The late movie director John Hughes
When you say the name John Hughes to somebody born before 1984, that Gen X-er probably would say that many things come to mind: Jake Ryan, Blane, Duckie, Long Duk Dong, Farmer Ted, Clark W. Griswald, Mr. Rooney, pink prom dresses, If You Leave, the wrong side of the tracks, hair gel overdose, headgear, Molly Ringwald, the Brat Pack, school detentions, annoying high school principals, skipping school, outsmarting parents, rediscovering your parents, family vacations, sibling rivalry, geeks, cheerleaders, class presidents, preppies, jocks, outcasts, parties, weddings; Abe Froman the Sausage King of Chicago, wing tips, pegged pants, Don’t You Forget About Me, dialogue you won’t soon forget like “Bueller?… Bueller?… Bueller?” “You couldn’t buy her, though, that’s what’s killing you, isn’t it? Stef? That’s it, Stef. She thinks you’re sh**. And deep down, you know she’s right!” “Make a wish…..it already came true” “Relax, would you? We have seventy dollars and a pair of girls underpants. We’re safe as kittens!” and a whole slew of other memorable quotes, characters, songs, or situations from one of his movies.
Safe to say, there is virtually no one who captured so many elements of our adolescent years, from the bad-the heartbreak, rejection, being invisible, and sheer embarrassment-to the positive-finding love, strengthening friendships, uncovering similarities, and learning to be who you are, no matter what. He presented these things in such a way that were not only entertaining and familiar, but that stood the test of time.
Yes, he hadn’t made a movie in years and had moved to a farm in Illinois. But the memories and feelings come flooding back each time I watch any of his cult classics like “Sixteen Candles,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, ” “Pretty in Pink,” or “The Breakfast Club.”
Iconic movie director John Hughes passed away today from a heart attack at the age of 59 while on a walk in Manhattan. He will surely be missed, especially from that ever present teenager in me. R.I.P.
Click here to listen to one of the classic songs, If You Were Here by The Thompson Twins, from Hughes’ “Sixteen Candles” Click twice on this link then twice on the link on the following page to listen to the song.
