Kevin Bacon’s Paradox: The Weight of ‘Footloose’
Kevin Bacon’s “worst nightmare” involves one of his most iconic movie roles.
During a recent panel discussion at the vibrant South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas, the 66-year-old actor offered a candid reflection on “Footloose,” the 1984 film that skyrocketed him to stardom. For more than 40 years, the infectious title song from this musical drama has lingered in his psyche—both a blessing and a curse.
“My worst nightmare is to be at a wedding and suddenly, the DJ plays the music; everyone turns their attention to me, and I find myself dancing as if I were a trained monkey,” Bacon humorously shared. He confessed that he often urges DJs, “Please don’t play that song.” His affection for the tune isn’t the issue; rather, it’s the whirlwind of attention that it ignites.
The song “Footloose,” co-written by Kenny Loggins, became a cultural touchstone, resonating during the film’s climactic moments. It even earned a nomination for Best Original Song at the 1985 Academy Awards, adding to the film’s legendary status.
Behind the Music and Dance
The story follows Ren McCormack, a Chicago teen who is stunned to find a small Midwestern town where dancing and rock music have been outlawed. Ironically, though his character is synonymous with energetic dance scenes, Bacon hesitantly admitted, “I was not a trained dancer.” Despite this, his passion for movement sprouted from his roots in Philadelphia.
“Growing up in Philly, I adored dancing. In New York, I would frequently visit Studio 54, losing myself in music and rhythm, even while working as a waiter,” he recounted to the SXSW audience, hinting at a rich tapestry of youthful exuberance and determination.
“My worst nightmare is to be at a wedding and suddenly the DJ plays the music; everyone forms a circle around me, and I become a trained monkey.”
As he explored the script, Bacon recalls his surprise upon realizing it was a dance-focused film. “They mentioned choreographers, and I thought, ‘Just turn the music on, and I’ll dance.’ But they gently warned me, ‘You don’t know what you’re getting into,’” he chuckled.
A Return to Payson High School
In a full-circle moment in April 2024, Bacon returned to the Utah high school where “Footloose” was filmed, prompted by enthusiastic students who created a social media campaign called #bacontopayson. Their effort featured videos of spirited reenactments of iconic scenes, which showcased their passion and creativity.
A local news video captured the moment, with Bacon humorously noting, “Things look a little different around here. I’d say the most noticeable change is me.” The warmth of this reunion drew out heartfelt remarks about the students’ relentless dedication. “When I first heard about this ‘Bacon to Payson’ thing, I thought, ‘Wow, this is crazy!’ But you were tireless. It’s wonderful to witness such commitment,” he said.
After the sweeping success of “Footloose,” Bacon continued to grace the silver screen, taking on notable roles in “Mystic River,” “Apollo 13,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Frost/Nixon,” among others. His journey reflects a continuous evolution of an artist who navigates the delicate balance between fame and authenticity.
Reflections on Fame and Identity
During the panel, Bacon opened up about the complex nature of achieving his dreams. “Having my name in lights and sitting with Johnny Carson on his show was surreal, but it brought forth unexpected feelings,” he shared. He gained insight into the paradox of fame, admitting that he grappled with impostor syndrome, initially reluctant to engage with the media.
“I wanted to be viewed as a serious actor, not a pop star,” he expressed, revealing the internal struggle many artists face in the public eye. The ebb and flow of recognition served as a poignant reminder that the path to fulfillment is rarely linear, often dotted with unexpected twists and turns.
Through the lens of humor and introspection, Bacon encapsulated the essence of his thoughts on “Footloose”—as much as the song and dance were pivotal to his career, the lessons learned along the way shaped him profoundly. It is this delicate interplay of joy and apprehension that continues to define his life and legacy.
