Reality Bites

Reality Bites at 30: why the Gen X classic still stands up today

Retrieved on:

Sunday, February 11, 2024

“I was really going to be something by the age of 23,” says Lelaina Pierce, played by the radiant Winona Ryder in the 1994 Gen X classic Reality Bites.

Key Points:

“I was really going to be something by the age of 23,” says Lelaina Pierce, played by the radiant Winona Ryder in the 1994 Gen X classic Reality Bites.
Lelaina is a dissatisfied university graduate confronting the realities of life after graduation while making a documentary about her equally disaffected friend group.
Reality Bites continues to resonate with new generations of viewers.

A film for Gen X

Hawke’s brooding intellectual and Ryder’s luminous yet sardonic girl-next-door established personas for the duo that persisted throughout the decade.
Read more:
Nostalgia, VHS and Stranger Things' homage to 80s horror
The themes of the film are surprisingly relevant given the generational differences between audiences of the early 90s and today.
Despite clear generational differences in fashion, lifestyle and music, the response to the film by new audiences tends to be one of resonance and recognition.
Spoiler Alert: Lelaina forgives him for leaving, and their embrace and kiss is one of the final images of the film.

A worthy rewatch

Watching the film as an adult who is closer in age to Lelaina’s parents, the choice is less clear.
Whichever side you end up taking, the film’s rocking soundtrack, charming performances and snarky humour make it a worthy rewatch.
Read more:
Baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z labels: Necessary or nonsense?

Adam Daniel does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Audi Canada Welcomes Ethan Hawke for the 11th Installment of its homegrown Innovation Series

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Thursday, September 14, 2023

Reality Bites, Boyhood, Training Day, Dead Poets Society, Telluride Film Festival, Drama, Wildcat, Creativity, CBC, Audi, Risk, Imagination, Film industry

TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2023 /CNW/ - On September 11, 2023, prolific actor, screenwriter, director, producer, and best-selling novelist, Ethan Hawke was the featured speaker at the eleventh installment of the Audi Innovation Series.

Key Points:

TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2023 /CNW/ - On September 11, 2023, prolific actor, screenwriter, director, producer, and best-selling novelist, Ethan Hawke was the featured speaker at the eleventh installment of the Audi Innovation Series.
CBC's Dwight Drummond moderates the second iteration this year for Audi Canada's homegrown speaker series that focuses on individuals who have changed the world we live in through creativity and innovation.
"We are honoured to welcome an acclaimed and multitalented individual," said Vito Paladino, President at Audi Canada.
"Mr. Hawke has rightfully been recognized a multitude of times for his immense contribution to the arts and I'm thrilled to share his thoughts with Canadians on this eleventh installment of the Audi Innovation Series," added Paladino.

McDonald's Presents... the As Featured In Meal

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

CHICAGO, Aug. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- From classic films and binge-worthy comedies to hit songs and anime series, McDonald's has been famously featured in entertainment for decades. Now, we're giving fans a front-row seat to a new experience, headlined by some of their most beloved menu items. Introducing the As Featured In Meal, a collection of fan-favorite menu items that have made iconic appearances throughout film, television and music. Starting Aug. 14, the meal will be available in more than 100 countries across the globe and will co-star exclusive experiences for our fans, custom merch and never-before-seen content.

Key Points:

Introducing the As Featured In Meal, a collection of fan-favorite menu items that have made iconic appearances throughout film, television and music.
For a limited time, fans can relive the magic of their favorite characters and artists with one of three main menu items and sides – all famously featured.
"The As Featured In Meal is our biggest Famous Order yet, celebrating the most memorable McDonald's references across the world of entertainment."
Starting on Aug. 14, fans who buy the As Featured In Meal can scan the code on the packaging to purchase pieces from the collab.

Introducing our new series on the future of Australian higher education

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Saturday, April 15, 2023

Government, Reality Bites, Coffee, University, Knowledge, The Conversation, Reality, Accord, Chancellor, Student, University of Newcastle, Education, Research, Management, Nursing

The Australian Universities Accord is a grandly named 12-month review seeking ideas to reform Australia’s higher education system for the next 30 years.

Key Points:

The Australian Universities Accord is a grandly named 12-month review seeking ideas to reform Australia’s higher education system for the next 30 years.
It’s hard not to be a bit cynical about something billed as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for a “visionary plan”.
But a government that doesn’t try to grapple with the big picture is certain to fail, and higher education is vital to Australia’s future.
Comments will be open and moderated on all the articles in the series, so you can be part of an important discussion about the role of higher education in our shared future.