I could start this post by saying that it makes me feel old. To think that this film came out thirty years ago (film’s first USA release was on 11 Jun 1986). Ferris would tell me to live in the moment. And that’s what this film is really all about. Yes, you can watch this film and see it as an 80’s high school flick. But I think you would be doing this film an injustice. It is full of comic genius and an all-over joyful feeling.
Directed and written by John Hughes, in fact, he wrote the script in six days. How’s that for being in the moment. This is a very personal project for Hughes. The set for Ferris’s bedroom was modelled after Hughes own teenage room. Ferris is named after his best friend in high school, Bert Bueller. During the scene where Rooney fights with the intercom at Ferris’ house, there is a shot of the kitchen. On the refrigerator in that shot is a drawing of John Hughes, done by his son who was six at the time.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is the story of high school senior Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) decides to skip school on a spring day by faking an illness to his clueless parents (Lyman Ward and Cindy Pickett), then encourages his girlfriend, Sloane (Mia Sara), and his pessimistic best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) to spend the day in Chicago as one of their last flings before they graduate and head off to different colleges. Ferris persuades Cameron to let them use his father’s restored 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California to pick up Sloane (as part of their cover) to travel into the city. The rest of the school and many residents learn of Ferris’ exaggerated illness and offer donations to help “Save Ferris”. However, only two people are not convinced by Ferris’ deception: his sister, Jeanie (Jennifer Grey), outraged at Ferris’ ability to defy authority easily, and the school principal, Edward Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), believing Ferris to be truant. We follow the trio’s antic throughout the rest of the day.
I love every scene in this film. It’s hard to choose a favourite. I think the strength of this film not only lies in Hughes’ direction and writing but in the performances of the main and supporting cast. Mathew Broderick is charming, Mia Sara’s Sloane is perhaps a little hard to warm to at first. Alan Ruck demonstrates Cameron’s character development throughout the film. Edie McClurg and Jeffrey Jones both together and apart are hilarious. Charlie Sheen plays a very convincing drug addict. In fact, he stayed awake for 48 hours before the scene to look the part. His “chat” with Jeannie at the police station is priceless. And somehow Jennifer Grey makes you feel sympathy for Jeannie.
So on 11th June, I implore you to TAKE THE DAY OFF. What better way to celebrate Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Call in sick, get your best friend to do it. Take off somewhere, even if you can’t borrow a 1961 Ferrari 250GT California.
Eye For The Screen 