Movie Analysis Assignment: The Breakfast Club
Assignment Due: July 17, 2012
Sociology of Youth and Youth Cultures
Summary
Five high school students, Andy, Brian, Claire, John, and Allison are sentenced to detention and are forced to spend their Saturday in the school library. This unlikely group of teenagers are thrown together and forced to write an essay. The essay is supposed to be about what each individual thinks he or she is.
In this movie, all the social groups are represented. Claire is the pretty popular girl. John is the high school jock. Brian is a nerd. Allison is the girl nobody notices and Andy is a highly sensitive bad boy.
Throughout the course of the day, these teenagers, who couldn’t be more different, begin communicating to each other and discover that they have a lot in common. By the end of the day, they become friends and learn a lot about themselves, each other, and life in general. In the end Brian writes a single essay that expresses all of their thoughts.
Let me begin by saying that I liked this film. I’m glad we had the opportunity to view the entire movie. Until now, I did not realize why or how this movie became such a classic. A classic movie for me is Star Wars or Raiders of the Lost Ark.
How can a movie, centered around five typical teenagers, still resonate such a strong message after 27 years? After analyzing the plot and outcome of this story, I realized the Breakfast Club represented nearly every teenager in America. I use the term “nearly” because there are a few social cliques not represented by these five teens. For example, gays, lesbians, and minorities are not present in this film.
The Essay on Problems Teenagers Face School One Sexual
Problems Teenagers Face Acquiring an Identity and establishing self-esteem are two of the biggest obstacles that teenagers face. As children mature, they view themselves in more complicated ways. By the time they mature into teenagers they are able to give detailed psychological descriptions of themselves. Consequently, they become more interested in understanding their own personalities and why ...
If this movie was remade today, the cast would need a different look in order to be successful at the box office. First of all, it would need an openly gay individual similar to Clay Aiken.
His views and lifestyle would reach millions of teens as the movie could explore stereotypes and cultures of homosexuality. Society’s attitude toward sexuality has changed since the 80’s and many gays/lesbians feel more comfortable with their sexual orientation. I would like to see an “out of the closet” individual who still has to deal with issues of rejection and harassment.
Secondly, in addition to the original five teenagers, I think a minority would bring an interesting outlook to the club. This minority should have the look and swagger Lil’ Wayne. Not only could you get a black perspective on teenage life, but the movie could touch base with hip hop culture which has transcended all ethnic backgrounds.
The hip hop culture is often misunderstood and also brings many stereotypes to mind. These stereotypes include flashy jewelry, explicit language, and angry youth. However, not all hip hop goers smoke weed and wear baggy clothes. The culture has evolved from Adidas sweat suits and gold chains to include intellectuals from many different backgrounds. I think the message this person should send is, “Never judge a book by it’s cover.”
Thirdly, I think the jock in this film remake needs to have a lot more muscle. Emilio Estevez did not fit the physical stereotype of a jock. As a matter of fact, he and the nerd were about the same height and size. Today’s jock would be rippling with muscle tone.
Other than the 80’s fashion, I would not change much else about this film including the messages. Several messages were brought to life in this movie and my favorite depicts a school system that is failing the students.
The Essay on Movie Rating System Should Be Eliminated
There have always been many debates through the past few years on if the movie rating system actually does any real good in this society where teens can practically get their way with almost anything. Given the statement that, "The movie rating system doesn't work and should be eliminated," I totally agree. The movies are rated on if the content is suitable for those individuals 17 years and ...
In this case, the principal is representative of the entire system. He is the typical mean principal who is put off by teens and simply does not understand them. He felt like the kids did not respect him and only wanted to rebel against his authoritative power. He revealed this when he talked to himself in the mirror and also in his conversation with the janitor.
The principal’s perception of the kids is that they all have “changed” and they all
were “pricks.” Since the principal represents the system, then it’s safe to say the system is failing our kids. The system can not relate, nor can it handle, teens with multiple social issues.
I think this “school system” message is also a developmental message. I think
the principal had opportunities to show compassion and concern for Bender, but chose to belittle him instead. For example, when they were in the broom closet, the principal challenged Bender and dared the kid to punch him. At what point does authority say, “Let’s talk about this. What’s wrong with you? Can I help.?
If this remake ever takes place, I would expect a redirection of principal and student relationship. In this redirection, one on one scenes take place and the student may leave with great advice on how to handle specific issues.
Since this movie was full of teenage issues, I was really surprised at the lack of sexual references. When I was in high school, nerds dreamed about sex, jocks actually received the sex, the bad boys demanded sex, and the pretty girls were always denying them. It seemed like every one was exploring with sex or at least using the language.
This movie did not have any booty shaking or tongue twisted kisses. There was only a short scene where Claire is pressured to confess that she is still a virgin. A young viewer may reference this scene as a confirmation. The confirmation is that not everybody who is cute and popular is having sex.
Overall, I give this movie two thumbs up. I thought the ending was very appropriate. Brian’s essay summed up the entire movie by basically saying, “It doesn’t matter what we think of ourselves. You see us the way you want to see us.” In other words, if you think I’m worthless, then I’m not able to change your views.
The Essay on Minerbrook Page System Children Kids
In New York Homicide arrests of kids, ages ten through fourteen rose from 194 to 301 between 1988 and 1992 (Minerbrook, Page 36). In 1986, a majority of cases in New York City+s family court were misdemeanors; today more than 90 percent are felonies (Minerbrook, Page 36). No end to this dramatic increase in violence seems to be in sight. Youngsters used to shoot each other in the bodies, then the ...
I think this movie will be popular for years to come. As a matter of fact, I’m going to list it as one of my second favorite teenage classics. The first being the Goonies.
