Friday, August 07, 2009

John Hughes: Res Ipsa Loquitur

Film director John Hughes has died. The guy responsible for Eighties "classics" like The Breakfast Club and Home Alone. I think he did Pretty in Pink as well, though my memory is fading faster than my vitality (well, just about) and I'm not sure about the last one.

It's a shame when anybody dies. And I'm sure John Hughes was a lovely bloke who supported numerous charities and put movie producers on hold to stroke kittens and throw tennis balls with orphans. But those were dreadful films. Maybe not as bad as some of the bilge that Hollywood pumped out in those days, but still a damn sight worse than the average either before or since.

Eighties nostalgia, so widespread now even among those who remember that most benighted of decades, is just one more thing that mystifies me thoroughly and makes me wonder if I am really a member of the human race. Not that I necessarily want to be.

Anybody who wants to watch a John Hughes movie this weekend to remember his "great" cinematic achievement and imagine themselves backwards into a more magical time should be made to watch every episode of Boys From The Blackstuff first. Alan Bleasdale was one man back then who didn't make his reputation by lying through his teeth.

3 comments:

Holly said...

Yes Bruce, he did Pretty in Pink. And Ferris Bueller... and Weird Science.... :D Alas, I am from a generation that enjoyed those films... not really a Home Alone fan...

I would like to say, for an enjoyable 1980s film, also turn to The Elephant Man.

(David Lynch)

Peace, Pudding and Peanut Butter.

Bruce Hodder said...

Have you ever seen "Paris Texas"? That's my idea of a great film from the Eighties.

Holly said...

I'll see it, if you see The Elephant Man.