Director: John Hughes
Production Company: Paramount Pictures
Copyright: 1986
Plot Summary: Ferris Bueller's Day Off beings with Ferris feigning illness to his parents in order to skip school. As a senior, Ferris believes that every day should be seized to its full capacity. His definition of a full day does not involve being trapped in school. While his parents believe his hammed up acting, Ferris' sister knows his tricks. Once on his own, Ferris hitches a ride from his friend Cameron and they borrow Cameron's rigid father's Ferrari to break Ferris' girlfriend Sloane out of school. Once freed, the trio drive into Chicago for a day on the town, one more day of freedom before the upcoming summer then the time when they will be separated for college. Meanwhile, as Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane have fun in town, escalating to Ferris singing and dancing on a parade float, the school Principal swears to catch Ferris in the act of skipping school, going so far as to go to his house.
Critical Evaluation: Despite being a prankster protagonist and narrator who lies to his parents, Ferris Bueller is an easy-going and sympathetic narrator who audiences should relate to and whose antics elicit a laugh. Ferris' direct conversation with the audience could be startling at first but then his casual nature makes it feel natural and makes the audience wonder when he next will talk directly to them or simply make eye-contact with the screen and pull a face. While the plot of this movie was simple and direct to the point: boy skips school with girlfriend and friend for a joyride into the city while avoiding being caught, the best part of it is in the journey and the memories that the three friends make. Regarding characters, many viewers will most likely relate more to Cameron rather than Ferris, as a character who is insecure and does not know what he will do with his life.
Reader's Annotation: For Ferris Bueller, life shouldn't be wasted in school, especially when graduation is coming up and everything as he knows it will change. Life is for living, so Ferris skips school with his girlfriend Sloane and best friend Cameron and live it up in Chicago.
Information About the Director: John Hughes was born in 1950 in Michigan. In 2009, he died of a heart attack after a lengthy career.
Hughes was famous for writing and directing many popular teen movies other than Ferris Bueller's Day Off. These movies included Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, and the Breakfast Club.
Genre: Comedy; Coming of Age; High School
Curriculum Ties N/A
Discussion Ideas:
- What sort of protagonist do you believe Ferris Bueller to be? Do you believe he provides a good example to teens of having "harmless" fun in order to enjoy your life? What about his view of stopping the high speed, always-busy life in order to have fun and live a little?
Viewing Level: 15+
Challenge Issues N/A
Why This Movie?: Nominated for a Golden Globe Award
Reference Page:
Hughes, J (Director). (1986). Ferris Bueller's Day Off [Motion picture]. USA: Paramount Pictures.
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