Emerald Cities 1983
Emerald Cities (1983), the final installment in a loose trilogy from director Rick Schmidt, plunges us into a surreal odyssey following a spirited young woman who flees her mundane Death Valley life in search of something more.
Director: Rick Schmidt
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emerald Cities (1983) about?
Emerald Cities follows a young woman escaping her small-town life, only to find herself tangled in the chaotic, dystopian energy of 1984. Her father, still wearing his Santa suit from a failed Christmas pageant, tails her into this strange new world. Along the way, they encounter punk bands, hypnotic TV segments, and a crazed ex-con in a surreal collision of reality and absurdity.
Who directed Emerald Cities?
Emerald Cities was directed by Rick Schmidt, a filmmaker known for his unconventional, music-driven storytelling.
Who stars in Emerald Cities?
The film stars Carolyn Zaremba, Ed Nylund, Dick Richardson, Ted Falconi, Kelly Boen, and Willie Boy Walker in key roles.
Is Emerald Cities (1983) worth watching?
Emerald Cities is a cult curiosity for fans of 1980s punk and avant-garde cinema, offering a raw, chaotic snapshot of its time. While it may not appeal to mainstream tastes, its offbeat charm and musical energy make it a fascinating watch for those who love unconventional storytelling.
How long is Emerald Cities?
Emerald Cities has a runtime of 91 minutes.
About Emerald Cities (1983) — A Punk-Comedy Odyssey Through 1984's Dark Heart
Emerald Cities (1983), the final installment in a loose trilogy from director Rick Schmidt, plunges us into a surreal odyssey following a spirited young woman who flees her mundane Death Valley life in search of something more. Joined by her eccentric father—still clad in his Santa suit from a crumbling Christmas pageant—she stumbles into the chaotic, neon-soaked underbelly of a dystopian 1984. This offbeat comedy-drenched with music weaves together gritty street interviews, explosive punk performances by Flipper and The Mutants, and unsettling montages of hypnotic TV segments and nuclear dread, all culminating in a wild collision of personalities and ideas.
Beneath its absurdist surface, the film captures the raw energy of an era caught between despair and defiance, where every character—from a crazed ex-con to the ever-present Willie Boy Walker—feels like a relic or a rebel from a world on the brink. Schmidt's vision blends dark humor with a haunting sense of place, making Emerald Cities more than just a movie—it's a time capsule of punk's raw spirit and a meditation on chasing dreams in the face of collapse.