Netflix’s latest original film is exactly what you would expect from the streaming giant: stylish, sleek, and sophisticated.
The film highlights the glamour and excitement of a bachelor party – a celebration for a ‘Good Time’ – where our main protagonist Robert Pattinson plays a variety of characters, including a groomsman and best man, a librarian, a private detective, a journalist, and a pilot. The actor recently explained how the character of Good Time shifts depending on the setting and situation the viewer is in – be it a casino, a nightclub, or even a wedding.
The film has a retro ‘70s feel with its vibrant colors, eclectic soundtrack, and stylish outfits. But it is also, at times, a darker satire on the excesses and absurdity of modern-day bachelorhood, where characters struggle with self-doubt, insecurity, and temptation. As Pattinson says in the film, “a good time can be enjoyable, but it can also be hurtful. It can destroy you if you let it.”
The actor will next be seen in Ridley Scott’s ‘All the Money in the World,’ which also stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Chris Pine, and Kirsten Dunst. In this week’s episode of ‘The Drop,’ which is available now, Pattinson’s character discovers that his fianceé Isabella (Sophie Okonedo) has betrayed him, and he is faced with the task of confronting her with the truth.
Style
From the get-go, it is clear that ‘Good Times’ was made with style in mind. Director Jon Watts, who previously worked with Pattinson on ‘Deepwater Horizon,’ had this to say about the stylishness of the film: “I wanted it to feel like a ‘70s movie… It was a style-conscious effort.”
The Netflix show was created with a specific ‘70s vibe in mind – and it shows. From the dazzling outfits to the iconic hair and makeup designs, director Jon Watts has created a distinct ‘70s aesthetic that feels right at home on Netflix.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Netflix show is its use of color. The costumes are gorgeous, but mostly in rich, vibrant hues. The sets and backdrops are also on the lighter side, as the show tends to feature brighter lighting and airbrushing effects – which gives the film a softer, dreamier feel. This brighter visual style and attention to detail helps create a more realistic ‘70s setting.
The outfits alone would make ‘Good Times’ memorable. The show’s main protagonist Robert Pattinson always looks slick and stylish in an open-collar shirt, casual slacks, or jeans. The range of looks is astonishing and includes vintage attire, designer t-shirts, and even a gorgeous ‘70s inspired wedding dress. One of the most memorable scenes of the show is when Pattinson dons a stunning yellow dress, complete with a matching hat and gloves.
Sophistication
‘Good Times’ is a sophisticated comedy that takes full advantage of its setting and the ‘70s theme. The script is witty and often biting, with sharp dialogue and deadpan humor. The writing team of Jon Watts and Will Speck (‘Speck’s Travels,’ ‘Greatness,’ and ‘Daredevil’) showcase their versatility in a story about a group of friends who are gathered together for a bachelor party in Las Vegas. The show explores such timeless topics as infidelity, addiction, family, and parenthood in a humorous yet poignant way.
The cast is packed with some of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Aside from Pattinson, the list of actors includes Donald Glover, who is most widely known for his role as ‘Childish Gambino,’ Awkwafina, Bill Hader, and more.
The movie boasts an exceptional ensemble and the show does not disappoint. The performances are top-notch and range from deadpan humor to heartache and betrayal. The show’s creators have said that they wanted to make sure that the characters were “vulnerable and human,” which they certainly achieve. There are also some humorous subplots that develop throughout the season – like the characters playing ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’ to see who will sleep with an unmarried woman.
The ‘70s Theme
The ‘70s are back, baby! ‘Good Times’ takes full advantage of this fact and presents itself as a ‘70s comedy from start to finish. The retro theme is carried throughout the season, whether it is a character’s clothing, decor, or even the music. The retro soundtrack features some of the most iconic tunes from the ‘70s, like J. J. Jecerock’s ‘Ride The Waves,’ Altered Images’ ‘Under the Sea,’ and Ennio Morricone’s ‘The Pianist.’
The Netflix show pays homage to the genre and uses many of its tropes. From the beginning, we are reminded of classic ‘70s films with Robert Pattinson’s character arriving at the airport in a ‘70s-motif limousine. Later in the episode, another character even compares the get-up to that of a ‘70s icon: “I’m definitely channeling Elizabeth Taylor here!”
The theme is not only limited to fashion and styling. Several locations in the show are reminiscent of a ‘70s film – including the casino, the nightclub, and even the wedding. Although the show takes place in 2018, it often drags itself back to the ‘70s with its glorious, over-the-top fashion and soundtrack. Even the interior decoration evokes a ‘70s bachelor pad – check out the faux finish on the wall and the neon lights buzzing on the ceiling.
Wedding
The wedding in ‘Good Times’ is an unforgettable scene. The main protagonist Robert Pattinson portrays a variety of characters – including the groom, the best man, and the bridesmaids – at Isabella Roscheidt’s (Sophie Okonedo) wedding to Daniel Craig (Caspar Jagger).
The ceremony takes place in a Hollywood Hills wedding chapel with the reception following at a luxury hotel. While the characters are having fun and flirting throughout the ceremony, by the time the guests have been seated and the cake cut, the tension is palpable. The characters are dressed to the nines and the wedding party looks spectacular. As the bride walks down the aisle, she is escorted by her father, Tim (George MacKay), and future groom Daniel Craig – who is dressed in a tuxedo.
From the very beginning, it is clear that the bride’s family does not approve of her choice of groom. They are determined to stop the wedding (and possibly even kill Craig) – a fact that becomes apparent when they storm the ceremony and try to stop it.
The tension is highlighted by the music: Ennio Morricone’s ‘Marrying Milan’ is played during the wedding ceremony and its ominous, suspenseful music is an ode to the doomed marriage. In the end, the guests and the couple say their vows, the cake is served, and everyone partakes in the fun dance party that follows. It is a beautiful scene, but also a surprisingly poignant one. Morricone’s score is, in fact, a reference to the doomed marriage motif. The music is poignant because it perfectly encapsulates the feelings of those in the wedding party, but it is also foreshadowing the tragedy to come. That the audience is also laughing and enjoying themselves is a testament to the skill of the cast and crew.
’70s Orgasms’
One of the most interesting subplots of ‘Good Times’ has to do with the idea of ‘70s orgasms. Several of the characters seem to have lost interest in sex – or at least, in achieving the traditional ‘70s orgasm. This is an exploration of male-female relationships and the pressure that both sexes feel to perform in the bedroom. It also raises questions about what is “normal” and “sane” in terms of sexual desire.