Are you a fan of the "Stranger Things" series filled with quirks and references from the 80s? Are you always on the lookout for "Stranger Things" trivia and insights about the pop culture references in this captivating series? Well, you are in for a treat. This comprehensive guide will delve into the labyrinthine world of the Upside Down and dig out the most fascinating 80’s references and behind-the-scenes trivia. Let's go back in time and direct our gaze to the production sets and storyline elements that brought about the Stranger Things mania.
The 80’s Vibe: Glittering Nostalgia Throughout The Series
The Duffer Brothers' "Stranger Things" is laced with nostalgia, a homage to the eclectic and colourful 80s era led by iconic movies, music and trends. But what 80s movies inspired "Stranger Things"? Buckle up, as we are heading towards a thrilling journey that will add up to your Stranger Things 80s references pool.
"Stranger Things" is a veritable playground of 80’s references, each quintessential element reminiscent of the beloved period pieces. From the boys' ardent love for 'Dungeons and Dragons' to their interpretation of the Upside Down, each minute detail mirrors some element from classic 80's books, films and television shows.
Inspiring Echoes of Classic 80's Movies
With a clear influence from 'The Goonies' and 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial', the essence of friendship, childhood, and budding adolescence has been beautifully portrayed. However, the impression of the 80s cinema doesn’t end there. Spielberg's influence is also prominently visible throughout the series, especially in the depiction of supernatural elements, childhood adventures, and the overarching theme of the struggle between good versus evil.
Another noticeable 80's reference is Stephen King's essence. From 'The Body' (which inspired 'Stand By Me') to 'Firestarter' and 'Carrie', the creators tactfully integrate elements of these iconic masterworks into the storyline. This is a clear nod to King's tales of growing up, friendships, and eerie supernatural elements juxtaposed against the real world. The character of Eleven, her telekinetic abilities and the curiosity it fuels among her friends is an apparent tribute to 'Firestarter' and 'Carrie.'
"Stranger Things" Trivia: Behind-The-Scenes Facts
Moving beyond the myriad of 80's interpretations, let’s scratch beneath the surface, peeling off the top layer of the Upside Down, and looking into some Stranger Things trivia. From casting facts to the creation of the Demogorgon, there's a multitude of fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia that has rarely been shared with the casual viewers.
The Upside Down: A Love Letter to 80's Sci-Fi
There is no doubt that the creators of Stranger Things, The Duffer Brothers, have an incline towards 80's culture. As much as Stranger Things is about a group of kids encountering extraterrestrial evil, it is also, at its heart, a nostalgic tribute to the 80's - the age of Spielberg, King, Carpenter and Lucas.
The character of Eleven, for instance, is a subtle nod to 'Firestarter', a film adaptation of Stephen King's novel starring a young Drew Barrymore with psychokinetic abilities. Similarly, the riveting plot about a missing boy and his friends' effort to find him screams E.T. The character of Joyce Byers, portrayed by Winona Ryder, adds a layer of meta-nostalgia, as she herself was an 80's icon.
Pop-Cultural Pastiche
Like any good homage, Stranger Things is chock-full of pop-cultural pastiche. One of the most iconic scenes in the series, when the boys discover Eleven in the woods while looking for their friend, is a direct reference to "Stand by Me", a Rob Reiner's 1986 adaptation of Stephen King's novella, which tells a touching coming-of-age story about friendship and loss.
The scene in which Joyce Byers communicates with her missing son, Will, through her house's Christmas lights, is strikingly similar to a scene in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', where a family communicates with aliens using a similar method. Even the eerie synth-based soundtrack so often heard throughout the series is an unmistakable hallmark of the 80's.
The Power of Behind-The-Scenes Trivia
Stranger Things’ success is not based solely on its on-screen drama and 80's references. Behind the scenes, there is a wealth of trivia that adds to the enchanting allure of the series.
Did you know that the show was initially turned down by 15 different networks before landing with Netflix? Or that the Duffer Brothers had initially pitched the series as an anthology, with each season exploring a completely different plot and set of characters? The show we love now could have looked dramatically different!
The Magic of Practical effects
Despite the advent of CGI, Stranger Things borrows a page from the classics of the 80's by employing practical effects wherever possible. For instance, the scene where the wall in the Byers household appears to breathe, was achieved using a simple, yet highly effective, practical effect - a piece of latex manipulated from behind by two crew members.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – Stranger Things: A veritable treasure trove of 80's references, combined with riveting behind-the-scenes trivia. But the magic of Stranger Things is far more than a simple homage to the past or a collection of interesting tidbits. It has created a unique universe that is a testament to compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and most importantly, the power of shared nostalgia. 'Til the next season, Fellow Fans!