“The Breakfast Club” Film Analysis Essay

Developmental stages depicted by the main characters in the film

The film “The Breakfast Club” tells the story of five students who have developed different stereotypes (Hughes, 1985). One of the developmental stages depicted by these characters is Sigmund Freud’s “Adolescence to Adulthood Stage.” During this development stage, “the teenager experiences a re-emergence of sexual opinions and interests” (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2012, p. 48). Erik Erikson refers to this stage as the “Fidelity: Identity vs. Role Diffusion Stage.” The person becomes aware of his or her social roles (Feldman, 2013). As well, the adolescent might fail to identify the appropriate parts in his or her life.

What was realistic and unrealistic about the movie’s portrayal of the stages?

The movie’s portrayal of the stages is realistic. As the film depicts, adolescents are concerned with their image. The individuals ponder the activities and roles they might play as adults (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2012). As well, adolescents want to establish boundaries and redefine their world. This also plays a critical role in “a teenage rebellion against their parents and authority figures” (Shaffer, 2008, p. 58). For example, Andrew Clark explains why he hates his father (Hughes, 1985). Most of the characters in the film have developed strained relationships with their parents. The students also realize they are similar to each other. This explains why (and how) adolescents rebel against any authority. They also form their stereotypes about the world around them (Feldman, 2013).

The film portrays Allison Reynolds as a pathological liar (Hughes, 1985). Andrew Clark appears to have a strained relationship with his father. Brian Johnson is someone who has contemplated suicide (Hughes, 1985). The film explains how the characters are afraid of making mistakes. The characters befriend one another and even kiss. Teenagers also make “uninformed decisions because they face different challenges in their lives” (Shaffer, 2008, p. 74). However, the film’s portrayal of John Bender is unrealistic (Hughes, 1985). For example, Bender is a criminal and has an antagonistic relationship with the teacher. Every drug addict will develop a strained relationship with his teachers or parents.

Effects of the film on society’s view of these stages of development

The society’s view of the stages of development is critical because it helps its members address most of the challenges affecting the youth. The film’s depiction of the stages of human development can help parents establish the best relationships with their daughters and sons. The society can use the film to deal with different stereotypes affecting its people. The film helps society to examine and address the issues affecting the youth. The movie explains why (and how) adolescents face difficulties in their lives (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2012). They develop their impressions about the world. This affects their decisions and ideas. The film can also deceive the youth to take drugs such as marijuana and cocaine.

How has the movie affected my view of development in the stages represented?

This film by John Hughes has changed my view of development in the stages presented. The film informs the audience about the nature of the challenges faced by the youth (Shaffer, 2008). I will encourage my relatives and friends to watch the film because it presents the best ideas about these stages of development. The film also explains why teachers and parents should be ready to help their children. The approach will help them realize their goals and cope with the challenges affecting their lives.

Challenges faced by the main characters

To begin with, Andrew Clark dislikes his father (Hughes, 1985). This arises from poor parenting styles or inability to form his identity. John Bender is from an abusive family. This explains why he faces the challenge of poor parenting styles. The challenge has also made him a criminal. Brian appears to face personal challenges because he has thought of committing suicide (Hughes, 1985). The film also portrays Claire as a virgin (Hughes, 1985). She also comes from a strict family. Allison and Claire have been unable to create a friendship with the other teenagers.

Most of these challenges are typical in the stages of development. A child who lacks proper parental love will always be troubled. This is why Bender uses drugs. Adolescents from strained relationships with their parents. This is the same case for all the characters in the film. Such challenges will always affect individuals negatively (Shaffer, 2008). Parents and guardians should be aware of these challenges to help the affected children. The film portrays Brian Johnson as someone who has encountered a unique challenge in his life (Hughes, 1985). The character becomes discontented and unhappy. Brian contemplates suicide and develops a negative view of life.

Applying the knowledge gained from the movie to my daily life

I will always apply the knowledge gained from the movie to my daily life. I will analyze the ideas carefully to make the best decisions in my life. I will always focus on the positive side of every stage of human development (Crain, 2011). The movie encourages me to address most of the problems affecting my life. The film will also help me as a parent. These ideas will also guide my children throughout the major stages of development.

Reference List

Crain, W. (2011). Theories of Development: Concepts and Applications. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

Feldman, R. (2013). Development Across the Life Span. New York: Pearson.

Hughes, J. (Executive Producer). (1985). The Breakfast Club [DVD]. New York, USA: Universal Pictures.

Kail, R., & Cavanaugh, J. (2012). Human Development: A Life-Span View. Cengage: Cengage Learning.

Shaffer, D. (2008). Social and Personality Development. Cengage: Cengage Learning.