COURTESY: MOVIEPOSTERDB.COM
Save for “The DUFF” released several weeks ago, 2015 has been sadly devoid of the kind of teenage, coming-of-age dramaedies that we loved and with which we grew up. These films helped us deal with the perpetual nightmare that is adolescence, giving us a short escape from our own menial existences. (Unless you were a Jake Ryan, Torrance Shipman or Regina George, which in that case, lucky you.)
But for the rest of us Duckies, Janis Ians and Veronicas out there, these films showed us that being different was cool at an age when it was crucial to receive such a message, and that life in high school – with the out of control hormones and insane social pressures – was pretty ridiculous.
Through cleverly written characters, hilarious scenes, and infectiously quotable lines, these films have continued to maintain a firm presence in our lives for the years to follow, permanently etched into pop culture through countless homages, references and .gifs.
Seriously, if you say you’ve gone an entire week without encountering a “Mean Girls”, “Heathers” or “Clueless” reference, you must have been banished to life under a rock as punishment for committing social suicide. Or…something.
While I could dig much more deeply into this genre – analyzing differences between a Veronica and a Heather, the benefits of a cheer-ocracy, if “fashion victim” and “ensemble-y challenged” are politically correct terms and why Ferris Bueller is probably the greatest high school hero in John Hughes mythology – I will focus on the holy trinity of the film anniversaries that 2015 marks for the genre – 1955s “Rebel Without a Cause”, 1985s “The Breakfast Club” and 1995s “Clueless”.
Pop culture moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
“Rebel Without a Cause” – 1955
Many of you have probably not had the pleasure of viewing “Rebel Without a Cause,” mainly because this film is now sixty years old. Despite its age, it is still relevant to audiences today. And, come on, it stars teen dream James Dean.
The Gist:
This film arguably starts the trope of the new kid in town. Jim Stark (James Dean) arrives to an unnamed Los Angeles suburb with loads of emotional baggage in tow. All is forgiven, though, because he’s a regulation brooding hottie. He instantly attracts resident bad girl Judy (Natalie Wood) and complex weirdo “Plato” (Sal Mineo).
These characters form an unlikely trio, culminating in some of the most deliciously cheesy scenes in teen film history. It works, though, because of the genuine nature of cinema at this time.
Why It Persists:
Obviously, the film has not been forgotten because it is one of the few films in James Dean’s tragically short film career, but the cult following goes much deeper. It was one of the first films to drive fearlessly into daddy issues – the inner conflict that drives all three characters. And, man, are there are a lot of daddy issues to digest here, spelled out in an incessant barrage of pseudo-philosophical lines.
The Angst-iest Line:
“I don’t know what to do anymore. Except maybe die.”
The Watch List:
Google Play, VUDU, Amazon
“The Breakfast Club” – 1985
Now we’re heading into the very familiar territory of director John Hughes. With a repertoire that includes “Sixteen Candles,” “Weird Science,” “Pretty in Pink,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “Some Kind of Wonderful,” Hughes is the reigning king of teen dramaedies, yet to be usurped by any other filmmaker in the genre.
Arguably the jewel in the crown of his credits, “The Breakfast Club” is the film with something for everyone, whether you’re the athlete, the criminal, the princess, the brain, the basket-case or somewhere in between.
The Gist:
An eclectic group of high schoolers from different social spheres end up in Saturday detention together under common enemy and dictator Assistant Principal Richard Vernon (Paul Gleason).
Despite their social differences, the six characters open to each other through a series of events, finding mutual respect, friendship and even romance.
Why It Persists:
The 80s (one of the most fun decades for film) was the heyday of this genre, and “The Breakfast Club” is the one film to define them all. Featuring campy music montages, lines and scenes dripping with teen angst, and most of the core members of the “Brat Pack” – Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson – the movie effectively sums up the quasi cheesy-serious nature of the coming-of-age movie.
The Angst-iest Line:
“We’re all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it.”
Watch List:
Google Play, VUDU, iTunes
“Clueless” – 1995
Referenced heavily last summer by wannabe rapper Iggy Azalea in her music video for “Fancy,” “Clueless” is probably the most recognizable film from this list purely based on it being the most recent.
A clever retelling of Jane Austen’s “Emma”, “Clueless” follows the fabulous life of Beverly Hills teen queen Cherilyn “Cher” Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone), showing that popular, pretty and stylish girls can also be smart and kind.
The Gist:
Cher, a fashionable, witty teenage girl, navigates high school life by being the best she can be. As she plays matchmaker with two teachers, leads tragic new girl Tai (Brittany Murphy) from a life of dumpiness, and generally rules the school with Dionne (Stacey Dash), Cher inadvertently learns some serious life lessons in a subtle journey of self-discovery.
Why It Persists:
“Clueless” remains popular because it shamelessly embraces almost all aspects of 90s culture (the good, the bad and the downright ugly) through its style, script and characters – which all happen to be cast perfectly.
The film has also withstood the test of time because Alicia Silverstone’s performance as Cher results in a realistic, likable, funny and surprisingly layered heroine. It doesn’t hurt that the film stars a young Paul Rudd as her ex-stepbrother and love interest Josh, either.
The Angst-iest Line:
“It all boiled down to one inevitable conclusion: I was just totally clueless.”
Watch List:
Netflix, Google Play, VUDU
