Thirty years on, and Lloyd Dobler is still the man. For anyone who came of age in the 80s, Say Anything… isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural touchstone. As a class of ’89er myself, I can practically quote Cameron Crowe’s romantic classic verbatim, the quintessential tale of Lloyd Dobler and Diane Court navigating love and life post-high school in Seattle. To mark the film’s 30th anniversary, John Cusack, the man who embodied Lloyd, is touring with the movie, bringing screenings and insightful discussions to audiences nationwide. Ahead of his appearance at The Ordway, I had the chance to grab a quick ten minutes with Cusack to delve into the enduring legacy of this iconic character.
Crafting Lloyd Dobler: More Than Just a Mask
Lloyd Dobler is more than just a role; he’s an icon. We know Cusack played a significant role in shaping the character, from the iconic The Clash t-shirt to his unique worldview. But the question remains: how much of John Cusack is actually in Lloyd Dobler?
“That’s always like the $64K question,” Cusack reflected, “you put on a mask and sometimes you end up telling the truth.” He described the creative process as starting from within, drawing from personal experiences to enrich well-written characters. “We kinda co-created that character, and I said that was the only way I would do it. I was really lucky that they were game to work that way.” This collaborative spirit allowed for a character that felt genuinely authentic and resonated deeply with audiences.
Beyond Teen Movie Tropes: Lloyd’s Universal Appeal
In the landscape of 80s teen movies, dominated by John Hughes’ Shermer High School and its rigid social hierarchies, Lloyd Dobler stood out. He wasn’t the typical jock or nerd; his friendships transcended cliques, notably with cool characters like DC and Cory. He was universally loved, not as a loser, but as someone genuinely himself. Was there any concern about how such a character would be received within the established teen movie framework?
Cusack saw Lloyd through a different lens, “Not really, I saw it more in terms of a literary thing.” He connected the character to a deeper, more intellectual sensibility, asking, “What would JD Salinger think about all this?” Lloyd, to Cusack, represented a youthful rebellion against the materialism of the Reagan era. “If you’re an 18-22 year old and you don’t have that revolutionary anarchist spirit in you I’m not sure I trust you,” he stated, highlighting the character’s inherent rejection of superficial values. His choice of The Clash, a band known for their anti-establishment stance, further underscored this point.
Vulnerability as Strength: Redefining Masculinity in the 80s
Lloyd’s reaction to being dumped is pivotal. Instead of resorting to toxic masculinity, as exemplified by the “Bitches, man” attitude, he embraces vulnerability. The iconic boombox scene, standing outside Diane’s window, is a testament to this. In a year that also gave us the hyper-masculine Roadhouse, was this vulnerability a conscious choice to be iconoclastic?
“I remember that was a scene we improvised,” Cusack recalled. While Cameron Crowe had a basic outline, the scene evolved organically. “I think I was aware it was a proto-feminist kind of characterization,” Cusack noted, emphasizing the fundamental importance of feminism. He appreciated how the character could embody both traditionally masculine traits, like martial arts and boxing, alongside a profound vulnerability. This complexity was central to Lloyd’s appeal and lasting impact.
Enduring Legacy: Lloyd Dobler for Gen Z
The film’s enduring appeal was brought into sharp focus when the interviewer shared his experience watching Say Anything… with his 16-year-old son. Despite being critical of the sexism and racism sometimes present in 80s teen movies, the son loved Say Anything…, calling it “wholesome” and declaring “Lloyd Dobler is legend.” Was Cusack surprised by this cross-generational appeal, especially among Gen Z, a generation often perceived as jaded?
“When something works and its authentic to people, it doesn’t surprise me,” Cusack responded. “That kinda tells me we did a good thing, not all things hold up.” He acknowledged the changing cultural context, with some suggesting the boombox gesture might now be seen as stalking. However, he expressed hope that “there is still room for some big romantic gestures,” emphasizing the timeless nature of genuine emotion and connection.
When asked about his son’s potential Halloween costume – Lloyd Dobler, boombox and trench coat included – Cusack’s message was simple and encouraging: “Tell him I said: press on.”
Finally, in a nod to another iconic Say Anything… moment, the question was posed: “Last question, does anyone have that pen?”
Cusack laughed, “That’s a good question, I don’t know! I’m sure fake ones have been sold online over and over again.” But the real pen, much like Lloyd Dobler himself, remains a cherished piece of cinematic history, forever etched in our hearts.
