The Legend of Billie Jean is a 1985 American action drama film directed by Matthew Robbins . It stars Helen Slater , Keith Gordon , Christian Slater , and Peter Coyote .
56-556: Christian Michael Leonard Slater (born August 18, 1969) is an American actor. He made his film debut with a leading role in The Legend of Billie Jean (1985) and gained wider recognition for his breakout role as Jason "J.D." Dean, a sociopathic high school student, in the satire Heathers (1988). He received critical acclaim for playing the title role in the USA Network television series Mr. Robot (2015–2019): it earned him
112-452: A crew cut , inspired after watching a movie about Joan of Arc on TV ( the 1957 film Saint Joan ). She dons a revolutionary-style wardrobe including combat boots , fatigues , and a wetsuit top with the sleeves torn off. As media coverage increases, Billie Jean becomes a teen icon , and young fans follow her every movement. Facing uncertain dangers, both physical and legal, Billie Jean is forced to turn in her friends Putter and Ophelia to
168-452: A teen icon , and young fans follow her every movement. Facing uncertain dangers, both physical and legal, Billie Jean is forced to turn in her friends Putter and Ophelia to the cops for their safety. Ringwald arrives at the abandoned miniature golf course where the group has taken refuge. He demands to know where Billie Jean is, and Ophelia defiantly replies, "Everywhere!" Pyatt issues a bounty for her apprehension, but Ringwald counters with
224-409: A confrontation with a local bully turns violent. Billie Jean demands justice and becomes an icon for teens, leading to a standoff with the authorities. Billie Jean Davy, a teenager from Corpus Christi, Texas , is riding with her younger brother, Binx, on his Honda Elite scooter to a local lake to go swimming. Stopping for a milkshake at a local convenience store, they have to deal with Hubie Pyatt,
280-581: A daughter together, born in August 2019, and a son, born in July 2024. Slater practices Kempo Karate and divides his time between Coconut Grove in Miami , Florida and Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan . Slater has had difficulties with substance abuse and has undergone treatment. In 1989, Slater was arrested for drunk driving. He was sentenced to ten days in jail. At one time he said, "Work is my hobby, staying sober
336-498: A kiss. Later, Billie Jean and Binx (in an arm sling) are hitchhiking in Vermont. Binx, after complaining about the cold, admires a red snowmobile . Craig Safan produced the original score for the film writing a couple of synthpop -styled instrumental tracks. Furthermore, some rock songs were added to the soundtrack which had never been officially released. The movie's theme song "Invincible" by Pat Benatar peaked at number 10 on
392-420: A modern Joan of Arc. As Billie Jean, she's got the clear eyes of a dreamer and the toughness of a winner." Janet Maslin of The New York Times said that the film is "competently made, sometimes attractively acted (particularly by Peter Coyote)... and bankrupt beyond belief. It's hard to imagine that even the film makers, let alone audiences, can believe in a sweet, selfless heroine who just can't help becoming
448-400: A more peaceful offer and a promise to repair Binx's scooter. Billie Jean realizes the best plan is to turn herself in. During a rally being held, where a brand new scooter is offered for Billie Jean to turn in herself and Lloyd, Binx puts on a dress and pretends to be Billie Jean, walking behind Lloyd. However, Hubie proclaims the masquerade, and the police shoot Binx. Billie Jean runs to catch
504-433: A rally being held, where a brand new scooter is offered for Billie Jean to turn in herself and Lloyd, Binx puts on a dress and pretends to be Billie Jean, walking behind Lloyd. However, Hubie proclaims the masquerade, and the police shoot Binx. Billie Jean runs to catch the ambulance taking Binx away, but she is unsuccessful. She sees a booth with Billie Jean merchandise, run by Pyatt. She confronts Pyatt and gets him to admit
560-456: A retail version of the DVD, along with a Blu-ray edition on July 22, 2014. The Legend of Billie Jean The Legend of Billie Jean is a 1985 American action drama film directed by Matthew Robbins . It stars Helen Slater , Keith Gordon , Christian Slater , and Peter Coyote . The plot follows Billie Jean Davy, a teenager from Texas, and her brother Binx, who become fugitives after
616-454: A rowdy local teen, and his friends hitting on Billie Jean, but Binx humiliates Hubie by throwing a milkshake in his face. Later at the lake, as Billie Jean tells Binx about the weather in Vermont (a place he wants to visit), Hubie steals Binx's scooter. As Binx goes to retrieve his scooter later that night, Billie Jean goes to the authorities with her friends Putter and Ophelia. They report
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#1732801732257672-566: A series of murders at a Benedictine abbey. Slater next played Junior Tucker in Francis Ford Coppola 's Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988). At the age of 18, Slater played the dark character J.D. in the 1988 film Heathers alongside Winona Ryder . Slater was chosen for the part over many other actors, including Brad Pitt , and his performance drew a comparison with a young Jack Nicholson . Slater also starred in Gleaming
728-423: A standoff with the authorities. Billie Jean Davy, a teenager from Corpus Christi, Texas , is riding with her younger brother, Binx, on his Honda Elite scooter to a local lake to go swimming. Stopping for a milkshake at a local convenience store, they have to deal with Hubie Pyatt, a rowdy local teen, and his friends hitting on Billie Jean, but Binx humiliates Hubie by throwing a milkshake in his face. Later at
784-486: A superstar." The film holds a 39% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes , based on 38 reviews with the following consensus: "Rebellious in spirit and anarchic in style, this Helen Slater–starring vehicle holds a certain youthful cool but is otherwise a disjointed retelling of an oft-repeated legend.". The film was released on Betamax and VHS home video in 1985. In 2009, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released in Europe
840-436: Is definitely the character in the movie who represents that side of politics where he is not as open-hearted as you'd like him to be. He is definitely the guy who feels this is all a mess. And he is a law and order politician in this movie. So hopefully, he is the kind of guy you love to hate". From 2021 to 2022, he voiced the character Rand Ridley on the adult sci-fi animated sitcom Inside Job . The show's creator announced
896-465: Is my job." After living in recovery, he said in 2009, "Work is my job, and having adventures with my kids. My kids are all-important." The illusion of being very cool, that drinking is the hip thing to do and that you'll seem like Clark Gable . You go to a party and have a drink and feel like a superhero when the truth is you're looking rather foolish. Showing up for life 24/7 straight and sober can be tough if you're riddled with insecurities . Actually,
952-717: The Billboard Hot 100 in September 1985, while the reissue of Billy Idol 's single " Rebel Yell " climbed up to number six on the UK Singles Chart in October 1985. Jay Boyar of the Orlando Sentinel stated that the film "has quite a lot going for it" and "doesn't get many points for finesse, but it has energy, good performances and more wit than you'd expect." He added, "One reason that sections of
1008-565: The DC Animated Movie Universe . Slater was born on August 18, 1969, in New York City , the son of Michael Hawkins (born Thomas Knight Slater), an actor also known as Michael Gainsborough; and Mary Jo Slater (née Lawton), an actors’ agent turned casting executive and producer. He has a maternal half-brother, Ryan Slater, who also became an actor. His great-uncle was radio personality Bill Slater . He attended
1064-948: The Dalton School , the Professional Children's School and the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts . Slater played his first television role at the age of eight, on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live . Following a run on Ryan's Hope , he made his Broadway debut as the lisping Winthrop Paroo opposite Dick Van Dyke in the 1980 revival of The Music Man . Additional Broadway credits include Copperfield , Merlin , Macbeth , Side Man , and The Glass Menagerie . He also performed in London's West End in One Flew Over
1120-677: The Egyptian Cobra in The Lion Guard . He also made a short film for HP called The Wolf , which shows how easily malware can spread on unprotected printers and computers. In 2018, Christian Slater appeared in The Public , the latest film by Emilio Estevez . At the world premiere of the film at the Toronto Film Festival , Slater discussed his role, Josh Davis, with Ikon London Magazine : "He (Josh Davis)
1176-408: The UK Singles Chart in October 1985. Jay Boyar of the Orlando Sentinel stated that the film "has quite a lot going for it" and "doesn't get many points for finesse, but it has energy, good performances and more wit than you'd expect." He added, "One reason that sections of the movie are effective is that Helen Slater has enough style and presence to be believable as a young woman who is taken for
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#17328017322571232-511: The USO . On December 10, 2009, Slater visited Hattiesburg, Mississippi , where he contributed work for the television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition . The episode aired on March 21, 2010. The Legend of Billie Jean The plot follows Billie Jean Davy, a teenager from Texas, and her brother Binx, who become fugitives after a confrontation with a local bully turns violent. Billie Jean demands justice and becomes an icon for teens, leading to
1288-542: The 2016 Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film , and additional nominations for that award in 2017 and 2018. In the 1990s, Slater starred in a number of big-budget films, including Young Guns II (1990), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), Interview with the Vampire (1994), Broken Arrow (1996), and Hard Rain (1998) as well as cult films like Gleaming
1344-1119: The Cube (1989), Pump Up the Volume (1990) and True Romance (1993). He has had roles in other notable films, including The Name of the Rose (1986), Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988), Windtalkers (2002), Alone in the Dark (2005), Bobby (2006), He Was a Quiet Man (2007), Nymphomaniac (2013), The Wife (2017), We Can Be Heroes (2020), and Blink Twice (2024). In addition to his live-action roles, Slater has had an extensive voice-acting career, with roles including Pips in FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992), Slater in Archer (2014–2023), Ushari in The Lion Guard (2016–2019), Rand Ridley in Inside Job (2021–2022), and Floyd Lawton / Deadshot in
1400-861: The Cube and appeared in Beyond the Stars (both 1989). After Heathers , Slater had offers to play other troubled youths, including a rebellious teen in Pump Up the Volume (1990) and a wild gunman in Young Guns II (1990). In the latter, Slater acted alongside Emilio Estevez , Lou Diamond Phillips and Kiefer Sutherland . In 1991, Slater was cast as Will Scarlett in the Hollywood big budget production of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves alongside Kevin Costner , Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman . The film
1456-552: The Cuckoo's Nest and Swimming with Sharks . Slater made his big-screen debut in The Legend of Billie Jean (1985), playing Billie Jean's brother Binx. The film had been expected to be a big hit, but fell short at the box office. It has since gained a cult following . His career improved with a role in The Name of the Rose (1986), playing alongside Sean Connery . Slater played Connery's apprentice monk, and they investigated
1512-454: The actions that led to him being shot. He gives Billie Jean the money, but she refuses to take it all and rams her knee into his crotch, sending him sprawling to the ground and knocking over a nearby torch. She tells him to keep his money and to go buy somebody else, throwing the money back in his face. Pyatt gets to his feet as the overturned torch begins to set his merchandise stands on fire. The onlookers (including Hubie), seeing how Billie Jean
1568-437: The ambulance taking Binx away, but she is unsuccessful. She sees a booth with Billie Jean merchandise, run by Pyatt. She confronts Pyatt and gets him to admit the actions that led to him being shot. He gives Billie Jean the money, but she refuses to take it all and rams her knee into his crotch, sending him sprawling to the ground and knocking over a nearby torch. She tells him to keep his money and to go buy somebody else, throwing
1624-429: The big-budget John Woo film Broken Arrow (1996), which also starred John Travolta . In 1998 Slater appeared in crime movie Hard Rain alongside Morgan Freeman . The same year he also starred in the dark comedy Very Bad Things opposite Cameron Diaz . Since 2000 Slater has mixed TV work with leading roles in mainly lower budget films, along with supporting roles in a few mainstream productions. He appeared in
1680-571: The cancellation of the show in January 2023. In 2000, Slater married Ryan Haddon , the daughter of model Dayle Haddon . They have two children, a son, Jaden Christopher, born in 1999, and a daughter, Eliana Sophia, born in 2001. In 2003, Haddon was arrested for assaulting Slater during an argument at a Hard Rock Cafe while on vacation in Las Vegas . Haddon allegedly threw a glass bottle and cut Slater's neck. The wound required 20 stitches. Haddon
1736-622: The character John Watson a.k.a. "Wonko the Sane" in BBC Radio 4 's production of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy . Slater starred in the television series My Own Worst Enemy in 2008 and The Forgotten in 2009. In 2011 he co-starred in the action film The River Murders , with Ray Liotta and Ving Rhames . Also in 2011, he starred in the television series, Breaking In , which ran for two seasons. Slater co-starred with Ving Rhames in
Christian Slater - Misplaced Pages Continue
1792-609: The comedy Kuffs opposite Milla Jovovich . In 1993, Slater again stretched his acting skills, playing opposite Marisa Tomei in Untamed Heart and playing Clarence Worley in True Romance , written by Quentin Tarantino , which received many rave reviews. In his review of True Romance , Roger Ebert awarded the movie 3 stars out of 4 and said, "the energy and style of the movie are exhilarating. Christian Slater has
1848-525: The condition that Slater keep out of trouble for six months. Slater has been a supporter of several charities, including 21st Century Leaders, Global Green, and Whatever It Takes. Slater appeared in an educational video on behalf of Nelson Mandela ’s 46664 charity for AIDS awareness. He has also worked to promote humanitarian work in South Africa. In early May 2009, Slater visited wounded and recovering soldiers of Walter Reed Army Medical Center for
1904-404: The cops for their safety. Ringwald arrives at the abandoned miniature golf course where the group has taken refuge. He demands to know where Billie Jean is, and Ophelia defiantly replies, "Everywhere!" Pyatt issues a bounty for her apprehension, but Ringwald counters with a more peaceful offer and a promise to repair Binx's scooter. Billie Jean realizes the best plan is to turn herself in. During
1960-458: The fastest way of knowing who you are is to know who you're not. In 1994, he was arrested when he tried to board a commercial plane with a gun in his baggage. He was sentenced to three days of community service. In 1997, Slater was convicted of punching his girlfriend, Michelle Jonas, and assaulting a police officer while under the influence of heroin , cocaine , and alcohol. He had consumed them for two days straight and had little to no sleep. He
2016-574: The film Soldiers of Fortune (2012), and in the Sylvester Stallone action thriller Bullet to the Head (2013), directed by Walter Hill . He co-starred in the 2014 television series, Mind Games , which was cancelled after five episodes were aired. He was part of the ensemble in Lars von Trier 's controversial film, Nymphomaniac . In October 2014, Slater signed on for his title role in
2072-424: The film makers, let alone audiences, can believe in a sweet, selfless heroine who just can't help becoming a superstar." The film holds a 39% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes , based on 38 reviews with the following consensus: "Rebellious in spirit and anarchic in style, this Helen Slater–starring vehicle holds a certain youthful cool but is otherwise a disjointed retelling of an oft-repeated legend.". The film
2128-429: The gun is unloaded, but Binx fires it, wounding Pyatt in the shoulder. The siblings and Ophelia race away from the shop and become fugitives, along with Putter, who comes with them. By the time Ringwald realizes that he made a mistake not listening to Billie Jean, the situation has escalated out of control. Billie Jean wants only the cash to fix her brother's scooter and an apology from Pyatt. With help from Lloyd Muldaur,
2184-495: The kind of cocky recklessness the movie needs." He gained the role of the interviewer Daniel Molloy in Interview with the Vampire (1994) after the death of his friend River Phoenix , who was originally cast. Slater subsequently donated his earnings from the film to Phoenix's favorite charities. He played the character of Lewis in the romance film Bed of Roses in 1996 opposite Mary Stuart Masterson , then that of Riley Hale in
2240-549: The lake, as Billie Jean tells Binx about the weather in Vermont (a place he wants to visit), Hubie steals Binx's scooter. As Binx goes to retrieve his scooter later that night, Billie Jean goes to the authorities with her friends Putter and Ophelia. They report the theft to Detective Ringwald, who is sympathetic but urges them to wait and see if matters resolve. When Billie Jean returns home, she finds Binx beaten and his scooter severely damaged. The next day, Billie Jean, Binx, and Ophelia go to Mr. Pyatt's shop and learn that repairing
2296-483: The money back in his face. Pyatt gets to his feet as the overturned torch begins to set his merchandise stands on fire. The onlookers (including Hubie), seeing how Billie Jean was exploited and their indirect involvement in it, throw all the Billie Jean merchandise into the rapidly growing fire and leave in disgust. As the merchandise burns, Billie Jean departs as well, but not before thanking Ringwald and giving Lloyd
Christian Slater - Misplaced Pages Continue
2352-438: The movie are effective is that Helen Slater has enough style and presence to be believable as a young woman who is taken for a modern Joan of Arc. As Billie Jean, she's got the clear eyes of a dreamer and the toughness of a winner." Janet Maslin of The New York Times said that the film is "competently made, sometimes attractively acted (particularly by Peter Coyote)... and bankrupt beyond belief. It's hard to imagine that even
2408-399: The original score for the film writing a couple of synthpop -styled instrumental tracks. Furthermore, some rock songs were added to the soundtrack which had never been officially released. The movie's theme song "Invincible" by Pat Benatar peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1985, while the reissue of Billy Idol 's single " Rebel Yell " climbed up to number six on
2464-421: The scooter will cost $ 608. While initially appearing helpful and understanding, Pyatt propositions Billie Jean and then attempts to rape her. Meanwhile, Binx and Ophelia enter the store to check on Billie Jean when Binx finds a gun in the shop's cash register while looking for the money to fix his scooter. Billie Jean flees from the back of the store, clearly distressed. Binx aims the weapon at Pyatt, who tells him
2520-432: The store to check on Billie Jean when Binx finds a gun in the shop's cash register while looking for the money to fix his scooter. Billie Jean flees from the back of the store, clearly distressed. Binx aims the weapon at Pyatt, who tells him the gun is unloaded, but Binx fires it, wounding Pyatt in the shoulder. The siblings and Ophelia race away from the shop and become fugitives, along with Putter, who comes with them. By
2576-466: The successful The West Wing and Alias TV series. He was also part of Hollywood films, including Bobby and 3000 Miles to Graceland . He has also worked as a voice-over artist in productions, including the character of 'Pips' in the successful Australian animated film FernGully: The Last Rainforest , The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius , and TV documentaries, including Prehistoric Planet and Dinosaur Planet . Slater also voiced
2632-460: The teenage son of the district attorney , who voluntarily becomes her "hostage", Billie Jean makes a video of her demands, featuring herself with her long, blonde hair chopped into a crew cut , inspired after watching a movie about Joan of Arc on TV ( the 1957 film Saint Joan ). She dons a revolutionary-style wardrobe including combat boots , fatigues , and a wetsuit top with the sleeves torn off. As media coverage increases, Billie Jean becomes
2688-648: The television series on USA Network Mr. Robot . Slater plays a computer hacker, "Mr. Robot," who recruits Rami Malek 's character, Elliot, into Slater's band of hackers called fsociety. The series premiered on June 24, 2015, and concluded in 2019 with its fourth season. For his performance, he earned the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film in 2016, with additional nominations in 2017 and 2018. Prior to beginning his role in Mr. Robot , Slater announced in 2013 that he
2744-459: The theft to Detective Ringwald, who is sympathetic but urges them to wait and see if matters resolve. When Billie Jean returns home, she finds Binx beaten and his scooter severely damaged. The next day, Billie Jean, Binx, and Ophelia go to Mr. Pyatt's shop and learn that repairing the scooter will cost $ 608. While initially appearing helpful and understanding, Pyatt propositions Billie Jean and then attempts to rape her. Meanwhile, Binx and Ophelia enter
2800-424: The time Ringwald realizes that he made a mistake not listening to Billie Jean, the situation has escalated out of control. Billie Jean wants only the cash to fix her brother's scooter and an apology from Pyatt. With help from Lloyd Muldaur, the teenage son of the district attorney , who voluntarily becomes her "hostage", Billie Jean makes a video of her demands, featuring herself with her long, blonde hair chopped into
2856-553: Was a commercial success, taking US$ 390 million worldwide, and Slater became one of the major A-list stars of the 1990s. With Slater being a big Star Trek fan (in addition to his mother, Mary Jo Slater , serving as the casting director for the film), he accepted a cameo role in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country , shortly after playing Charlie Luciano in the crime drama Mobsters . The following year he expanded his film genre and starred in
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#17328017322572912-564: Was charged with domestic battery , booked at Las Vegas' Clark County Detention Center, and freed after posting bond. They announced their separation over Christmas in 2004. Slater was living in London at the time, performing in a stage version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest . The couple officially separated in 2005 and divorced in 2007. On December 2, 2013, Slater married Brittany Lopez in Florida after three years of dating. They have
2968-461: Was developing and making a film based on Will Viharo 's 1993 neo-noir novel Love Stories Are Too Violent for Me , the first of three works to feature Vic Valentine. However, the success of Mr. Robot and contracts for additional seasons has delayed his being able to develop his adaptation. Slater voices the character " Slater " on the FX original series Archer . He also provided the voice of Ushari
3024-421: Was exploited and their indirect involvement in it, throw all the Billie Jean merchandise into the rapidly growing fire and leave in disgust. As the merchandise burns, Billie Jean departs as well, but not before thanking Ringwald and giving Lloyd a kiss. Later, Billie Jean and Binx (in an arm sling) are hitchhiking in Vermont. Binx, after complaining about the cold, admires a red snowmobile . Craig Safan produced
3080-416: Was released on Betamax and VHS home video in 1985. In 2009, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released in Europe a Spanish-titled DVD La Leyenda de Billie Jean , with 4:3 open matte image, but without any bonus material. A remastered NTSC DVD including commentary by Helen Slater and Yeardley Smith was released on November 1, 2011, via their manufactured on demand service. Mill Creek Entertainment released
3136-531: Was treated for more than 100 days in a rehabilitation facility while on bail, and then was sentenced to a three-month term in jail, followed by three months in a residential rehab center. He was released from prison after 59 days on the basis of good behavior. On May 24, 2005, Slater was arrested in Manhattan, after allegedly groping a woman on the street. Slater was charged with third-degree sexual abuse. The charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence and on
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