Critics consider it one of the greatest high school films, as well as one of Hughes' most memorable and recognizable works. The media referred to the film's five main actors as members of a group called the "Brat Pack". (Wikipedia.com)
Main Cast:
Emilio Estevez as Andrew "Andy" Clark
Anthony Michael Hall as Brian Johnson
Judd Nelson as John Bender
Molly Ringwald as Claire Standish
Ally Sheedy as Allison Reynolds
As we view the film, take notes to answer the following questions for our blog:
1. What stereotypes about teenage roles/behaviors does the film provide the viewer? How does the film break or challenge these stereotypes? Do you think these stereotypes still exist in high schools or have they changed?
2. What commentary does the film make about the tensions between the teen world and the adult world? What type of relationship do the teens depicted in the film have with their parents?
3. How does the film mix the genres of teen comedy and drama? Do you think the film is successful at showing the complexity of teen life in this way? Keep in mind, this is a film from the 1980s!
4. How would you update this film for modern audiences? What stereotypes would you include? Which actors would you choose? How might you change or update the storyline to suit modern teen viewers? What “modern” teen problems might an updated version focus upon?
5. The soundtrack of this film was immensely popular (and continues to be well-known today). If you were creating an updated version of this film, how might you create a new, fresh soundtrack? Give a few scenes with song ideas that would bring the film into the new age.