What does the 1950s setting represent?

I've only watched the film once but the different time periods definitely interested me most of all. I've always been intrigued by the entire decade-blending motif style.

There must be some consistent symbolism behind it. I'm interested to see what other people who have watched the movie more times can say about these theories.

Perhaps the characters set in the 1950s were more pure and innocent. Sandy was 50s, most (if not all) of the "rescue" vehicles, like the ambulance, were 50s. The hardware store had a 50s vibe to it too, it was an honest family owned business, where the father was making an honest living.

Characters set in the modern-time (80s) seemed more criminal, dark, and seedy. They commit murder and deal in drugs, which is a direct opposite of the wholesome things that had the 1950s setting.


Interestingly I personally associate these same tropes/stereotypes to these decades as well.

I picture the 1950s as fun/joyful/wholesome, clean, small town, brightly pastel colored family-oreinted etc (although in reality it surely wasn't, but that a different topic).

For the 1980s I think of nothing but negative things, I see it as the darkest, seediest decade. I picture cocaine, loud music, gangs, drugs, aids, filth, crime, leather, big hair etc.


I've felt this way towards these two particular decades long before I saw this film, that's why I was interested by it when I noticed it.