Sexy Swayze, Throat Rips and the Greatest Line in Movie History | New Heights Film Club

The podcast reviews the 1989 film 'Roadhouse,' highlighting its unique blend of action, masculinity, and absurdity. The reviewers analyze the plot, characters, and themes, particularly the infamous 'throat rip' scene and its implications for the main character. Ultimately, the podcast concludes that 'Roadhouse' is a cult classic, though more suitable for a male audience due to its portrayal of masculine ideals and interpersonal relationships.

Film's Opening Scene

• 00:00:43 'Roadhouse' begins with an introduction to the main character, James Dalton, played by Patrick Swayze, who is shown stitching up a wound and accepting a job at a bar called the Double Deuce in Missouri. The scene sets the tone of the film with its raw, action-oriented approach and the presence of rock and roll music, creating an atmosphere of chaos and danger, typical of the 80's genre.

The Double Deuce Bar & Dalton's Role

• 00:05:33 James Dalton takes over the Double Deuce, a bar in a small town, and attempts to clean it up by removing troublemakers and drug dealers. He establishes a strict code of conduct, emphasizing calmness and respect. This change in the bar's atmosphere leads to clashes with Ben Wesley, an underground mafioso who controls the area, and further problems within the community.

The Characters & Love Story

• 00:09:31 The film introduces a cast of colorful characters, including Ben Wesley and his henchmen, and features a subtle love story between James Dalton and Dr. Clay. The relationship between Dalton and Dr. Clay is initially intriguing, but Dalton's violent tendencies and propensity for throat-ripping lead Dr. Clay to question their compatibility. The presence of Wade Garrett, played by Sam Elliott, further adds complexity to the story as a potential love rival.

Throat Rip & Violence

• 00:13:53 The podcast discusses the iconic 'throat rip' scene, which is a significant recurring moment in the film. It is noted that the scene is a symbol of Dalton's PTSD from a previous violent act and highlights his inherent potential for extreme violence. This violence becomes central to the plot and influences the interactions between Dalton, Dr. Clay, and the townspeople.

Ending & Themes

• 00:16:13 The film culminates in a final confrontation between Dalton and Ben Wesley, where Dalton demonstrates self-control by initially choosing not to harm Wesley. However, the townspeople, who have been victims of Wesley's actions, take matters into their own hands. The ending implies that Dalton's violence was ultimately necessary for the town's liberation from a corrupt criminal element, highlighting the themes of self-defense, community, and masculine ideals.