Save Ferris!

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. A John Hughes classic. Known for moments like Ferris performing “Twist and Shout” along the streets of Chicago and quotes like “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Suffice to say, this movie holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans. But what really makes this movie so special? How come it’s still so avidly watched 35 years after its release?

Before I answer these questions, allow me to quickly summarize the film. The story follows Ferris Bueller, a popular, rebellious high school senior on a nice spring day. Ferris Bueller plots to call out sick from school and spend the day in Chicago, additionally hauling along his (actually sick) best friend Cameron and his girlfriend Sloane.

Throughout the movie, we watch as Ferris outwits numerous adults from his parents to his high school secretary, angering his sister and principal along the way. At the same time, we watch Cameron – who comes from a much tougher household – struggle to enjoy his freedoms as Ferris pushes him well outside of his comfort zone. There’s a lot more I could go into, but since this movie is so popular I’m going to assume many of you have seen it. (If not, stop reading and watch it now!)

Now, as for why this movie is so enjoyable, there are endless reasons. First off, the humor is priceless. Nothing beats watching Cameron continually start and stop his car engine over his indecision to join Ferris in his adventure.

Furthermore, I can’t name a movie that does a better job of breaking the fourth wall. Throughout the film, Ferris comedically provides valuable context, explains his schemes, and comments on Cameron’s anxiousness. I feel an interesting observation to make about this communication is the way that Ferris is completely honest with us, the audience. The same cannot be said for his often mischievous interactions with others. By the same token, Hughes successfully harnesses these moments to draw the audience’s full attention throughout the film.

Another aspect of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off that makes it so memorable is its portrayal of youths in contrast with adults. As you watch the movie, John Hughes’ view of teenage growth becomes evident. I think this quote sums it up the best, “By definition, the adults in a Hughes film are beyond hope of transformation. But it is his central and rescuing belief that teens are capable of change.” This theme is especially evident in Cameron and his relationship with Ferris.

Thanks to Ferris’ monologues to the audience, we quickly learn that thanks to his unloving father, Cameron struggles to enjoy any freedom or ounce of rebellion without anxiety.  For this reason, Ferris goes out of his way to push Cameron out of his comfort zone, before life passes Cameron by without him realizing it. By the climax of the movie, we see Cameron vocalize his realization that it’s pointless to go on being so anxious. He continues to express his anger towards his father, practically yelling at his dad’s Ferrari, the true object of his father’s affection. When the car ends up destroyed from flying off the side of the house, Cameron denies Ferris’ offer to take the blame.

This change of character may not be at the forefront of one’s mind while watching the movie, but it is quite evident, nonetheless. In light of this, the film’s humor, soundtrack, dialogue, and Chicago highlights, John Hughes managed to formulate a perfect movie that teenagers and adults can enjoy the same.