There’s the Rub in “Swingers”

The unfortunately named “Swingers” (no, it’s not about what you’re thinking) is a 90’s classic. Starring Jon Favreau as the dumped and depressed Mike, and a convincing Vince Vaughn as his encouraging best friend Trent, the film defined the dating scene when it was released. Written by Favreau and casting his friends, it’s a semi-autobiographical film about his time trying to “make it” in LA as a young actor. The opening scene is totally “money”, as Mike talks to his friend Rob (played by Ron Livingston) about his heartache concerning the girl he left behind in New York:

Rob: I mean at first you're going to pretend to forget about her, you'll not call her, I don't know, whatever... but then eventually, you really will forget about her.

Mike: Well what if she comes back first?

Rob: Mmmm... see, that's the thing, is somehow they know not to come back until you really forget.

Mike: There's the rub.

Rob: There's the rub.

Mike hangs his head, his despair is palpable. As the movie progresses, it focuses on Trent and Mike’s friendship, and Trent’s efforts to help Mike heal and move on. Trent is one of those loud, boisterous guys who was probably the life of the party in his college frat house. Trent is inspirational, and sucks the despondent Mike into his schemes (“Vegas, baby! Vegas!”) to pursue the “beautiful babies”.

There’s no stopping Trent in his efforts to cheer up his friend. Bar hopping, a midnight road trip to Las Vegas, Hollywood parties- you name it, Trent drags Mike there. At first, Mike fights against all this social activity. He just wants to sit in his apartment, drinking himself to sleep every night. But Trent sees something that Mike doesn’t. “You’re money, and you don’t even know it,” he says several times. Other people agree. Mike is the man, even if he’s down for the count and can’t even perform regular personal hygiene. By the end of the film, Mike does indeed learn that he is “money”. It took Trent’s nudging and coaching to get him to finally realize it.

If only everyone had a Trent in their life.