Smooth Talk (1985)

Smooth Talk (1985)

⭐ Generally positive; noted for Dern’s performance/10
📅 1985 (festival screenings), limited U.S. theatrical run shortly after
⏱️ ~86 minutes

Smooth Talk (1985) was released in 1970. The main lead cast includes: Laura Dern, Treat Williams, Mary Kay Place, Forest Whitaker, Marcia Gay Harden , Alex Harvey. The movie was created by the producer(s) Peggy Rajski and director(s) Joyce Chopra. It was made with an estimated budget of Estimated modest independent budget. It had box office revenue of approximately Limited theatrical release; modest returns at the box office. The main genres of this movie are the following: Coming-of-age, Drama, Psychological. It is available in the following languages: English.

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Smooth Talk, based on Joyce Carol Oates’ short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?,” stars Laura Dern as Connie, a 15-year-old girl caught between innocence and maturity. Spending her summer flirting and exploring her emerging sexuality, Connie’s world shifts when she encounters Arnold Friend, a charming but menacing older man. Directed by Joyce Chopra, the film delves into the psychological tension of adolescence, exploring vulnerability, coercion, and control. Dern’s performance captures the complexity of a young girl caught in a moment that changes everything. It’s a chilling, subtle, and insightful portrayal of coming-of-age danger.

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Smooth Talk Casts

Smooth Talk is a movie featuring a cast of available actors, including:

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Laura Dern
Laura Dern
Treat Williams
Treat Williams
Mary Kay Place
Mary Kay Place
Forest Whitaker
Forest Whitaker
Marcia Gay Harden
Marcia Gay Harden
Alex Harvey
Alex Harvey

🎬Smooth Talk Directors

Joyce Chopra

🎭Smooth Talk Producers

Peggy Rajski

🎞️Genres

Coming-of-age
Drama
Psychological

👥Target Audience

Mature teens and adults interested in nuanced portrayals of adolescence, sexuality, and psychological complexity

📖Story

In mid 1960s suburban California, teenage Connie wrestles with her newfound sexuality, parental restrictions, and peer relationships. When mysterious stranger Arnold Friend arrives, she’s both attracted and unsettled, leading to an encounter that blurs consent and manipulation. Connie’s suburban world unravels as she confronts the complexities of desire, autonomy, and predatory attention.

⏱️Duration

~86 minutes

🌍Country of Origin

United States

📅Release Date

1985 (festival screenings), limited U.S. theatrical run shortly after

📍Shooting Locations

These locations were selected for Smooth Talk shooting:

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Southern California suburbs

🌐Supported Languages

You can watch Smooth Talk in multiple languages:

English

💰Box Office Performance

Budget
Estimated modest independent budget
Box Office
Limited theatrical release; modest returns

⭐IMDB Rating

Rating for Smooth Talk by IMDB:

Generally positive; noted for Dern’s performance
/ 10

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