On this day November 8 1985, That Was Then This Is Now premiered in theaters, bringing another S E Hinton story to the big screen following the success of The Outsiders and Rumble Fish. Directed by Christopher Cain, the film starred Emilio Estevez and Craig Sheffer as two lifelong friends whose bond is tested as they grow older and face the realities of adulthood. Set in a gritty midwestern backdrop, the movie explored themes of loyalty, change, and the loss of innocence in a world that never stops moving forward.
The story reflected the same emotional honesty that made S E Hinton’s novels so influential to a generation. Emilio Estevez, who also co wrote the screenplay, brought depth and realism to the role of Mark, a young man struggling with anger and identity. While the film didn’t achieve the same acclaim as The Outsiders, it earned praise for its sincerity and grounded performances. Over time, it has become a nostalgic piece of 80s cinema that captures the restless spirit of youth and the growing pains that come with it.
80s insight: That Was Then This Is Now represented the thoughtful side of 80s filmmaking, when stories about friendship and change spoke to audiences looking for more than action and glamour.
The story reflected the same emotional honesty that made S E Hinton’s novels so influential to a generation. Emilio Estevez, who also co wrote the screenplay, brought depth and realism to the role of Mark, a young man struggling with anger and identity. While the film didn’t achieve the same acclaim as The Outsiders, it earned praise for its sincerity and grounded performances. Over time, it has become a nostalgic piece of 80s cinema that captures the restless spirit of youth and the growing pains that come with it.
80s insight: That Was Then This Is Now represented the thoughtful side of 80s filmmaking, when stories about friendship and change spoke to audiences looking for more than action and glamour.
