Electric Slide | Tribeca Film Festival 2014

There is no doubt why Electric Slide is one of the most talked about films of Tribeca. Aesthetically pleasing, yet with a compelling storyline: this is the story of Eddie and Pauline. Eddie robs banks and Pauline is along for the ride, quite literally since most of her time with him is spent in the car on his robberies. The two of them, in true youngsters-of-the-80s fashion, dress in fabulous clothes and live life on the edge.

Jim Sturgess’ Eddie is the star of this film. His authentic Los Angeles accent and ability to make the ladies swoon is completely captivating. Sturgess’ ability to make such a stereotypical character feel real is uncanny, and will resonate with you well after you’ve left the theatre. One particular scene in which his demeanour speaks for itself is as he enters a dance club just after escaping the claws of his loan shark. Mellowed out by his substance of choice, he wavers down a hallway leading into the main dance area while throbbing bass and electric guitars underscore his evening. Throughout the film he gapes his mouth open, as if out of breath from the thrilling life he leads, and adjusts his sunglasses with limp fingers.

Another extremely successful element of this film is the use of classic 80s rock. The blaring electric guitars and thumping bass add to the level of fun Eddie and Pauline have on their endeavours in his car. Their generation of this period, historically, is strongly attached to the rebelliousness of rock and its grungy similarity to their own lives. The music in this film does exactly that, and seems to further liven the characters.

Electric Slide is a must-see film for any audience. The vibe might feel weird and distant in the beginning, though it won’t take long for you to fall head over heels for Eddie and Pauline’s ignorantly glamorous lifestyle.

Katie George

Electric Slide opened on April 22^nd at Tribeca Film Festival, for further information visit here.

Read more reviews from Tribeca 2014 here, for further information about the festival visit here.