Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters (1984) theatrical poster

Ghostbusters is a 1984 American supernatural comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. It stars Bill Murray, Aykroyd, and Ramis as three eccentric parapsychologists in New York City who start a ghost-catching business. Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, and Ernie Hudson co-star. The film was released in the United States on June 8, 1984, and was an immediate critical and commercial success. It is considered a cultural phenomenon and has spawned a media franchise including sequels, a television series, video games, and a vast range of merchandise.

Plot

The story follows Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, and Egon Spengler, three parapsychologists who lose their positions at a New York City university. They decide to form "Ghostbusters", a ghost removal service. After developing technology to capture ghosts, their business becomes a sensation overnight. When they are hired by Dana Barrett (Weaver) to investigate strange occurrences in her apartment, they uncover a plot that could end the world.

Production

The concept for Ghostbusters was inspired by Aykroyd's fascination with the paranormal, and it was initially intended to be a vehicle for him and John Belushi. Following Belushi's death, the script underwent significant changes. Aykroyd and Ramis rewrote the script, grounding it more in reality. The film's budget was estimated to be around $30 million, and it was filmed in New York City and Los Angeles. The visual effects were created by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and the iconic Ghostbusters logo was designed by Michael C. Gross.

Reception

Ghostbusters was critically acclaimed upon its release, praised for its blend of comedy, action, and horror elements. It was a box office success, grossing over $295 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the 1980s. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Original Song for "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr. and Best Visual Effects.

Legacy

The success of Ghostbusters led to the creation of a media franchise. This includes a 1989 sequel, Ghostbusters II, and a 2016 reboot, Ghostbusters, directed by Paul Feig. A third sequel, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, directed by Jason Reitman, the son of Ivan Reitman, was released in 2021. The franchise also includes an animated television series, The Real Ghostbusters, which ran from 1986 to 1991, and its follow-up, Extreme Ghostbusters in 1997. The Ghostbusters have become iconic characters in popular culture, recognized by their distinctive logo and the catchphrase, "Who you gonna call?"

In Popular Culture

Ghostbusters has had a significant impact on popular culture. It has been referenced in various movies, TV shows, music, and other media. The Ghostbusters logo, a ghost with a red no-entry sign, has become one of the most recognizable logos worldwide. The theme song, "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr., has also become iconic, often associated with the film and the franchise.