Strange and Fantastic Tales of the 20th Century is a look back at the weirdest, most memorable, and most off center movies of the 20th century. From head turning horror to oddball science fiction, this column examines the films that will leave a lasting impression for centuries to come.
I have always been an avid reader and I picked up a lot from my reading material. Now, my reading habits span multiple genres and I enjoy everything. Growing up in the 80’s, my life was ruled by Sweet Valley High. Francine Pascal’s series about the Wakefield twins navigating their junior year of high school, first loves, and evil doppelgangers had me parked in the book aisle of K-Mart every Saturday afternoon. In honor of Francine Pascal’s passing, I would like to write this week’s strange and fantastic tale about the ups and downs of teen love and dream girls. While there are no twins present in 1997’s Eight Days a Week, there are extremely deluded ideas about love, dreamy girls next door, and over the top romantic overtures. This week’s strange and fantastic tale is Michael Davis’s Eight Days a Week.
Eight Days a Week is about a high school graduate named Peter (Joshua Schaeffer) who devotes his entire summer stalking his crush Erica (Keri Russell). Her parents, who are insanely religious, appreciate his virginal devotion, and are more than fine with Peter camping in their front yard while he waits for Erica to notice him. Is this a good plan? Seems more effective than just blaring a radio over your head while wearing a trench coat, and in fact, it works.
Being a product of the 90’s there are certainly some problematic aspects. Keri Russell, while she remains clothed, is filmed in bikinis and wet t-shirts in long leering shots; however, this is Peter’s point of view. He is a teenage boy who is infatuated with the girl next door, strictly based on her looks so his obsession is highly physical. On the surface, the movie seems pretty sinister, but it has a playful tone and self awareness that brings a lightheartedness to Eight Days a Week.
Peter is thoughtful and his actions are encouraged by his elderly and adorable grandfather (Buck Kartalian) who tells him stories about an ancestor who successfully employed this stalking tactic. Guided by the spirit of his ancestor, he is able to forge a friendship with Erica and gain her affections. Peter’s camping out has not been in vain. On the day he finally gives up his quest, Erica seeks him out.
Sexuality is definitely a driving force behind this film. Peter’s best friend breaks his neck trying to perform fellatio on himself and hints about watermelon usage that would make Jim from American Pie jealous. That being said, there’s an endearing quirkiness to the movie as the love story takes a backstage to the summer shenanigans of the neighborhood. Little girls who love to dress like nuns, a neighbor who may be hiding a murder, and eccentric ladies gardening in scuba gear consume much of Peter’s life as he watches them from Erica’s yard.
Eight Days a Week definitely comes from a time post raunchy 80’s teen sex comedies and slides in before the teen sex comedy reemergence of the American Pie era. However, it’s also shockingly family friendly and never really overt in its sexiness. While no one stalked this hard in Sweet Valley, I can imagine Jessica Wakefield had her share of boys camped out for a date. Get your restraining order ready and check out Eight Days a Week.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login