Remembering Susan Lawrence: The Heart of a Classic
There’s a specific kind of magic to late-80s films, a warmth that feels almost tangible. When you think of the Big 1988 cast, you instantly picture the FAO Schwarz piano scene, but the real heart of the movie beats in the quieter moments, many of which belong to Susan Lawrence. The role of Elizabeth Perkins in Big wasn't just to react to Josh Baskin's boy-in-a-man's-body antics; it was to provide the film with its soul.
Buddy, our emotional anchor, often reminds us that a character's true strength is in their vulnerability. Susan wasn’t a one-dimensional career woman. She was ambitious, yes, but also lonely, navigating a world of cynical adults and corporate games. You could feel her exhaustion with the dating scene, the guarded posture she held in boardrooms, and the slow, cautious way she let her walls down for Josh. Her performance was a masterclass in subtlety.
She was the audience's anchor in a sea of fantasy. While Josh was discovering the joys of adulthood, Susan was rediscovering the wonder she'd lost. This dynamic taps into a powerful psychological phenomenon—the deep, comforting pull of nostalgia. It’s that bittersweet ache for a simpler time, a feeling expertly woven into the film's fabric, as noted in studies on the power of positive memories.
It’s why the character of Susan Lawrence in the Big movie resonates so deeply even decades later. We weren't just watching a romance; we were watching a woman find permission to be joyful again. Elizabeth Perkins in Big gave us a character who was learning, just as Josh was, what it truly means to connect.
The Chemistry That Made It Work: Perkins & Hanks
Let’s look at the underlying pattern here, because the on-screen chemistry between Tom Hanks and Elizabeth Perkins wasn’t an accident. It was a carefully constructed dynamic of opposing forces that created a perfect, compelling balance. As our resident sense-maker Cory would point out, this isn't random; it's a cycle of discovery and retreat that makes for a magnetic narrative.
Hanks’ Josh Baskin was all wide-eyed innocence and unfiltered honesty. Perkins’ Susan was steeped in corporate skepticism and adult weariness. He was the force of chaotic good, and she was the established order he disrupted. This contrast is the engine of their relationship. Their interactions became one of the most beloved portrayals of iconic 80s movie couples, precisely because it felt both impossible and inevitable.
Many people wonder, how old was Elizabeth Perkins in Big? She was around 27 during filming, embodying that specific life stage of having professional success but personal uncertainty. Her performance captured the maturity and disillusionment that made Josh's innocence so appealing and, ultimately, so heartbreaking for her character. The Elizabeth Perkins in Big performance is a study in reacting to an impossible truth.
Cory often provides us with a 'Permission Slip' to reframe our thinking. Here’s one that feels fitting: "You have permission to love the stories that shaped you, even if their premises are fantastical." The magic of the Tom Hanks Elizabeth Perkins dynamic is a testament to how great performances can make us believe in the impossible, creating a cinematic touchstone that lasts a lifetime.
How to Rewatch 'Big' and Relive the Magic Today
Nostalgia is powerful, but access is strategy. If you're ready to revisit this classic, you need a clear action plan. As Pavo, our social strategist, always says, 'Emotion is the 'why,' strategy is the 'how.' Here is the move for watching Elizabeth Perkins in Big and reliving that 1988 magic.
As of late 2023, you have several options for streaming. The availability can change, so a quick search is always a good tactic, but here are the most reliable platforms where 'Big' is frequently found:
Streaming Subscriptions: Often available on services like Disney+ or Hulu. Check your current subscriptions first—it’s the most cost-effective move.
Digital Rental/Purchase: You can almost always rent or buy the film on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, or YouTube. A rental typically gives you 30 days to start watching and 48 hours to finish.
* Physical Media: For the purists, owning a Blu-ray or DVD copy is the ultimate strategic play. It ensures permanent access, independent of shifting streaming licenses. This is your best long-term option.
Don't just passively watch. Make it an event. The goal isn't just to see the film; it's to reconnect with the feeling it gave you. That's how you turn a simple movie night into a meaningful experience.
FAQ
1. How old was Elizabeth Perkins in the movie Big?
Elizabeth Perkins was approximately 27 years old during the filming of 'Big' (released in 1988). Her portrayal of Susan Lawrence perfectly captured the perspective of a young professional woman navigating her career and love life.
2. What made the chemistry between Tom Hanks and Elizabeth Perkins so special in Big?
Their chemistry was rooted in contrast. Tom Hanks' character, Josh, was innocent and naive, while Elizabeth Perkins' character, Susan, was sophisticated and somewhat jaded by the adult world. This dynamic created a compelling mix of humor, heart, and dramatic tension that made them one of the most iconic 80s movie couples.
3. Why is Susan Lawrence considered an important character?
Susan Lawrence, played by Elizabeth Perkins, is crucial because she acts as the emotional anchor for the film. Through her eyes, the audience experiences the magic and eventual heartbreak of Josh's situation. She is more than a love interest; she is a fully realized character whose own journey of rediscovering joy is central to the movie's theme.
4. Where can I watch the movie 'Big' today?
As of late 2023, 'Big' is often available for streaming on platforms like Disney+ or Hulu. You can also rent or purchase the movie digitally from services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.
References
psychologytoday.com — The Power of Nostalgia