Loosely based on Joyce Carol Oates’ celebrated short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” and produced for PBS’ American Playhouse, the narrative debut from director Joyce Chopra features a revelatory breakout performance from Laura Dern as Connie, the fifteen-year-old black sheep of her family whose summertime idyll of beach trips, mall hangouts, and innocent flirtations is shattered by an encounter with a mysterious stranger (a memorably menacing Treat Williams). Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, Smooth Talk captures the thrill and terror of adolescent sexual exploration as it transforms the ingredients of a standard coming of age portrait into something altogether more troubling and profound.

Smooth Talk

Suspended between carefree youth and the harsh realities of the adult world, a teenage girl (Laura Dern) experiences an unsettling awakening in this haunting vision of innocence lost. This is the Texas Virtual Premiere of the new restoration of this film.

Conversation between Director Joyce Chopra and HCAS Artistic Director Jessica Green.

Smooth Talk Q&A

North America

Smooth Talk (35th Anniversary)

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