The Symbolism of Plastic Wrap in Grease: A Deep Dive

Grease, the iconic 1978 movie adaptation of the 1971 musical, has captivated audiences for decades. Among its myriad symbols and visual cues, the use of plastic wrap in the dance sequence stands out as both a playful and significant nod to the film's themes and characters' desires.

Plastic Wrap: A Dual Purpose Symbol

The plastic wrap in Grease serves more than one purpose. It highlights the idea of turning an ordinary object—here, a beat-up car—into something extraordinary. This mirrors the songs' theme of dreaming big and striving to stand out. In the context of the musical, this symbolizes the characters' aspirations to change themselves and their lives.

Moreover, the plastic wrap is laden with a double entendre: it symbolizes the "new car" feel for the newly remade car that the characters strive for. However, it also serves a more subtle, adult undertone. This becomes evident when considering that in the 1950s, Saran Wrap was used as a condom. This nuance adds a layer of complexity to the symbol, reflecting the characters' seemingly innocent dreams and their undercurrent of desire.

The entire sequence is exaggerated and playful, perfectly aligning with the overall tone of the musical. The characters' desire to showcase their identities and aspirations is a constant theme, and the plastic wrap dance serves as a visual representation of this overarching narrative.

Censorship and Symbolic Elements

Interestingly, in the film version of Grease, many of the references were severely censored. Despite these edits, the plastic wrap was retained. This decision is particularly noteworthy given the explicit instructions given to the cast to avoid any overtly sexual references. These instructions were likely issued to comply with censorship standards of the time.

Tom Cruise, along with other cast members, adhered to these instructions, but Hayley Mills, playing the role of Sandy, did not. Her character's dance moves, including the infamous pelvic thrust with the plastic wrap, were a deliberate choice to subvert the intended censored version. This move, while technically against the instructions, ultimately made it into the final cut of the film, adding a layer of rebellion and authenticity to the performance.

The plastic wrap sequence in Grease is far more than a simple dance prop. It weaves together themes of aspiration, transformation, and an underlying sense of desire, all seamlessly woven into the fabric of the musical. The double entendre of the plastic wrap not only adds a layer of complexity to the viewer's interpretation but also serves as a subtle protest against the censorship attempts of the time.

Conclusion

Grease remains a beloved classic, its symbolism rich and multi-layered. The plastic wrap, in particular, stands as a testament to the film's ability to combine innocence with underlying complexity. It highlights the characters' dreams and desires, and serves as a constant reminder of the film's overarching themes.

From its role in showcasing the characters' aspirations and the film's overall tone, to its adult undertones and minor disregard for censorship, the plastic wrap in Grease is a symbol not to be missed.