Dramatic Elements of The Goonies

   The Goonies has a heavy emphasis on Dramatic elements, evident in the very well done costumes, make up and sets. The Goonies tells the story of a group of kids who set out to find a pirate treasure in order to save their goon dock community. Most of the kids are fairly stereotypical: Mouth, as his name suggests, likes to talk a lot, and is the typical loudmouth troublesome kid. Data is a genius inventor, but is also incredibly goofy. Chunk is overweight and silly, and the gang makes fun of him for it.

   The costumes in the Goonies are fairly typical. The Goonies themselves all wear normal clothes for kids: heavy jackets, leather vests, muscle shirts and bandanas, typical 80's wear. The villains of the film also wear fairly typical clothing. Something to be noted is that Andy, the main girl-Goonie, wears all yellow, while Ma Fratelli wears all black, showing the difference between the two groups in terms of innocence and goodness. The real star of the costume and makeup work is Sloth, with his bizarre face and menacing size.

   The film takes place mainly over 3 places: Mikey's house, the Fratelli headquarters and the cave. Mikey's house, filmed on sight in Astoria, is filled with intricate contraptions, such as the gate opener and Data's zip line. The zany-ness of Mikey's house reflects on the gangs unique personality. The Fratelli headquarters is dank, dark and dreary, similar to the Fratelli's themselves. The dungeon-like basement helps to create the mood of uneasiness when the Goonies find Sloth. The cave leading to the treasure is very intricate and large, with quite a few different sections to it. It has an Indiana Jones feeling to it, with traps and skeletons hidden throughout. The sets of the Goonies are all very unique and somewhat goofy, as each overdoes their respective atmospheres.

   The film was Directed by Richard Donner and produced by Stephen Spielberg. The film definitely has the Spielberg feel to to it. The story of a group of kids overcoming odds and adult villians is reminiscent of E.T., which he had directed previously.