Lately, our family has been binge-ing on John Hughes Films. I realized they are a perfect way to bond with my 14 year old son. First we watched Breakfast Club. I forgot how heavy some parts were, and hoped I did not lose him with them. The next morning I heard him playing "Don't You Forget About Me" by Simple Minds, and I knew the movie resonated with him as it did for me in 1987.
So, the next night we watched 16 Candles. And a few nights later we watched Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Then we watched Some Kind of Wonderful.
Now, I have only watched SKofW a few times, as that movie was not as strong to me...the lead was a guy instead of a girl, no crazy quotable moments, and not a real romantic ending like you get with Pretty in Pink or 16 Candles, with a killer top song to listen to as I kiss my mirror or pillow pretending it was Jake or Blane.
So, when I watched it this time I really was focusing on it more than the others, which, by the way, I know almost line by line..."What's happening hot stuff?"...."Fred, she's gotten her boobies"...etc. etc...
One thing I really loved about watching SKofW, the other night, is that I really found the main character, Keith, as such an amazing soul. I was so happy Fisher could see how utterly sweet he was. I think for teen boys this is a a perfect film. It doesn't have the odd characters like Long Duck Dong, Duckie, or Principal Rooney, but that allowed us to be drawn to Keith a bit more. I also loved watching Watts as she struggled being the perfect friend, supporting Keith as he pursued Amanda Jones, although she loved him more than a friend.
The movie still seemed to rush through some poignant areas, like I realized Amanda Jones' boyfriend was a TOTAL ABUSIVE asshole, and her character learning how to stand up to him and walk away was missed before for me. My stomach turned when I watched Hardy, the ass, act the way he did. As a teen this did not stand out, but as an adult and having experienced jerks like this, it really triggered me.
The BEST thing about this movie, though, is I asked my son if he would like me to Chauffer him and his date to his winter formal. I would dress up in a suit and drive them, open the doors for them, sit in the parking lot all night until the dance was over, and drive them home....just like Watts did. He actually said I could...maybe... So that is a Win in my book. :)
This Chameleon Shoot was taken a few years back, but now that I look at it, I see Watt's, carrying her drumsticks wherever she went. They are her passion and part of her, as my camera is to me. I love looking back at my self portraits, and perhaps they don't have a deep meaning when I create them, but they gain more depth as time goes on.
Now, this image will remind me of the time I spent with my 14 year old son, sharing my teenage movies and how they taught me, knowing that he will be shaped by them, too.
