January 1994 (Sundance)
February 18, 1994
Reality Bites is a 1994 American romantic comedy-drama film written by Helen Childress and directed by Ben Stiller. It stars Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke and Stiller, with supporting roles by Janeane Garofalo and Steve Zahn. The plot follows Lelaina (Ryder), an aspiring videographer working on a documentary called Reality Bites about the disenfranchised lives of her friends and roommates. Their challenges exemplify some of the career and lifestyle choices faced by Generation X.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, and grossed $33.4 million worldwide against an $11.5 million budget. Critics highlighted the performances of Ryder, Hawke and Garofalo in particular.
In the years since the initial release of the film, it has achieved cult status and has been singled out as one of the films that captured the zeitgeist of the early 1990s grunge scene among young adults, while also bringing attention to various issues that plagued young Americans at the time.
Storyline
Sound Effects Used
- SKYWALKER BABY CRYING SOUND (Heard once in a low volume for a baby crying off-screen during the graduation scene that takes place during the opening credits when Lelaina is giving her speech and she pauses after saying "The answer is...".)
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