Vision Quest is a 1985 film that is another overlooked gem from the 1980′s.
The movie starred a then-unknown Matthew Modine as High School Wrestler Louden Swain who attempts to win the heart of an older woman while training to try and beat an undefeated State Wrestling Champion.
Think of Vision Quest as the “Rocky” of all High School Wrestling films……and we all know how many of those have been made……
Louden is assisted by his best friend Kuch, who was played by Michael Schoeffling. Schoeffling had previously been seen in the popular 1984 comedy “Sixteen Candles” where he portrayed Jake Ryan.
Louden’s love interest was played by Linda Fiorentino in her first movie role.
The movie featured a club scene in which music newcomer Madonna is seen singing her single “Crazy for You“. As Madonna’s popularity exploded, the film was released in many foreign countries under the title “Crazy for You” to try to cash in on her new-found fame.
Actress Daphne Zuniga had a minor role in the film, well before she would end up as a regular on “Melrose Place” in the early 1990′s.
The movie was directed by Harold Becker, who’s previous film was the 1981 Sean Penn, Timothy Hutton Drama “Taps“.
The movie was filmed in Spokane, Washington. The Pacific Northwest is a hotbed for High School Wrestling in real-life. (I used to live in Spokane)
The soundtrack, featuring artists such as Madonna, REO Speedwagon, Journey, Foreigner, DIO, Sammy Hagar, and others was a hit……while the film itself was a disappointment at the Box Office.
It has become a cult hit over the years thanks to VHS and DVD and I am pretty sure it is probably mandatory viewing for High School Wrestlers everywhere.
Matthew Modine’s next major role was 1987′s “Full Metal Jacket“.
Michael Schoeffling, who had such a promising start in Hollywood with Sixteen Candles and then Vision Quest….all but disappeared from Hollywood after this film.
