“Greetings” is a 1968 drama comedy directed by Brian De Palma. The film follows the lives of three young friends: Jon Rubin (played by Robert De Niro), Joey (played by Gerrit Graham), and Lloyd Clay (played by Allen Garfield), as they navigate their way through the various challenges of life in late 1960s New York City.
Jon is an eccentric, avant-garde filmmaker obsessed with the Kennedy assassination and other conspiracy theories. He spends much of his time making experimental films and trying to meet women through a dating service. Joey is a ladies’ man who works as a messenger but dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. Lloyd is an aspiring musician who spends his days composing jingles for television commercials.
The three friends get caught up in several comical and sometimes bizarre situations as the film unfolds. Jon becomes involved with a wealthy middle-aged woman obsessed with the Kennedy assassination. At the same time, Joey tries to make it as a comedian by performing in nightclubs and making a disastrous appearance on a children’s television show. Lloyd, meanwhile, gets mixed up with a group of radical activists who plan to blow up a local draft board office.
Throughout the film, De Palma uses a mix of documentary-style footage, still photographs, and black-and-white film to capture the energy and chaos of 1960s New York City. The film also features many satirical and surreal elements, including a recurring character known as “The Super-Nerd,” who serves as a satirical commentary on the state of American masculinity.
Despite its humorous tone, “Greetings” also touches on some serious themes, including the Vietnam War, political activism, and the difficulties of finding meaning in a rapidly changing world. The film is a snapshot of a particular moment in American history and an early example of De Palma’s unique style and sensibility. It also marks Robert De Niro’s debut role as a credited actor.
The Other Cinema 