Reality Bites

Synopsis

This film was one of the more mainstream offerings in the array of films that emphad the overly hyped Generation X phenomenon, a list that ranges from Slacker to Singles and includes a host of other films. Winona Ryder stars as Lelaina, a recent college graduate. Out on her own and independent from her supportive, but out-of-touch parents, Lelaina faces the realities of careers and relationships. She can't stand her internship under a local television personality (John Mahoney), and she's forced to choose between Michael (Ben Stiller), a well-intentioned music-video network executive, and Troy (Ethan Hawke), a brooding, sensitive slacker. Meanwhile, she must also protect the artistic integrity of Reality Bites, a video documentary that depicts the everyday lives of her friends (Hawke, Janeane Garofalo, and Steve Zahn). This 1994 release also marks the feature directorial debut of Ben Stiller.

Cast

Swoosie Kurtz, Ethan Hawke, Keith David, Steve Zahn, Janeane Garofalo, Winona Ryder, Harry O'Reilly, John Mahoney, Ben Stiller, Karen Duffy, Joe Baker, Susan Norfleet, David Pirner