Breakfast Club
... Club, Physics Club for students who belong. Mr. Vernon, the teacher in charge of the students, unwittingly assigns an essay with the subject "who am I". Unwittingly because as Carl, the custodian and the "eyes and ears of the institution", reveals that the students haven't changed but that he, the teacher, has changed. Perhaps Mr. Vernon should answer the question himself. The movie then proceeds to answer the question through the actions and dialogue of the protagonists. My favorite character (and yours too) is John Bender, the criminal, as portrayed by Judd Nelson, the leader of the notorious Hollywood Brat Pack. John is the main character in the movie and functions as the catalyst or the instigator. One by one, he shocks and exposes each student's insecurities. John is living proof of the creed, "If a child lives with hostility, He learns to fight." John is subjected to severe mental and physical abuse at home. His father hammers him with vulgar names and brands his forearm with a lit cigar for spilling paint in the garage. So he rebells and becomes the "criminal". John has been labeled for life. Mr. Verner yells at him, "See what he'll be like in 5 years." It is ironic that he has developed such a cynical outlook on life, yet he possesses such a keen insight into others' personalities. However, there is a spark of hope for him. Although obnoxious and intolerable, the others do not expose him as the guilty party for removing the screw and closing the door. And he takes the fall to save the others when they wander the halls. His first target is Claire. The first thing out of the Princess's mouth is " can't believe you can't get me out of this". And the first impression we get is "spoiled brat". She would rather be shopping this Saturday morning. Her yuppie father drops her off in his yuppie Beamer. She doesn't belong in Detention. Her role is winning popularity contests. She is the most popular student in school and is so "lovable". Except at home where she is treated as an object her parents use to get back at one another. The Jock is raised in the image of his father. According to his father, there is nothing wrong in screwing around as long as you don't get caught. As the Basketcase describes him, "He can't make his own decisions". He tortures a student by taping his buns not because he wants to, but because he thinks he can win his father's approval. His coach and father expect him to be a winner. Perhaps this is why an attraction develops between him and the Basketcase, who is expected to be a nothing. When she is dropped off at school, no words are exchanged between her and the driver. And when she attempts contact, the driver coldly drives away in a new Cadillac. She is an introvert, isolated from family and society, and has her own therapist. She has been ignored all her life, by parents and students and school staff. Avoid the loner. She has no friends at school. But shows up at detention because she has no where else to go. The scho...