This is one of the challenges in writing characters today. Some deviances from an archetype (such as a jock who turns out to be vulnerable inside) have also become a stereotype.
I think The Cabin in the Woods perfectly represents how filmmakers have to include stereotypes to make characters easily identifiable and the inconsistency that has to real life people
yeah thats why its better to just have mostly well defined characters people can identify with and understand cause otherwise they stop being believeable and are easy to make fun of..the misunderstood loner who has a method to their madness and bad shenanigans with a heart of gold underneath it all is the worst.....it worked for breakfast club because the films point is that so its written around that but in a regular setting if everyone is complex then none of them are cause the story isn't built to comment on that its about people being people...we aren't all that complex or bipolar..we are who we are....sure you can grow in some aspects change but like you are going to remain who you are in the end for the most part
Well yeah, The "second in command" (or lower) has to actually DO shit. In most cities,for example: The "Chief of Police" is a political/PR officer that does zero actual police work.
the principal would never be there and also it shows he let the authority get to his head cause e is the only authority that day like a principal and it shows us he would be an awful one
yeah I've heard that so called vice principles used to manage attendance issues in some schools. I went to a very small rural school, and it was the guidance counselor who handled that... i guess he functioned like the Vice Prince would in other schools...
Speaking as someone who has long dealt with archetypes and archetypology, I found this to be a great summary of archetype. The beginning, not the end. (As opposed to stereotype, which, as you say, is the end point.) Quite lovely. The one is descriptive, the other prescriptive.
Anybody else irritated by Allison’s chosen dark garb being seen as “less than” the pink? She looked so much cooler before! (Adult writer behind the times anybody?) I envision her getting to college and finding her tribe, embracing her love of dark clothing...
I envisioned her as reverting back to her dark garb, which leads her to she meet a badass goth chick who complemented her outfit and they become best friends :)
I domt think it was seen as a less than, just a moment for Alisson to let herself be out, she wanted to be social and she wanted to have friends, everything edgy she did was in way as a defense and also as a way to have some attention (since we know her parents ignore her and she doesnt have friends), the makeover was a bonding moment between her and Claire, Claire is being nice with her and treating her as she would a normal friend, trying to pamper her and doing her makeup and hair, for her is normal and what she thinks brings out Alissons beauty more, and is not like Alisson didnt like it, she let Claire do it for a reason. Its not even that much for Andrew, since if you watch the movie he has many instances of being intersted in her long before they talk or bond, the only comment he makes is that now he can see her face, which he likes
In this reading of the movie whats up with the janitor? For some reason he was always my favorite character. an adult, possible authority figure, but also relates to the rest of the characters in a different way than other adults.
During the film's opening, there's a shot of pictures with the label above saying "Man of the Year" and one of those guys is labeled Carl Reed. And the character of the Janitor is named Carl Reed. My guess is that is supposed to be the stereotype of "that guy is high school who is successful but later turns out to not be successful." I'm not entirely sure how much that is developed in the film, but take that with what you will.
@@CorbCorbin he IS an authority figure. When they tried to berate them he put them in their place and made it clear he knows all about them and can ruin them. He actually held more authority over the students than Vernon did.
I liked him, because he is there to show that also that these teens stereotype adults as well as adults stereotype them. In the beggining, Bender tries to hummiliate him because of his job. If he is in the low part on the social scale, then he doesn't deserve any type of respect. But nope, in the end, he is the only adult who earns the respect of the kids, because he is there to show us how an adult should be like. We shouldn't to aspire to being like Vernon or the parents, because they obviously have failed in some way.
I think the janitor character-intentionally or not-is there to show the viewer and the soon to be adult high school teens that he was once like them, he was like everyone else in that town, in that school including himself-mostly due to peer pressure and the pressure of everyone else's expectations of him-thought he should try to be and who that type of person he should become when he's an adult, when he's "a grown-up." And even though he did everything that his type was expected to do, to act like, and to have the appearance of, he still became another type that's looked down on, a type that's seen as a failure by the "superior types" that are shown respect in that town, and thus in society; which, the high school itself, is a metaphorical representation of. The janitor is a stereotype of what society-especially due to class or social constructs-considers to be a failure. He's not something someone is encouraged to be, but rather a thing that a soon to be adult is discouraged in becoming, frowned upon turning into: a working class slave of the working class. I don't think the teens respected him, they respected but mostly feared what he could do to their reputations. They seemed to pity who or what he became but feared what a person like that could do who had access to all the secrets that could potentially destroy the illusions of who and what people saw them as. It seems like the janitor isn't an example of what it is to be an adult. He really seems to be there to show the teens that it doesn't matter what others think of you. What matters is what you think of yourself. He definitely doesn't look like he's unhappy with where he ended up. He probably was at first, but in time all of that changed once he stopped caring about what everyone else thought of him.
I actually don't mind the way the movie ends. They have grown inside, and that changes everything, but the world is still the same: everyone will see them as their arche/stereotyped selves, but now they won't care about it. Bryan is the only one to not get a partner, but his confidence doesn't mean that he will get one: he just won't be sad about rejection now that he has a real bond. Andrew will still be seen as a brute jock, but I'm sure that now that he has spoken his resentment against those who pressure him he won't feel forced to be mean to anyone again. And yeah, I do not like that Allyson is made conventionaly pretty for a boy, buuuut I'm going to say that it doesn't reflect her as having changed from the inside. I want to see it as Clair helping her feel better with femeninity, and that her clothes symbolize that she won't be an outcast _to the ones she loves._ It may be a stretch, given, you know, the 80's, but I preffer to see her as opening up her sensibility in a forward way: her hair is not hiding her eyes now. She will be open to the ones that she cares for and care for her. Because sure, she combed her hair, but she still has dandruff. And she makes art with it. A girl like her won't be mellowed down by nobody. _The one thing_ I do resent is the treatment of Claire. She is shut down by everybody everytime she says anything. Sure, she says some naive and hurtful stuff, but I would have loved to see her saying something smart after everybody told her to shut up the entire movie. So, I think the BC did the best it could. I don't know if a remake would help, given how the studios would treat it as a money maker instead of a dearly beloved story, so I would go with this one and say what it taught me: just because the problem is not solved, it doesn't mean that we didn't grew by doing our best
I agree, the scene where everyone calls her an insensitive bitch for saying something EVERYONE knew but didn't want to admit never sat right with me. She even asked if they would prefer her true opinion or a lie, then when she proceeded to tell the truth she was attacked. Everyone thought she was being unnecessarily cruel and yet when she called them out on their hypocrisy they continued to play the victim.
@@fernandaespinola8183 Yeah specially Bender, when she says to him "Why dont you invite Allison to your heavy metal parties or Brian to the parking lot at lunch to get high? " She speaks the true
Could of kept bender and claire as a mystery will they won't they and for how long even if it does and will she hide it in public an school who knows...I don't mind andy and allison although after that story he told I don't see how she digs him more than before he told them that cause she seemed irked with him early on then he tells that bullying story and she is into him now because she found out what he did and lied hid in fear from her earlier about why he's there..she knew he was lying cause she's a pro at it...but most girls would not date him after that not be into him...guess that's why she's the basket case
Thank you very much for your videos, been watching them for a while now and they have really helped me to understand the art of cinema and film. Currently writing my first feature, and from time to time I rewatch your videos for inspiration when I feel stuck. Thank you. With love all the way from Zimbabwe.
In my opinion it’s a really great movie, but it’s ending hurts it so much. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense and goes against the main themes of the movie. Like why does Allison getting a makeover to look more like Claire suddenly make Andrew fall in love with her? Wouldn’t he of already known he was starting to get feelings for her and preferred her to be herself not what the social norm was? Seems like a cop out to both of their developments. Andrews main growth was him trying to not be the same as his dad and friends, so essentially think for himself. Allison just wants to be seen for who she is, having her get a makeover to have her blend in to be more “normal” goes against that completely. If the only way for them to get together was for Allison to change her appearance then they both regress as characters. The ideal ending for them would’ve just been for Andrew to ignore the “social repercussions” of being with an outcast as a jock and for Allison to simply stay the same, but have people around her that care about her.
I'm glad you pointed out the problem with Allison. I even issues with Claire's ending. Claire was basically sexually harassed by John the bully. it does not make a lot of sense for her to be romantically interested in a guy who does have a sad past but is still an asshole. John character does not properly realize that the other's are more than they're stereotypes and so is he. It would have been interesting to see him grow and try to do better.
And Andrew pretty much sexually assaulted another boy. Pinning a boy down, removing his pants and placing tape inside of his butt that's just fucked up. Sure he was remorseful but I don't really think that's good enough. In real life he'd be facing criminal charges.
you also have to take into consideration the times this was made and how back then (im in no way condoning this or defending this) what happened to claire wouldnt have been taken seriously because it was seen as "flirting" or "boys will be boys". its still horrible but if youre going to talk about your opinions on the movie just try to include the context.
I'd like to see more analysis from Vernon and Carl's perspectives and on the persistence/stability of form is to one's identity and reification of ontology.
Great video! I was always confused by what the difference was between the archetype and stereotype but this really helped explain it. Even better, it also helped me solve an issue with a screenplay I'm writing, which deals with similar themes, so thanks in a way. Keep up the great work! :-)
Wish I could 👍🏻 more than once! I’ve struggled to fully understand this distinction for years, and the “starting point/end point” analogy really helped. Thank you!
The only beef I ever had with this film is that the girl who skipped school is in the same detention as the boy who assaulted another student. Andrew should have at least been suspended.
Andrew was involved in school sports. Being on the wrestling team, it was special treatment. If they would have suspended him, he would've missed the wrestling meet. So they gave him detention. It's not right, but it happens. When I was in high school in the early to mid 80s, I was constantly degraded, and made an example of by a teacher. Did I say something about it. No, probably wouldn't have done any good. It would have probably made it worse. He was the wrestling coach.
That’s kinda the screwed up part of this is school,Claire was probably in here “to scare her and keep her in the right tracks” to try to make sure see stays a goody two shoes kid,Andrew got an easier sentence because he’s the star wrestler
Nice definitions here. To me it felt like underneath their stereotype or archetype, what John Hughes was doing is revealing that there is only one true character in the film and that is: a hurting, suffering and struggling teenager that means something. A human being despite youth and ignorance or experience. And when they all connect, the become ONE, realizing that they belong to each other because they can see themselves in each other....and power in numbers. It's so beautiful. Connection is purpose. So please don't get stuck on 'who got the girl'-- that is ego. The single brain walked out of there just as changed and fulfilled by connection as the paired up ones did. Paired up or single they are equals and heros/heroines conquering conformity to be returned back to ones authentic self that matters as much as adults do. -Jodi Felton, Writer IG: BohoBlondeGoddess
This was nice! I'm starting to realize that a lot of the movies people told me not to watch because they're corny or something actually have a lot of value in them. See also It's a Wonderful Life.
Hero, Damsel in Distress, Outcast, Dreamer, Bully. These are some of the character structures most commonly used. (This comment is for me so don't mind it) ;)
Insightful information on these Archetypes! I stumbled upon your channel through the TH-cam algorithm today. My MBTI channel does the same. Thanks for sharing! 🌟🌟🌟
The lack of general diversity never occurred to me. I suppose it was based on the assumption that it was typical for the time that it was made, but of course, that doesn't excuse the people responsible for casting (or writing).
Yeah, Blacks,Asians and Hispanics weren't invented until 1992. (I thought EVERYONE knew that..) Dude, CHILL! Mostly "white" suburbs existed (and still do). Not EVERYTHING in the world happens in a perfectly proportioned U.S. demographic. If I were making a movie based in the "Homewood" neighborhood of Pittsburgh (A large and historically African-American neighborhood) , Including "whites","Asians" or "Hispanics" for the sake of "diversity" would seem (and, in reality BE) "forced" and unrealistic. Such a film would be mocked (rightly..too!).
@@jamesslick4790 Do you realize that many reasons why mostly white suburbs exist is because of redlining & other race based policies that kept black & brown people from living in those communities?
Beesativity this assumption is typical since so many movies at this time had so little diversity. We have made some progress, yet there are still some problematic issues that need to be addressed. At least you are willing to see it & speak to it.
I'm glad the movie had no black character because being black in highschool is a very different experience and I don't think John Hughes is the person who can speak on their behalf.
Are you familiar with Butterfly Soup by Brianna Lei? It's kinda like The Breakfast Club but instead of five white kids it's four gay Asian girls and instead of detention it's a baseball club. Also it's a visual novel instead of a film.
This is one of my favorite movies, one of the many 80’s movies my mom has introduced me to, I don’t think bender and Claire should’ve ended up together cuz I don’t think they could really date, apart from them coming from different back rounds bender is just a bully and would probably lashed out at Claire the same way he does in the film if they were in an argument or disagreement, that’s not healthy, yes maybe Claire could help with that and in time bender will learn how to deal when he anger but still, and John and Allison I don’t mind really, I wish it was a bit more implied in the film that they liked each other or at least thought the other was attractive but never tried anything cuz they’re 2 completely different ppl and they would be judged, cuz I like a lot of ppl didnt like that Claire gave her a makeover and that’s when it seemed John was like ok now I want her, I could see it from others POV where it’s more or so Claire is just helping Allison feel a bit more confident in herself to go after John, and the 2 girls just bonding over something that a lot of girls all over the world bond together over: makeup and dressing up and talking about boys. I think maybe if Claire hadn’t kinda made Allison look like a Claire in training then I would think differently, cuz it’s fine that she dolled her up a bit but maybe have her still look her and not u, but that’s just my opinion
I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and we had the archetypal people. after going to high School in Colorado I saw everybody Was the same. there was no brainy people there wasn't the group of cute girls that sat together at lunch there wasn't the athletic guy that was kind of bigger and muscular it was all these little skinny people that acted childish and stupid and after graduating high school went to go work there factory job for the rest of their lives with the same childish attitude for the rest of their life .....it was sad 🤨
I thought it was entretaining, however I could not understand how some people label it as a masterpiece(?) I have seen these teenage stories like a gazillion times in other movies and series (the girl who gets a makeover and now gets attention, the jock, the popular, the nerd in high school). Very standard in my opinion, honestly. Not worth of being labeled "a masterpiece".
I can explain Allison's makeover. From what the film shows us, she doesn't have a great relationship with her parents. When she is first introduced, she goes up to the window of her parent's car and they drive away. Through that visual, you can tell that she doesn't get a whole lot of love from her parents. She, because of her parent's absence, becomes a shy, introverted person. She wants to stay hidden from the world. She wears dark clothes and doesn't say a whole lot; She hasn't opened up her true self to anyone. She becomes the archetype of an unwanted and unloved child. Until, she gets detention (and we aren't even given a reason as to why she's there) and as she talks to the group she begins to open up more. Her flaw to overcome is learning to love. Her parents never showed her love, therefore she never learns to love. Claire offers her a makeover (a chance to start anew) and shows her true self to Andrew, who saw her as a unattractive introvert. Andrew finally sees who Allison really is; which is the whole point of the film, to see someone for who they truly are, not as some stereotype.
No. That is not her "true self" and the fact that you think that how she is can't be her true self shows how toxic that scene is and what an awful message that has given to audiences.
Those who have been in Allison's position know: the popular girl who gave you a makeover has done the opposite of reveal your "true self," regardless of what she may say.
@@renegadecut9875 many teenagers go through a goth/emo phase because of how they feel. The ending shows she grew out of it and it wasn't really her. 99% of the "alternative" crowd at my school are complete normies now. Only the ones who were truly into the lifestyle remain. I think the fact her goth get-up isn't really complete with a skirt and shoes no goth would wear shows she's not really a proper goth.
@@Fireglo -- she wasn't really meant to be goth as such. Her character was pretty vague in general, especially compared to the others. Hughes could have written the character better and provided more background. Remember however that Allisons parents neglected her and certainly wouldnt buy her true goth clothes, so she had to use clothes she already had at home to get the look if thst was her intent. Pretty realistic in that regard
I love archetypal characters, but for me, the ones in "The Breakfast Club" were too on-the-nose for me to enjoy. They were stereotypes, not archetypes. But maybe that's the age of the film. Maybe these characters were revolutionary in the '80s, but they seem tired now. Or it could just be me. I was a child of the '90s and, while I didn't see "The Breakfast Club" until I was an adult, I'd seen all these high school characters in dozens of after-school shows growing up.
Loved the video, great job ! However, I just can't appreciate the majority of John Hugues movies because of how problematic they are. That scene where John suggests to rape Claire, or when he sexually assaults her under the table are just so disturbing. And don't get me started on 16 candles, that racist, rape-promoting movie...
Bender is Jack Claire is samneric Andrew is Ralph Allison is Simon Brian is Piggy Assistant Principal Vernon is Ralph (the psychopath) Archetypes from "Lord of the Flies" apply to so many works of art and even personal situations - I can name all of these in my workplace right now.
the film would of been cliché if allison stayed the same since she was there on her own terms anyways so who knows how she really dresses maybe that was just her look that day she is so ignored we have no clue how she looks most days...she grew the way bender did not realizing maybe I should clean up my act hu bud?...you know realistically...and.she came out her shell and wanted to look acceptable...doesn't mean anything bigger than thats how people who feel accepted dress they want to look how they feel..before that she felt the way she looked lost a little messy confused ..he liked her anyways seeing through that but she changed for her own reasons..
I prefer when a story doesnt follow conventional cliche guidelines like 1 to 1 this leads to this narrative...its so boring...symbolic unspoken internal nuisance and subverting expectations when it comes to characters morals themes struggles arcs personalities is always preferred
I was 14 when this movie came out and the overall significance of it was just how aggressive the divisions in these cliques were compared to the world our parents grew up in. Gauging how the internet and social media has developed, it appears to have only gotten worse.
When I went to school, in the mid 90s, the cliques were there, but I had friends in all of them. We all went to parties together, dated outside of these cliques, etc. But, there were also quite a few parents who allowed parties at their homes, so they knew exactly what we were up to. Those were always the safest ones, unless the parents happened to sell drugs. 😀 It was usually the parents who had problems with whom each of my friends hung out with. And, especially when it came to the parents who thought they had daughters, who were virginal, and untouched by anything they considered foul, or a bad influence. They were fine with friends of mine dating an asshole, who was on the football team, but literally only wanted sex, but the kid in a band, not the band, was not permitted to date said daughter, without a thought of who the kid really was.
@@CorbCorbin I'd say being in gen z the stuff is still there. But I'll admit I never really cared for those cliques or walls. I talked to whoever whenever. And it happened often enough with others that I don't think sterotyping with cliques was a thing that happened often. But again its my experience and I usually purposefully ignored that crap because, like the movie was trying to say, I like people for them.
Actually I think its gotten better. If you were a goth after Columbine you were essentially considered a potential threat by students and even teachers.
*Nerdy voice* "But in the Star Wars universe, it is canon that a reckless character that gets the job done while endangering the mission is rewarded and is a hero. And yet in The Last Jedi, Po was reprimanded and demoted, first by Leila and then by the Purple hair Feminist in a ball gown that was supposed to be a military leader. That is why that movie is objectivity the worst Star Wars movie." Great video.
I watched this movie in high school with four female friends when it first came out. None of us realized how disgusting and lame it was. And the saddest part of this is that we were not dumb. Two girls of the group would go into to be valedictorian of the school, one got a PHD in Chemistry, and I was the third best math student in the history of the school. Yet somehow John Hughes had the power to keep us from realizing just how terrible this movie is. 35 years later, it is oh so apparent.
It's quite simple. You believe yourselves to be above the film hence why you argued your irrelevant qualifications make your opinions superior. No one cares if you were the "third best math student in the history of the school". xD
Zeitgeist= The spirit of the age. Kind of caught up on in the moment... that's why there's a lot of bad messages in brat pack movies and revenge of the nerds that kind of didn't register at the time but now are very obvious. Pretty in Pink is really GOOD
This is one of the challenges in writing characters today. Some deviances from an archetype (such as a jock who turns out to be vulnerable inside) have also become a stereotype.
I think The Cabin in the Woods perfectly represents how filmmakers have to include stereotypes to make characters easily identifiable and the inconsistency that has to real life people
Woah, Wait,....There are WRITERS today. Next thing ya know is that I'll find out there are still "Singers" today. 🤣
yeah thats why its better to just have mostly well defined characters people can identify with and understand cause otherwise they stop being believeable and are easy to make fun of..the misunderstood loner who has a method to their madness and bad shenanigans with a heart of gold underneath it all is the worst.....it worked for breakfast club because the films point is that so its written around that but in a regular setting if everyone is complex then none of them are cause the story isn't built to comment on that its about people being people...we aren't all that complex or bipolar..we are who we are....sure you can grow in some aspects change but like you are going to remain who you are in the end for the most part
Don’t follow tropes Base you’re characters in real life rarely do people fit in to stereotypes anyways
@@jamesslick4790 I only listen to real music like gutural caveman sounds and true literature like cave paintings.
I never realized that Vernon is the assistant principle, not the principle
Me either but it makes sense. The vice principals tend to be the disciplinarians at the schools I attended.
@@ryanbenson4610 "Vice" principals. ^ ^ Sometimes I find the english multiple-use words very funny.
Well yeah, The "second in command" (or lower) has to actually DO shit. In most cities,for example: The "Chief of Police" is a political/PR officer that does zero actual police work.
the principal would never be there and also it shows he let the authority get to his head cause e is the only authority that day like a principal and it shows us he would be an awful one
yeah I've heard that so called vice principles used to manage attendance issues in some schools. I went to a very small rural school, and it was the guidance counselor who handled that... i guess he functioned like the Vice Prince would in other schools...
Speaking as someone who has long dealt with archetypes and archetypology, I found this to be a great summary of archetype. The beginning, not the end. (As opposed to stereotype, which, as you say, is the end point.) Quite lovely. The one is descriptive, the other prescriptive.
Glad you liked it.
Great now if only John Hughes was thinking of this when he wrote 16 Candles...
JustAMacGuffin
Ha. How about the fact that Jake, was 23 years old, while Ringwald was 15?
... He WrOte 16 CANDLES that movie was my childhood !!💓✨😭
Ugh, I hated 16 candles
@@jemp4291 Same - and it deffo didn't age well, unlike the Breakfast Club...
@@CorbCorbin who cares it was acting
Anybody else irritated by Allison’s chosen dark garb being seen as “less than” the pink? She looked so much cooler before! (Adult writer behind the times anybody?) I envision her getting to college and finding her tribe, embracing her love of dark clothing...
She only wore a black cardigan. Her skirt and shoes were colourful.
I envisioned her as reverting back to her dark garb, which leads her to she meet a badass goth chick who complemented her outfit and they become best friends :)
@@itskitty808 and then become girl friends
I domt think it was seen as a less than, just a moment for Alisson to let herself be out, she wanted to be social and she wanted to have friends, everything edgy she did was in way as a defense and also as a way to have some attention (since we know her parents ignore her and she doesnt have friends), the makeover was a bonding moment between her and Claire, Claire is being nice with her and treating her as she would a normal friend, trying to pamper her and doing her makeup and hair, for her is normal and what she thinks brings out Alissons beauty more, and is not like Alisson didnt like it, she let Claire do it for a reason.
Its not even that much for Andrew, since if you watch the movie he has many instances of being intersted in her long before they talk or bond, the only comment he makes is that now he can see her face, which he likes
@@a.g.m9078 thank you. I’m sick of the false narrative that’s been going around for years about Claire’s makeover of Allison
In this reading of the movie whats up with the janitor? For some reason he was always my favorite character. an adult, possible authority figure, but also relates to the rest of the characters in a different way than other adults.
During the film's opening, there's a shot of pictures with the label above saying "Man of the Year" and one of those guys is labeled Carl Reed. And the character of the Janitor is named Carl Reed. My guess is that is supposed to be the stereotype of "that guy is high school who is successful but later turns out to not be successful." I'm not entirely sure how much that is developed in the film, but take that with what you will.
He’s not an authority figure.
He’s really used to show how inept, the vice principal is at understanding teenagers.
@@CorbCorbin he IS an authority figure. When they tried to berate them he put them in their place and made it clear he knows all about them and can ruin them. He actually held more authority over the students than Vernon did.
I liked him, because he is there to show that also that these teens stereotype adults as well as adults stereotype them. In the beggining, Bender tries to hummiliate him because of his job. If he is in the low part on the social scale, then he doesn't deserve any type of respect. But nope, in the end, he is the only adult who earns the respect of the kids, because he is there to show us how an adult should be like. We shouldn't to aspire to being like Vernon or the parents, because they obviously have failed in some way.
I think the janitor character-intentionally or not-is there to show the viewer and the soon to be adult high school teens that he was once like them, he was like everyone else in that town, in that school including himself-mostly due to peer pressure and the pressure of everyone else's expectations of him-thought he should try to be and who that type of person he should become when he's an adult, when he's "a grown-up." And even though he did everything that his type was expected to do, to act like, and to have the appearance of, he still became another type that's looked down on, a type that's seen as a failure by the "superior types" that are shown respect in that town, and thus in society; which, the high school itself, is a metaphorical representation of.
The janitor is a stereotype of what society-especially due to class or social constructs-considers to be a failure. He's not something someone is encouraged to be, but rather a thing that a soon to be adult is discouraged in becoming, frowned upon turning into: a working class slave of the working class.
I don't think the teens respected him, they respected but mostly feared what he could do to their reputations. They seemed to pity who or what he became but feared what a person like that could do who had access to all the secrets that could potentially destroy the illusions of who and what people saw them as.
It seems like the janitor isn't an example of what it is to be an adult. He really seems to be there to show the teens that it doesn't matter what others think of you. What matters is what you think of yourself. He definitely doesn't look like he's unhappy with where he ended up. He probably was at first, but in time all of that changed once he stopped caring about what everyone else thought of him.
I actually don't mind the way the movie ends. They have grown inside, and that changes everything, but the world is still the same: everyone will see them as their arche/stereotyped selves, but now they won't care about it.
Bryan is the only one to not get a partner, but his confidence doesn't mean that he will get one: he just won't be sad about rejection now that he has a real bond.
Andrew will still be seen as a brute jock, but I'm sure that now that he has spoken his resentment against those who pressure him he won't feel forced to be mean to anyone again.
And yeah, I do not like that Allyson is made conventionaly pretty for a boy, buuuut I'm going to say that it doesn't reflect her as having changed from the inside. I want to see it as Clair helping her feel better with femeninity, and that her clothes symbolize that she won't be an outcast _to the ones she loves._ It may be a stretch, given, you know, the 80's, but I preffer to see her as opening up her sensibility in a forward way: her hair is not hiding her eyes now. She will be open to the ones that she cares for and care for her. Because sure, she combed her hair, but she still has dandruff. And she makes art with it. A girl like her won't be mellowed down by nobody.
_The one thing_ I do resent is the treatment of Claire. She is shut down by everybody everytime she says anything. Sure, she says some naive and hurtful stuff, but I would have loved to see her saying something smart after everybody told her to shut up the entire movie.
So, I think the BC did the best it could. I don't know if a remake would help, given how the studios would treat it as a money maker instead of a dearly beloved story, so I would go with this one and say what it taught me: just because the problem is not solved, it doesn't mean that we didn't grew by doing our best
Heliopath I totally agree about the treatment of claire. I hated how everyone basically mistreated her , especially the guy she ends up with .
I agree, the scene where everyone calls her an insensitive bitch for saying something EVERYONE knew but didn't want to admit never sat right with me. She even asked if they would prefer her true opinion or a lie, then when she proceeded to tell the truth she was attacked. Everyone thought she was being unnecessarily cruel and yet when she called them out on their hypocrisy they continued to play the victim.
@@fernandaespinola8183 Yeah specially Bender, when she says to him "Why dont you invite Allison to your heavy metal parties or Brian to the parking lot at lunch to get high? " She speaks the true
the way the movie treats binder’s constant sexual harassment and outright assault of Claire as the thing that proves he’s into her was SUCH A CHOICE
THANK YOU for standing up for Claire, she really didn't deserve that treatment, she was just telling the truth and she was attacked for it.
But, weren’t they the All Day Club? I mean they didn’t even eat breakfast. At best, they were
The Lunch and Vending Snacks Club.
The movie was, AFAIK, originally titled "The Lunch Bunch."
The Breakfast Club was a nickname for detention in John Hughe's high school.
This is the best explanation of archetypes and stereotypes I've ever heard. Thank you!
I think the film would have been perfect if none of them paired together and Allison got more screen time. Still incredible though.
Could of kept bender and claire as a mystery will they won't they and for how long even if it does and will she hide it in public an school who knows...I don't mind andy and allison although after that story he told I don't see how she digs him more than before he told them that cause she seemed irked with him early on then he tells that bullying story and she is into him now because she found out what he did and lied hid in fear from her earlier about why he's there..she knew he was lying cause she's a pro at it...but most girls would not date him after that not be into him...guess that's why she's the basket case
Thank you very much for your videos, been watching them for a while now and they have really helped me to understand the art of cinema and film. Currently writing my first feature, and from time to time I rewatch your videos for inspiration when I feel stuck. Thank you. With love all the way from Zimbabwe.
I looooooooove the Breakfast club so much! Thanks for shinning some more light on it!
In my opinion it’s a really great movie, but it’s ending hurts it so much. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense and goes against the main themes of the movie.
Like why does Allison getting a makeover to look more like Claire suddenly make Andrew fall in love with her? Wouldn’t he of already known he was starting to get feelings for her and preferred her to be herself not what the social norm was?
Seems like a cop out to both of their developments. Andrews main growth was him trying to not be the same as his dad and friends, so essentially think for himself. Allison just wants to be seen for who she is, having her get a makeover to have her blend in to be more “normal” goes against that completely. If the only way for them to get together was for Allison to change her appearance then they both regress as characters.
The ideal ending for them would’ve just been for Andrew to ignore the “social repercussions” of being with an outcast as a jock and for Allison to simply stay the same, but have people around her that care about her.
And the custodian is "The Mentor"
I'm glad you pointed out the problem with Allison. I even issues with Claire's ending. Claire was basically sexually harassed by John the bully. it does not make a lot of sense for her to be romantically interested in a guy who does have a sad past but is still an asshole. John character does not properly realize that the other's are more than they're stereotypes and so is he. It would have been interesting to see him grow and try to do better.
And Andrew pretty much sexually assaulted another boy. Pinning a boy down, removing his pants and placing tape inside of his butt that's just fucked up. Sure he was remorseful but I don't really think that's good enough. In real life he'd be facing criminal charges.
you also have to take into consideration the times this was made and how back then (im in no way condoning this or defending this) what happened to claire wouldnt have been taken seriously because it was seen as "flirting" or "boys will be boys". its still horrible but if youre going to talk about your opinions on the movie just try to include the context.
Watching your video and I just noticed how everyone is color coded.
Hirochicken how?
@@arlyntobady Brian = Green
Andrew = Blue
John = Red
Aliison = Black (then pink when Clair gives her a make over)
Claire = Pink
@@alex_is_out The Janitor is also blue.
@@alex_is_out Alison went from black to white, not pink
I'd like to see more analysis from Vernon and Carl's perspectives and on the persistence/stability of form is to one's identity and reification of ontology.
Great video! I was always confused by what the difference was between the archetype and stereotype but this really helped explain it. Even better, it also helped me solve an issue with a screenplay I'm writing, which deals with similar themes, so thanks in a way. Keep up the great work! :-)
Wish I could 👍🏻 more than once! I’ve struggled to fully understand this distinction for years, and the “starting point/end point” analogy really helped. Thank you!
Dude allison is my spirit animal
I love when an experience grows me even the painful ones
I'm obsessed with this movie
Outstanding! Thank you!
Always love the film analysis vids.
The only beef I ever had with this film is that the girl who skipped school is in the same detention as the boy who assaulted another student. Andrew should have at least been suspended.
Andrew was involved in school sports. Being on the wrestling team, it was special treatment. If they would have suspended him, he would've missed the wrestling meet. So they gave him detention. It's not right, but it happens.
When I was in high school in the early to mid 80s, I was constantly degraded, and made an example of by a teacher. Did I say something about it. No, probably wouldn't have done any good. It would have probably made it worse. He was the wrestling coach.
And both were in the same room as a kid who brought a handgun to school in his locker- yikes.
@@GamingWithHajimemes It was a flare gun
That’s kinda the screwed up part of this is school,Claire was probably in here “to scare her and keep her in the right tracks” to try to make sure see stays a goody two shoes kid,Andrew got an easier sentence because he’s the star wrestler
That’s the point. He got special treatment because he plays sports
The best character is the janitor
food for thought. i liked this.
Excellent
Nice definitions here. To me it felt like underneath their stereotype or archetype, what John Hughes was doing is revealing that there is only one true character in the film and that is: a hurting, suffering and struggling teenager that means something. A human being despite youth and ignorance or experience. And when they all connect, the become ONE, realizing that they belong to each other because they can see themselves in each other....and power in numbers. It's so beautiful. Connection is purpose. So please don't get stuck on 'who got the girl'-- that is ego. The single brain walked out of there just as changed and fulfilled by connection as the paired up ones did. Paired up or single they are equals and heros/heroines conquering conformity to be returned back to ones authentic self that matters as much as adults do. -Jodi Felton, Writer IG: BohoBlondeGoddess
This was nice! I'm starting to realize that a lot of the movies people told me not to watch because they're corny or something actually have a lot of value in them. See also It's a Wonderful Life.
Thanks 😊
Loved it!!!
Thanks!
Hero, Damsel in Distress, Outcast, Dreamer, Bully. These are some of the character structures most commonly used. (This comment is for me so don't mind it) ;)
it's actually useful to learn ;)
Insightful information on these Archetypes! I stumbled upon your channel through the TH-cam algorithm today. My MBTI channel does the same. Thanks for sharing! 🌟🌟🌟
The lack of general diversity never occurred to me. I suppose it was based on the assumption that it was typical for the time that it was made, but of course, that doesn't excuse the people responsible for casting (or writing).
Yeah, Blacks,Asians and Hispanics weren't invented until 1992. (I thought EVERYONE knew that..) Dude, CHILL! Mostly "white" suburbs existed (and still do). Not EVERYTHING in the world happens in a perfectly proportioned U.S. demographic. If I were making a movie based in the "Homewood" neighborhood of Pittsburgh (A large and historically African-American neighborhood) , Including "whites","Asians" or "Hispanics" for the sake of "diversity" would seem (and, in reality BE) "forced" and unrealistic. Such a film would be mocked (rightly..too!).
@@jamesslick4790 Do you realize that many reasons why mostly white suburbs exist is because of redlining & other race based policies that kept black & brown people from living in those communities?
Beesativity this assumption is typical since so many movies at this time had so little diversity. We have made some progress, yet there are still some problematic issues that need to be addressed. At least you are willing to see it & speak to it.
I'm glad the movie had no black character because being black in highschool is a very different experience and I don't think John Hughes is the person who can speak on their behalf.
@@jamesslick4790 "blacks" don't do that
My favorite youtuber covering my favorite movie! It really is Valentines day!
You are a genius. I love your take on this.
Are you familiar with Butterfly Soup by Brianna Lei? It's kinda like The Breakfast Club but instead of five white kids it's four gay Asian girls and instead of detention it's a baseball club. Also it's a visual novel instead of a film.
Sounds cringe
Sounds interesting!
So good
This is one of my favorite movies, one of the many 80’s movies my mom has introduced me to, I don’t think bender and Claire should’ve ended up together cuz I don’t think they could really date, apart from them coming from different back rounds bender is just a bully and would probably lashed out at Claire the same way he does in the film if they were in an argument or disagreement, that’s not healthy, yes maybe Claire could help with that and in time bender will learn how to deal when he anger but still, and John and Allison I don’t mind really, I wish it was a bit more implied in the film that they liked each other or at least thought the other was attractive but never tried anything cuz they’re 2 completely different ppl and they would be judged, cuz I like a lot of ppl didnt like that Claire gave her a makeover and that’s when it seemed John was like ok now I want her, I could see it from others POV where it’s more or so Claire is just helping Allison feel a bit more confident in herself to go after John, and the 2 girls just bonding over something that a lot of girls all over the world bond together over: makeup and dressing up and talking about boys. I think maybe if Claire hadn’t kinda made Allison look like a Claire in training then I would think differently, cuz it’s fine that she dolled her up a bit but maybe have her still look her and not u, but that’s just my opinion
I wish they had gone into the make over moment a little more I thought it could be a good look at female friendships and the close bond
Andrew was the one who asked Allison about her problems at home. Andrew is seen smiling or at least smirking when Allison says or does something.
I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and we had the archetypal people.
after going to high School in Colorado I saw everybody Was the same.
there was no brainy people there wasn't the group of cute girls that sat together at lunch there wasn't the athletic guy that was kind of bigger and muscular it was all these little skinny people that acted childish and stupid and after graduating high school went to go work there factory job for the rest of their lives with the same childish attitude for the rest of their life .....it was sad 🤨
What’s that background music in the first half
I thought it was entretaining, however I could not understand how some people label it as a masterpiece(?) I have seen these teenage stories like a gazillion times in other movies and series (the girl who gets a makeover and now gets attention, the jock, the popular, the nerd in high school). Very standard in my opinion, honestly. Not worth of being labeled "a masterpiece".
Cintss Cha
Have in mind that when this movie was made teen movies weren’t like a thing
@@jovanym2931 Umm Grease, Rock N Roll Highschool, Carrie, IT, Happy Days etc.
I can explain Allison's makeover. From what the film shows us, she doesn't have a great relationship with her parents. When she is first introduced, she goes up to the window of her parent's car and they drive away. Through that visual, you can tell that she doesn't get a whole lot of love from her parents. She, because of her parent's absence, becomes a shy, introverted person. She wants to stay hidden from the world. She wears dark clothes and doesn't say a whole lot; She hasn't opened up her true self to anyone. She becomes the archetype of an unwanted and unloved child. Until, she gets detention (and we aren't even given a reason as to why she's there) and as she talks to the group she begins to open up more. Her flaw to overcome is learning to love. Her parents never showed her love, therefore she never learns to love. Claire offers her a makeover (a chance to start anew) and shows her true self to Andrew, who saw her as a unattractive introvert. Andrew finally sees who Allison really is; which is the whole point of the film, to see someone for who they truly are, not as some stereotype.
No. That is not her "true self" and the fact that you think that how she is can't be her true self shows how toxic that scene is and what an awful message that has given to audiences.
Iirc, didn't Allison just show up there, even though she didn't have detention? 😂
Those who have been in Allison's position know: the popular girl who gave you a makeover has done the opposite of reveal your "true self," regardless of what she may say.
@@renegadecut9875 many teenagers go through a goth/emo phase because of how they feel. The ending shows she grew out of it and it wasn't really her. 99% of the "alternative" crowd at my school are complete normies now. Only the ones who were truly into the lifestyle remain. I think the fact her goth get-up isn't really complete with a skirt and shoes no goth would wear shows she's not really a proper goth.
@@Fireglo -- she wasn't really meant to be goth as such. Her character was pretty vague in general, especially compared to the others. Hughes could have written the character better and provided more background. Remember however that Allisons parents neglected her and certainly wouldnt buy her true goth clothes, so she had to use clothes she already had at home to get the look if thst was her intent. Pretty realistic in that regard
I love archetypal characters, but for me, the ones in "The Breakfast Club" were too on-the-nose for me to enjoy. They were stereotypes, not archetypes. But maybe that's the age of the film. Maybe these characters were revolutionary in the '80s, but they seem tired now. Or it could just be me. I was a child of the '90s and, while I didn't see "The Breakfast Club" until I was an adult, I'd seen all these high school characters in dozens of after-school shows growing up.
Loved the video, great job !
However, I just can't appreciate the majority of John Hugues movies because of how problematic they are. That scene where John suggests to rape Claire, or when he sexually assaults her under the table are just so disturbing.
And don't get me started on 16 candles, that racist, rape-promoting movie...
And what Andrew supposedly did Larry off-screen sounded very fucked up and was definitely a sexual assault.
@@Fireglo How so?
ARCHETYPE IS THE FUTURE!!!
✊✊✊✊✊✊✊✊✊✊
Bender is Jack
Claire is samneric
Andrew is Ralph
Allison is Simon
Brian is Piggy
Assistant Principal Vernon is Ralph (the psychopath)
Archetypes from "Lord of the Flies" apply to so many works of art and even personal situations - I can name all of these in my workplace right now.
What does which one of them mean?
Thanks, love this movie. So it’s about exceeding expectations, right? Especially emotional expectations...
Ok so I guess now I can understand a little better why some people like this movie.
the film would of been cliché if allison stayed the same since she was there on her own terms anyways so who knows how she really dresses maybe that was just her look that day she is so ignored we have no clue how she looks most days...she grew the way bender did not realizing maybe I should clean up my act hu bud?...you know realistically...and.she came out her shell and wanted to look acceptable...doesn't mean anything bigger than thats how people who feel accepted dress they want to look how they feel..before that she felt the way she looked lost a little messy confused ..he liked her anyways seeing through that but she changed for her own reasons..
I prefer when a story doesnt follow conventional cliche guidelines like 1 to 1 this leads to this narrative...its so boring...symbolic unspoken internal nuisance and subverting expectations when it comes to characters morals themes struggles arcs personalities is always preferred
I still think John Hughes movie are overated, then again I was born in 1988
Not just you. Why is sexual assault played for comedy in so many films from that era?
Redem10
Just like Jordan peal
it's 97 min. long XD npt 2 hours+
lol, why does the background music at the beginning give me nostalgia
I don’t like how they treated Claire, though.
Am i the only one that thinks that this guys seem like the cast of a friday the 13th movie? Just without Jason to put them in their places.
I suppose Vernon would be Jason.
I was 14 when this movie came out and the overall significance of it was just how aggressive the divisions in these cliques were compared to the world our parents grew up in. Gauging how the internet and social media has developed, it appears to have only gotten worse.
Really? I feel like teenagers are a lot more pc and into geek culture than they were when I was one in the 2000's
When I went to school, in the mid 90s, the cliques were there, but I had friends in all of them.
We all went to parties together, dated outside of these cliques, etc. But, there were also quite a few parents who allowed parties at their homes, so they knew exactly what we were up to. Those were always the safest ones, unless the parents happened to sell drugs. 😀
It was usually the parents who had problems with whom each of my friends hung out with. And, especially when it came to the parents who thought they had daughters, who were virginal, and untouched by anything they considered foul, or a bad influence.
They were fine with friends of mine dating an asshole, who was on the football team, but literally only wanted sex, but the kid in a band, not the band, was not permitted to date said daughter, without a thought of who the kid really was.
@@CorbCorbin
I'd say being in gen z the stuff is still there. But I'll admit I never really cared for those cliques or walls. I talked to whoever whenever. And it happened often enough with others that I don't think sterotyping with cliques was a thing that happened often. But again its my experience and I usually purposefully ignored that crap because, like the movie was trying to say, I like people for them.
Actually I think its gotten better. If you were a goth after Columbine you were essentially considered a potential threat by students and even teachers.
closest thing to diversity is the jock is mixed raced
We watched this in English class. I hate English class.
!!!
!!!???#$
*Nerdy voice* "But in the Star Wars universe, it is canon that a reckless character that gets the job done while endangering the mission is rewarded and is a hero. And yet in The Last Jedi, Po was reprimanded and demoted, first by Leila and then by the Purple hair Feminist in a ball gown that was supposed to be a military leader. That is why that movie is objectivity the worst Star Wars movie."
Great video.
You don't need to put nerdy voice 😛 it speaks for itself
Let’s face it, breakfast is ruin.
I watched this movie in high school with four female friends when it first came out. None of us realized how disgusting and lame it was. And the saddest part of this is that we were not dumb. Two girls of the group would go into to be valedictorian of the school, one got a PHD in Chemistry, and I was the third best math student in the history of the school. Yet somehow John Hughes had the power to keep us from realizing just how terrible this movie is. 35 years later, it is oh so apparent.
How is this movie disgusting and lame?
It's quite simple. You believe yourselves to be above the film hence why you argued your irrelevant qualifications make your opinions superior. No one cares if you were the "third best math student in the history of the school". xD
Zeitgeist=
The spirit of the age.
Kind of caught up on in the moment...
that's why there's a lot of bad messages in brat pack movies and revenge of the nerds that kind of didn't register at the time but now are very obvious.
Pretty in Pink is really GOOD
I love this movie but it’s dated.