This tremendous comedy drama was written by - and stars - Jon Favreau. Released in 1996 and based on Favreau's own experiences of his first few years in Hollywood, he plays Mike, a would-be stand-up comic actor who moves to Los Angeles for his big break.
It doesn't pan out. Instead Mike hangs out with a similar bunch of guys, all of whom are also just about to make it big (when one is offered a job as Goofy in Disneyland, his friend observes "Hey, at least it's Disney").
As well as hanging out and talking about work, the gang also spend most of their time thinking about, talking about and chasing girls, unfortunately to little avail. Mike is particularly handicapped because he can't talk for two minutes without starting on about the girl he left behind in New York and still loves.
Eventually, Trent (Vince Vaughn) drags him off to Vegas where they can't fail to score. When they do, Mike can't keep off the subject, but eventually he does meet someone special Heather Graham) with whom the chemistry is right and romance enters his life again.
First-time director Doug Liman has a sure but light touch, letting the seemingly unconnected episodes at parties, bars and clubs speak for themselves with humour and detail. Favreau's script comes fresh from LA's coffee bars and bars, where the guys' shyness, bluster, supposed experience - and distinct lack of it - all combine naturally to create a sweet, funny, confident and very human movie.
There are also one or two super homages to Martin Scorsese's camerawork (the guys walk into a club through the kitchen) and Quentin Tarantino with the Reservoir Dogs "strut".
Highly recommended.
Swingers is a Film programme that first aired in 1996 and has been classified a 15 certificate.
