Over the Edge is a movie completed in 1979 and released on HBO two years later because its controversial content led to a decision to forego a theatrical release. It stars Matt Dillon in his feature film debut.
Because of its depiction of teenage rebellion, marijuana and alcohol use by junior high school students, a painstakingly accurate depiction of suburban life in the late 1970s, and a rock & roll soundtrack featuring such bands as The Ramones and Cheap Trick, Over the Edge has achieved cult film status, and in turn inspired the music video for the song "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana blank">http://www.music-videos.duncans.tv/2006/nirvana-smells-like-teen-spirit/.
According to the Director's and Writer's commentary on the DVD, Over the Edge was inspired by actual events that took place in _Foster City, California in the early 1970s.
New Grenada is a planned community set in the desert where there is nothing for the kids to do, save for a rec center - which closes at 6 PM. The parents, in their zeal to attract industry to their town, have all but neglected their children. As a result, the kids begin to create their own entertainment, which involves vandalism, theft, and general hooliganism. During an incident when one of the kids brandishes an unloaded gun at town cop Ed Doberman, he is shot and killed. When the parents gather the next night to discuss the killing and the level of lawlessness among the youth, they soon find out that their kids have had all they can take. Written by Rick Gregory
