I've admired his writing since the 1970s (his essays and comedic pieces for National Lampoon were hysterically funny and beautifully written — back when National Lampoon wasn't exclusively frat boy hilarity.)
For instance, "National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983),†was based on a short story he had written for the magazine called “Vacation ‘58″ which was based on a fictionalized childhood remembrance of a road trip to Disneyland gone horribly wrong."
They say they'll be posting some of Hughes classic pieces from the magazine: I'd recommend you check back in for 'em. http://nationallampoon.com/articles
Very nice! As a child of the '80s, I am very bummed! His movies helped define the decade for me. "The Breakfast Club" is probably my favorite, but it's hard to decide between that or "Sixteen Candles", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", "Vacation", "Mr. Mom", "Uncle Buck"…
JS that final scene is so gorgeous. But roll tape back just a few minutes–Jake Ryan showing up at the church is as romantic a moment as was ever filmed.
None of John Hughes' movies were artistic successes. They were commercial successes. He'll never rank with Fellini, or Scorcese, or Capra in the eyes of serious film buffs. But it doesn't matter: he made movies that represented a generation, and which entertained people. Yesterday, everywhere, people gasped at the news of his passing, and immediately began sharing stories. In the end, that's all any director can ask.
In many ways, I am feeling the same way today, having heard this sad news, as I did the day Jim Henson died – like a friend I never realized I had is suddenly gone. I'm 42, so was exactly the right age (e.g., about 15 when I saw Sixteen Candles) for Hughes' teen movies to speak to me. As a geeky/gay/outsider/freak in my high school (although no one knew about the second part) those movies were a huge comfort. Hughes just got that high school is not a fun time for many/most of us, and the pain of teen angst is not just self-indulgent brooding. Much like My So-Called Life a few years later, Hughes was willing to acknowledge the humanity of teens and had a tremendous insight for that weird part-child/part-adult feeling.
My favorite Hughes movie was, without a doubt, The Breakfast Club. It sounds so cheesy, but I really believe seeing the Anthony Michael Hall character's struggle helped keep me alive. I was very depressed at that point in high school and was actively contemplating suicide. Hughes helped me realize that 1) it can really suck to be a teenager and 2) it will get better.
B. Cooper found this, and somehow it wouldn't post for him. It's wonderful, and had an extra tug for me as someone who has some contact with the creator of the show that has impacted her life so greatly. http://wellknowwhenwegetthere.blogspot.com/2009/0…
I've seen Ferris Bueller enough times to recite. My eight-year-old brother as well (whether or not that's appropriate…ah, well, whatever ;). And Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club are just classic.
Thanks Roberta for linking to that post, it really touched me to know that not only did he listen to Molly and the teenagers he encountered in LA but also to a "real" non-actor teenager.
I've admired his writing since the 1970s (his essays and comedic pieces for National Lampoon were hysterically funny and beautifully written — back when National Lampoon wasn't exclusively frat boy hilarity.)
For instance, "National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983),†was based on a short story he had written for the magazine called “Vacation ‘58″ which was based on a fictionalized childhood remembrance of a road trip to Disneyland gone horribly wrong."
They say they'll be posting some of Hughes classic pieces from the magazine: I'd recommend you check back in for 'em.
http://nationallampoon.com/articles
Nice.
😀
I'm having a late-night screening of The Breakfast Club tonight with a few friends. Seems appropriate.
Very nice! As a child of the '80s, I am very bummed! His movies helped define the decade for me. "The Breakfast Club" is probably my favorite, but it's hard to decide between that or "Sixteen Candles", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", "Vacation", "Mr. Mom", "Uncle Buck"…
RIP, Mr. Hughes!
I heard about that last night. Very sad. 🙁
I think the gang is going to organize a memorial Hughes movie marathon. It just seems like the thing to do.
Sixteen Candles…love that final scene. RIP
JS that final scene is so gorgeous. But roll tape back just a few minutes–Jake Ryan showing up at the church is as romantic a moment as was ever filmed.
Ferris Buehler and Planes, Trains & Automobiles are my favs.
None of John Hughes' movies were artistic successes. They were commercial successes. He'll never rank with Fellini, or Scorcese, or Capra in the eyes of serious film buffs. But it doesn't matter: he made movies that represented a generation, and which entertained people. Yesterday, everywhere, people gasped at the news of his passing, and immediately began sharing stories. In the end, that's all any director can ask.
In many ways, I am feeling the same way today, having heard this sad news, as I did the day Jim Henson died – like a friend I never realized I had is suddenly gone. I'm 42, so was exactly the right age (e.g., about 15 when I saw Sixteen Candles) for Hughes' teen movies to speak to me. As a geeky/gay/outsider/freak in my high school (although no one knew about the second part) those movies were a huge comfort. Hughes just got that high school is not a fun time for many/most of us, and the pain of teen angst is not just self-indulgent brooding. Much like My So-Called Life a few years later, Hughes was willing to acknowledge the humanity of teens and had a tremendous insight for that weird part-child/part-adult feeling.
My favorite Hughes movie was, without a doubt, The Breakfast Club. It sounds so cheesy, but I really believe seeing the Anthony Michael Hall character's struggle helped keep me alive. I was very depressed at that point in high school and was actively contemplating suicide. Hughes helped me realize that 1) it can really suck to be a teenager and 2) it will get better.
RIP Mr. Hughes.
B. Cooper found this, and somehow it wouldn't post for him. It's wonderful, and had an extra tug for me as someone who has some contact with the creator of the show that has impacted her life so greatly.
http://wellknowwhenwegetthere.blogspot.com/2009/0…
I've seen Ferris Bueller enough times to recite. My eight-year-old brother as well (whether or not that's appropriate…ah, well, whatever ;). And Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club are just classic.
RIP John Hughes.
Thanks Roberta for linking to that post, it really touched me to know that not only did he listen to Molly and the teenagers he encountered in LA but also to a "real" non-actor teenager.