Dear John Hughes
Dear John Hughes,
I can't believe it’s been 9 years since you passed away and since I will never have the chance to meet or give you this letter personally, I am writing these words and sharing them unapologetically and candidly. I must say that when your films were released, it this was such a special moment in my life. The 1980's will never be replaced or duplicated, and I feel so incredibly lucky to have grown up in a time where these examples made me think that anything is possible in life and love.
So this letter I write, the words that I share were initially sparked by the very special moment in "Easy A" (watched for the hundredth time) - that stars the fabulous Emma Stone in her breakout role - when the 30-second video of your work is played, in which they pay tribute to you, John... in the form of an 80's style montage. And so I just began writing.
Oh, this scene explained so eloquently by Olive;
“Whatever happened to chivalry? Does it only exist in 80’s movies?
I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window.
I want to ride off on a lawnmower with Patrick Dempsey.
I want Jake from Sixteen Candles waiting outside the church for me.
I want Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air because he knows he got me.
For just once, I want my life to be like an 80’s movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason. But no, no, John Hughes did not direct my life. Or did he?”
Reminded me of so much of my own teenage experience and the influence your work has had throughout my life, especially in relation to loving and being loved. Towards the end of the film, I sat in awe feeling extremely grateful for my own John Hughes moments and reminisced in all of the chivalrous gestures I've had the chance of experiencing.
This must make a comeback!
These unforgettable and unplanned moments of love! No matter the age or what generation we are from, I truly believe that we all deserve to encounter magical moments of true love, that you created and shared through the art of filmmaking. Maybe I'm living in nostalgia or it's naïve of me to think that we could ever replicate theses lovable and winning memories in the modern-day happenings of life.
But, then again why not. Seriously, why the hell not! You showed us, John, especially my generation standards of love and set the bar high.
Otherwise, please tell me (although I know you can't) what is the true reason for living if love isn't present. I do believe though, that in order to be loved we must first learn to love ourselves and be as open as possible to the extraordinary memories and feelings that can come with being brave enough to let go and live.
So throughout it all, your films have and continue to enlighten me, they have brought me joy in countless and irreplaceable ways and so much so, they have become my go-to favorites to re-watch on a rainy day...
Especially “Vacation”. This film is tremendous in its comedic effect and at showcasing that a fun loving, real family dynamic that can have problems and love at the same time.
Or what about the “The Breakfast Club” and how this film brought about so many thoughts, especially about those that I shared my high school experience with. You were right to say that even as individuals with unique families, we all experience the same emotions as teenagers, even if you’re popular.
And well, of course, “Pretty in Pink” confirmed with me that falling in love with someone who is the opposite of who I am can be a great thing and that honesty, loyalty and love above all, is everything.
But another comedic, real fun loving film ...“Ferris Buller’s Day Off” showed me to have let go, have fun and to live life to the fullest because indeed life does move pretty fast and I could miss... it if I wasn’t careful.
And in-between it all, “Some Kind of Wonderful” taught me it is sometimes it's best to be alone for the right reasons than to be with someone for all the wrong reasons.
With the future at my disposal, “She’s Having a Baby” simply reminded and allowed me to imagine the moments of love, marriage and the family that I dream about creating with my true love, just like Kristy and Jake.
And Lastly, my number #1 favorite film is “Sixteen Candles”. The magical moment for me was the scene when the Thompson Twins song began to play, “If you were here” when Jake Ryan arrives at the Church to declare his love for Samantha, despite his initial fears - it does not get any better than that. To this day, when I replay this scene my heart flutters in awe, my body swoons and I begin to giggle like a teenager while happy tears flow.
Throughout it all, your films have taught me so many important life lessons of love with patience being the key to creating that benevolent feeling not only myself but when attracting the love, that I believe, we all deserve. You showed me through your craft that chivalry is far from over AND is real… Oh and how it can be replicated in everyday experiences (believe me).
I feel incredibly lucky to have found your amazing body of work that I have happened to connect deeply with. Through the powerful examples of love to the candid moments of the average teenager's life, you have paid it forward in so many ways. Your words have (and continue to) made us laugh, think and feel, especially during our tumultuous teen years of angst. And most poignantly you showed us the big and expressive gestures of true love.
Although you're no longer here, your art has the power to reach and show many the magical moments of love you created in many stories. I just hope that current and future generations relish the opportunity to engross themselves in your work and learn from your inspiring messages. Luckily, I still feel this way, all these years later.
So thank you, John Hughes, you and all of your films will never to be forgotten.
Sincerely Yours,
Ms Brooke Parker Higgins
