to Murray to this day. Murray injects Venkman with a laid-back, nonchalant attitude, even in the face of terrifying supernatural phenomena. His deadpan delivery (“Where are you from… originally?”) and ability to effortlessly ad-lib lines create some of the film's most iconic moments. Murray's comedic timing is impeccable; he knows how to milk a joke for all its worth and when to deliver a punchline with the perfect mix of sarcasm and charm. His presence adds a layer of cool to the team.

Dan Aykroyd's contribution to Ghostbusters extends beyond his on-screen role. As one of the co-writers and creative minds behind the film, Aykroyd infuses the script with his trademark blend of humor and imagination. His ability to conceive a world where paranormal activity meets cutting-edge science is nothing short of genius. Aykroyd's real-life deep fascination with the supernatural, coupled with his comedic sensibilities, results in making Ray Stanz a beloved character. His vision for the film, originally conceived as a darker and more surreal experience, was expertly transformed (with the help of the late, great Ivan Reitman) into a blockbuster comedy that has stood the test of time. Ray Stantz’s childlike enthusiasm and unwavering belief in the supernatural add a heartfelt and endearing quality to the film, making him a perfect foil to Murray's Venkman. Together, Murray and Aykroyd's collaboration, both on and off-screen, is a cornerstone of Ghostbusters' enduring legacy as a comedy classic. It’s a shame Murray’s notorious crankiness prevented more on-screen team-ups.

Co-writer Harold Ramis expertly turns the stereotypical geek into hero and my personal favorite Ghostbuster. Egon Spengler, not only becomes an icon for intellect but also delivers some of the movie's most memorable one-liners (“That would have worked if you hadn’t stopped me”). As the brilliant, socially awkward scientist of the team, Spengler becomes the epitome of the lovable geek, endearing himself to audiences with his unparalleled intellect and deadpan humor. Ramis brings a unique charm to the character, portraying Spengler with a dry wit and a stoic demeanor that contrasts sharply with the chaos around him. His calm, logical approach to the supernatural adds a touch of rationality to the team, making him the grounding force in the midst of the paranormal storm. While Spengler may appear emotionless on the surface, Ramis subtly infuses him with a sense of camaraderie and genuine care for his fellow Ghostbusters. His friendship with Venkman and Ray is obvious, creating a strong bond that resonates throughout the franchise. He not only embodies the quintessential nerd but also transforms into a courageous and selfless hero when faced with the ultimate supernatural threat: a giant marshmallow man. Ramis's portrayal of Spengler not only contributes significantly to the film's comedic brilliance but also adds a layer of heart and humanity. Harold Ramis’ death impacted me a great deal, and it’s the reason Ghostbusters: Afterlife resonates so much with me.

Ernie Hudson’s Winston Zeddemore serves as the straight man of the group, yet even he contributes to the film's comedic brilliance. (“Ray, when someone asks you if you're a god, you say ‘YES’!”; “That’s a big Twinkie.”) The addition of Rick Moranis and Annie Potts to the ensemble cast also add layers of hilarity, their performances becoming the perfect comedic complements to the Ghostbusters' antics. Sigourney Weaver's presence, although more serious, grounds the film amidst its ridiculousness, providing a necessary balance. However, her role in Ghostbusters and of course the Alien series did indeed play a significant role in um, awakening, many young men in the 1980s.

The Ghostbusters franchise has endured through decades, capturing the hearts of audiences with its unique blend of supernatural comedy and sci-fi elements. Following the success of the original film, Ghostbusters 2 hit the screens in 1989. The sequel retained the humor and camaraderie of the first film, but some fans felt it was a bad follow-up. (And they’re wrong. They’re just jaded bastards.) Premiering in 1986, “The Real Ghostbusters” animated series hit the airwaves, offering young fans a delightful extension of the films' universe, featuring the familiar characters from the movies while delving into new and imaginative supernatural adventures. While the tone was lighter than the films, it retained the essence of the Ghostbusters' camaraderie and humor, making it a hit with both children and adults. For years, fans eagerly anticipated a third Ghostbusters film, but it remained a tantalizing rumor that never materialized. (Due mostly, again, to Bill Murray’s falling out with his co-stars and fellow creators.) However, the franchise found new life in the gaming world with the release of Ghostbusters: The Video Game in 2009. The game, which featured the voices and likenesses of the original cast, served as a virtual third installment, allowing fans to step into the shoes of a new recruit and join the Ghostbusters on their supernatural escapades. The game was widely praised for its authentic Ghostbusters experience and compelling storyline, becoming a cherished addition to the franchise. In 2016, the Ghostbusters franchise received a reboot featuring an all-female cast, led by Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. Many man-baby incels hated the idea of an all-female Ghostbusters. They’re idiots, ignore them. It wasn’t a bad idea, it just wasn’t executed properly. Plus, a lot of franchise fans wanted a return to the original universe, not starting over with a blank slate. The all-female cast, set in the original universe, with appearances from the original cast/characters, would have probably faired better. However, the other problem was the comedy just didn’t land. It’s a shame, because it could have worked. The movie fell short of financial expectations, leading to uncertainties about the franchise's future. However, the Ghostbusters saga was rejuvenated with the release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife in 2021. This film, directed by Jason Reitman, son of the original Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman, served as a direct sequel to the first two movies. Afterlife was not only Reitman’s love letter to the series, but a moving tribute to Harold Ramis (who died in 2014) and his father, who died shortly after the release of the film. Reitman captured the spirit of the original films (pun intended), blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling. It introduced a new generation of characters while paying tribute to the legacy of the original Ghostbusters. The film received positive reviews from both critics and fans, reigniting the franchise and paving the way for potential future installments.

- What he means is Old Testament, Mr. Mayor, real wrath of God-type stuff. Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies! Rivers and seas boiling!
- Forty years of darkness! Earthquakes, volcanoes...
- The dead rising from the grave!
- Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... MASS HYSTERIA!

Notoable Awards & Accomplishments

• Academy Award Nominee: Best Visual Effects

• Academy Award Nominee: Best Song - Ray Parker, “Ghosbusters”

• Saturn Award Winner: Best Fantasy Film

Streaming: Fubo TV, Peacock
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most major digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD.