I’m a millennial with a GenX older sibling. We watched this movie to death and I really enjoy this thoughtful reflection on it and the past 40 or so years. It is clear that you did not pump this out with ChatGPT but really spent a lot of time on it.
Thank you, Josh, for your kind comment! It feels like online space is already starting to be filled with AI-generated content trained on AI-generated content.
I love the John Hughes movies, but yes...they didn't exactly age well, but I suppose it was a mirror of the times we grew up in. This is a great deep dive into The Breakfast Club. I haven't watched it in years, but mostly because I feel like I know the movie SO well? But maybe it's time for a rewatch, not because I want to sink myself into the nostalgia, but to see how life has changed, teenagers have changed, how we talk about issues have changed. Great observation about Brian's suicide attempt. But maybe somewhat accurate to how it would have been received back then?
It reminded me of the early Oprah Show, which was locally on the air in Chicago when the movie was made. Talking openly about mental health itself was groundbreaking, though the way issues were discussed in 1985 probably wouldn’t land well today.
It’s disturbing, though, how quickly lessons and stories from the past are lost and how many are never known or discussed, including unspoken truths. Old movies can help stir up memories worth sharing. Art and photography help pass on everyday history, too.
Are you familiar with Julie Smith Schneider’s work in Hyperallergic? I just read her latest, “The Everyday Lives of Women’s Clothes.” I think you’d enjoy her reviews. Also, I can imagine you writing a piece for the outlet or a similar one.
Yep, this about covers the gamut. You do an exceptionally good job and describing the f-d upness that was growing up in our era in the States. Imagine though, living in Georgia. The propensity for southern deception adds another dimension to it! I mentioned to someone not long ago that those of us who made it out of that time and aren't messed up entirely had to have had therapy! That said, there's that nostalgic feeling when I remember that song, Don’t You (Forget About Me) and recall my trek down the street to meet my first "real" boyfriend at our favorite spot when we had a snowy school closing. I also remember the smell of grape bubble gum and jolly ranchers. Thank you for the trip! We are stronger for it :).
Grape gum and jolly ranchers! Lots of feel-good sensory memories. And yes, to therapy!
A "propensity for southern deception”—my mom’s mom is from Louisiana, so I know enough of what you mean to imagine how it would add a whole new dimension to your coming-of-age Gen X stories! Thanks, Juliette, for reading and sharing. I love everything you share on your Substack!
I’m a millennial with a GenX older sibling. We watched this movie to death and I really enjoy this thoughtful reflection on it and the past 40 or so years. It is clear that you did not pump this out with ChatGPT but really spent a lot of time on it.
Thank you.
Thank you, Josh, for your kind comment! It feels like online space is already starting to be filled with AI-generated content trained on AI-generated content.
I love the John Hughes movies, but yes...they didn't exactly age well, but I suppose it was a mirror of the times we grew up in. This is a great deep dive into The Breakfast Club. I haven't watched it in years, but mostly because I feel like I know the movie SO well? But maybe it's time for a rewatch, not because I want to sink myself into the nostalgia, but to see how life has changed, teenagers have changed, how we talk about issues have changed. Great observation about Brian's suicide attempt. But maybe somewhat accurate to how it would have been received back then?
It reminded me of the early Oprah Show, which was locally on the air in Chicago when the movie was made. Talking openly about mental health itself was groundbreaking, though the way issues were discussed in 1985 probably wouldn’t land well today.
It’s disturbing, though, how quickly lessons and stories from the past are lost and how many are never known or discussed, including unspoken truths. Old movies can help stir up memories worth sharing. Art and photography help pass on everyday history, too.
Are you familiar with Julie Smith Schneider’s work in Hyperallergic? I just read her latest, “The Everyday Lives of Women’s Clothes.” I think you’d enjoy her reviews. Also, I can imagine you writing a piece for the outlet or a similar one.
Yep, this about covers the gamut. You do an exceptionally good job and describing the f-d upness that was growing up in our era in the States. Imagine though, living in Georgia. The propensity for southern deception adds another dimension to it! I mentioned to someone not long ago that those of us who made it out of that time and aren't messed up entirely had to have had therapy! That said, there's that nostalgic feeling when I remember that song, Don’t You (Forget About Me) and recall my trek down the street to meet my first "real" boyfriend at our favorite spot when we had a snowy school closing. I also remember the smell of grape bubble gum and jolly ranchers. Thank you for the trip! We are stronger for it :).
Grape gum and jolly ranchers! Lots of feel-good sensory memories. And yes, to therapy!
A "propensity for southern deception”—my mom’s mom is from Louisiana, so I know enough of what you mean to imagine how it would add a whole new dimension to your coming-of-age Gen X stories! Thanks, Juliette, for reading and sharing. I love everything you share on your Substack!
Thank you Daphne! I love your writing as well!