How a Saturday Detention in 1985 Captured Hearts and Minds for Decades

As a fan of the early John Hughes films (Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink) his second movie The Breakfast Club had quite an impact on me as a 20-year-old as I could really relate to the characters, Brian, in particular. And it didn’t hurt that Don’t You Forget About Me by Simple Minds was and remains one of my favourite songs!

When five vastly different teenagers landed themselves in Saturday detention on March 24, 1984, nobody could have predicted that it would lead to a cinematic masterpiece that resonates across generations. The Breakfast Club seamlessly blended comedy, drama, and coming-of-age themes into an unforgettable experience. Let's look at how this iconic movie made its mark in history and why it continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Plot: From Detention to Discovery

Imagine spending an entire Saturday in school, serving detention with a group of strangers from different cliques. That's exactly what happens to Brian, Andrew, Allison, Claire, and John. Under the watchful eye of their strict Vice Principal Vernon, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, rebellion and unexpected friendships. As they open up about their struggles and insecurities, they realize they're not so different after all.

The title was originally The Lunch Bunch, but a friend of John's from another school had a detention class called The Breakfast Club, so he decided to go with that. Hughes wrote the script around the time when he was writing Sixteen Candles, but he wrote the Sixteen Candles script in mere days and it impressed the studio executives and they chose it to be his directorial debut.

Cast: The Actors Who Created the Magic

Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall both starred in Hughes's 1984 film Sixteen Candles. Towards the end of filming, Hughes asked them to be in The Breakfast Club. Hall became the first to be cast, agreeing to the role of Brian Johnson.

Ringwald was originally approached to play the character of Allison Reynolds, but she was really upset because she wanted to play Claire Standish (then named ‘Cathy’ in the first draft of the script), which saw the auditions of Robin Wright, Jodie Foster, Diane Lane and Laura Dern. She eventually convinced Hughes and the studio to give her the part. The role of Allison ultimately went to Ally Sheedy.

Emilio Estevez was originally cast in the role of John Bender. However, when Hughes was unable to find someone to play Andrew Clark, Estevez was recast.

Nicolas Cage was considered for the role of John Bender, which was the last role to be cast, though the role was narrowed down to John Cusack and Judd Nelson. Hughes originally cast Cusack, but decided to replace him with Nelson before shooting began, because Cusack did not look intimidating enough for the role. At one point, Hughes was disappointed in Nelson because he stayed in character and harassed Ringwald off-camera, with the other actors having to convince Hughes to not fire him.

Rick Moranis was originally cast as the janitor but was released as it was felt that Moranis' portrayal as an over-the-top Russian caricature didn't suit the serious nature of the film. John Kapelos replaced Moranis.

And it happens fast so you might miss it but John Hughes makes an uncredited appearance as Brian’s father, who picks him up at the end of the film.

Impact: Box Office Success to Cultural Phenomenon

When The Breakfast Club hit theatres in 1985, it struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Despite its modest budget of just $1 million, the film grossed over $51 million worldwide, cementing its status as a box office success. Critics praised its authentic portrayal of teenage life and hailed it as one of director John Hughes's most memorable works.

The Making of The Breakfast Club

Behind the scenes of The Breakfast Club, a remarkable journey unfolded, from the initial concept to the final cut. Director Hughes, known for his keen understanding of teenage angst, drew inspiration from his own high school experiences to craft a story that felt authentic and relatable. With a tight budget and a single-location shoot, Hughes faced challenges, but his vision ultimately resulted in a film that resonated with audiences around the world.

Casting Choices: Bringing Characters to Life

One of the key elements of The Breakfast Club's success was its talented ensemble cast. From Emilio Estevez's portrayal of the conflicted jock Andrew Clark to Molly Ringwald's nuanced performance as the popular girl Claire Standish, each actor brought depth and complexity to their role. Anthony Michael Hall's portrayal of the nerdy Brian Johnson struck a chord with audiences, while Judd Nelson's rebellious John Bender added an edge to the film. Ally Sheedy's portrayal of the enigmatic Allison Reynolds rounded out the ensemble, creating a diverse and compelling group of characters.

Filming Challenges: Creating a Memorable Setting

The decision to shoot at Maine North High School in Des Plaines, Illinois, provided authenticity to the film, but the small size of the library required the crew to build a larger set in the gymnasium. Despite logistical hurdles, the cast and crew worked tirelessly to bring Hughes's vision to life, rehearsing for weeks and shooting the film in sequence to capture the emotional journey of the characters.

The Soundtrack: Setting the Mood

No discussion of The Breakfast Club would be complete without mentioning its iconic soundtrack. Produced by British pop musician Keith Forsey, the soundtrack featured memorable tracks from artists like Simple Minds, whose hit song "Don't You (Forget About Me)" became synonymous with the film. The soundtrack perfectly complemented the mood and tone of the movie, enhancing key moments and evoking nostalgia for viewers.

Critical Reception: A Timeless Classic

Upon its release, The Breakfast Club received praise from critics for its honest portrayal of teenage life and its relatable characters. Roger Ebert hailed the performances as "wonderful," while Gene Siskel praised the film for its authenticity and emotional depth. Despite some mixed reviews, the film's impact was undeniable, resonating with audiences of all ages and earning its place as a timeless classic.

The Legacy Lives On: Celebrating 30 Years

In 2015, The Breakfast Club celebrated its 30th anniversary with a digital remaster and re-release in theatres across the country. The film's enduring popularity was evident as fans flocked to see it on the big screen once again, proving that its message of friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery still resonated with audiences decades later. The Breakfast Club's legacy continues to inspire filmmakers, actors, and audiences around the world, ensuring its place in cinematic history for years to come.

A Cultural Phenomenon

It’s clear the movie’s influence extends far beyond the big screen. Through its timeless themes, memorable characters, and iconic moments, the film has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring countless coming-of-age stories and serving as a touchstone for generations of moviegoers. Whether you first experienced it in 1985 or are discovering it for the first time, The Breakfast Club remains a must-watch film that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Touching Hearts and Minds Across Generations

What is it about The Breakfast Club that makes it so enduringly popular? Perhaps it's the universal themes of identity, acceptance, and friendship that resonate with viewers of all ages. The film's message of embracing individuality and breaking down social barriers continues to be relevant, inspiring audiences to look beyond stereotypes and connect with each other on a deeper level.

But maybe it’s simply that the characters in The Breakfast Club feel like real teenagers, with their insecurities, struggles and dreams laid bare for all to see. Whether you relate to the brainy Brian, the rebellious Bender or the misunderstood Allison, there's a character for everyone to identify with, making the film feel personal and relatable.

Beyond its cultural impact, The Breakfast Club also serves as a time capsule of the 1980s, capturing the fashion, music and social dynamics of the era. From Molly Ringwald’s brown leather bomber jacket to Brian’s Wayfarer sunglasses and Andrew’s zip-up hoodie, the film transports viewers back in time.

In an age where teen movies often prioritize style over substance, The Breakfast Club stands out for its authenticity and emotional depth. By tackling serious issues such as parental pressure, peer expectations, and the search for identity, the film transcends its genre, offering a poignant exploration of the human experience.

It is as fresh today as it was in 1985.

If you haven’t watched it, I guarantee you’ll enjoy it.

And if you needed more convincing, the ending monologue from the character Brian is priceless:

Dear Mr. Vernon: We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you’re crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us: in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain…and an athlete…

and a basket case…a princess…and a criminal.

Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, The Breakfast Club.

Cue the fist pump from Bender, which was actually adlibbed by Judd Nelson and John Hughes went with it.

Class dismissed.