7.8
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Perfect Lives
1984·Movie
·2h 55min·
Perfect Lives fingerprint
Masterful craft, stunning style, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Spectacle5
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
Heart
Cathartic
- Catharsis7
- Melancholy6
- Pathos5
Humor
Plenty of absurdist humor and satire
- Absurdist Humor8
- Satire & Parody7
- Wit & Wordplay6
World
Society, the mind, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout direction, dialogue, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction9
- Dialogue Quality9
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout editing, score, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Editing9
- Music Composition9
- Visual Stylization9
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Perfect Lives is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumCathartic
Emotionally, it's cathartic.
All heart traits
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
HighPlenty of absurdist humor and satire
Expect plenty of absurdist humor and satire.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor8Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody7Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity10Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche9Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony8Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
HighSociety, the mind, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around society, the mind, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Surrealism9Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, dialogue, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, dialogue, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative9Stories about storytelling.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Non-linear Narrative7Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference8Allusions to other works.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Style
Very highStandout editing, score, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the editing, score, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality9Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
Related traits
- Psychedelic9Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Pastiche9Playful imitation of styles.
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Camp & Irony8Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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About
An opera for television
Set in the American Midwest, Perfect Lives is “about” bank robbery, cocktail lounges, geriatric love, adolescent elopement, the changing of the light at sundown, et al. One of the definitive text-sound compositions of the late 20th century, it has been called "the most influential music/theater/literary work of the 1980s".
Experimental OperaText-Sound CompositionMeta-NarrativeSurreal MidwestAvant-GardePastichePsychologicalEccentric CharactersComplex Narrative
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Perfect Lives
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Perfect Lives worth watching?
76
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Perfect Lives?
2 h 55 min
Perfect Lives runs 2 h 55 min.
What language is Perfect Lives in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.