John Hughes

There are very few directors for whom you can say “that’s his or her brand of film”, but the legendary John Hughes is undoubtedly one of them. He presented a different perspective on growing up, showing parents to be much more human than movies had previously shown them to be. His ability to capture the experiences and emotions of young people, and to create relatable and memorable characters, has made his films enduring classics that continue to resonate with audiences young and old. The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and Ferris Buhler’s Day Off are beloved works that defined a generation on the movie screen.

Additionally, Hughes’s work as a screenwriter (often completing scripts over a single weekend) contributed vastly to the success of many films, some of which he is not sufficiently credited for. As the 1980s ended, Hughes demonstrated his versatility as a filmmaker by making comedies targeting adult audiences over teens—films that have found their place in the hearts of many. This book celebrates the movies of John Hughes and the good times they have brought us, while examining the man behind the legacy.