The Lasting Impact of John Hughes in Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- Jasmin Rowcliffe
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
There were a few themes expressed in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. For starters, individuality was an enormous theme in the film. Ferris Bueller goes against the social norm and expectations of student attendance. Next, freedom was another huge theme expressed in the film. The rebellious students used their freedom from school by participating in various activities that show how living an adult life offers freedom. However, this isn’t always the case, and they struggle to identify what life looks like after high school. Lastly, searching for the meaning of life was another theme. Bueller isn’t sure what he wants to do with his life after high school and finds it difficult to grasp an understanding of what he wants. This theme leaves the younger audience wondering what their life will be like after graduation and the older audience wondering if they made the correct choices during high school.
One of my favorite storytelling techniques used in this film was the wall breaking monologues! The wall breaking monologues work really well in this film because the film is mainly revolved around Ferris. By breaking the fourth wall, we can make a clear connection between Ferris and ourselves. Often breaking the fourth wall catches audience and me off guard.
Character driven narratives is another technique used. The movie focuses on Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane throughout the film. By focusing on these three characters, the film doesn’t allow the audience to see a clear character development of other characters in the film. B-Story Elements is another unique technique used in the film that is not often seen in movies. The film shows a side-story of Cameron’s anxiety towards his father's items in the house and how his father treats him. Consequently, Cameron develops confidence, faces his anxiety head on and stands up to his father by expressing how he feels. Lastly, teenage rebellion revolved around the entire film. Ferris stands out to the audience because he goes against the school policy rules by faking illness various times to have fun. This creates tension between not only his sister and Bueller, but the principal becomes suspicious and tries to expose him.
Ferris Bueller is known to be a sweetheart and inspirational student. However, very few people consider Ferris to be a rebellious student and a horrible influence on other students attending the school. Cameron Frye is known to be intelligent and Ferris’s best friend. Even though his family doesn’t struggle financially, they struggle with their own challenges connecting together. Cameron's broken family causes him to feel anxious and questions his worth. Salone is crazy in love with her boyfriend, Ferris Bueller, and enjoys having fun on their rebellious journey out of school. Jeannie Bueller, Ferris Bueller’s sister, knows Ferris is faking his supposed illness and reacts with anger and annoyance. However, their parents believe that Ferris is innocent to this cause. Consequently, Jeannie attempts to prove Ferris’s guilt. The principal becomes suspicious of Bueller’s absences and threatens to have him attend high school another year. Principal Ed decides it's time for him to take this issue face to face and breaks an entry to prove he’s not innocent to this cause.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off has a rating of eighty-three percent on Rotten Tomatoes by critics. This film is beloved by most critics and is considered to be humorous. Moreover, the film is praised for its cultural impact. However, other critics believe that the film lacks depth to it and find the humor to be corny. Not only is this film's critical reception good, but the cultural impact the film has made is great! Ferris Bueller's Day Off has left meaningful quotes in its unforgettable scenes, along with relatable characters that stuck with the audience. For instance, Cameron’s character development inspired the audience to be more confident and speak their opinions. This film was popular back then and is still watched today due to its lasting impact on its audience. Ferris Bueller's Day Off will forever stay a beloved film in my heart because of its hilarious comedy and how great it is put together.
Comments