The following discussion post is dedicated to The Breakfast Club, a 1985 movie by John Hughes. The plot, setting, and theme of this coming-of-age drama reflect the cultural context of American suburbia in the 1980s and traditional stereotypes of high school students. The movie’s primary setting is Shermer High School in Illinois, which is a typical example of a suburban public school managed by a strict principle, hating teenagers and idealizing the good old times. The principal symbolizes the cultural identity of Baby Boomers with their outdated, oppressive values, while the students represent the free-spirited children of the 80s heavily influenced by popular culture as seen from their appearance. The plot demonstrates the conflict of generations, cultures, and values during one day of mandatory detention.
The Breakfast Club is also known for its vivid portrayal of teenage stereotypes presented to the audience at the beginning of the movie: a Jock, a Princess, a Criminal, a Brain, and a Basket Case. Most of the stereotypes are negative, but the narrative reveals the characters’ true identities and personal struggles hidden behind the labels assigned to each of them. The central theme of the movie is the pressure that peers, parents, and popular culture place upon teenagers. For instance, Claire (a Princess) is tired of being perceived as a popular girl with wealthy parents, while Brian (a Brain) struggles with social isolation due to his academic success. Multiple references to popular culture support the theme, with David Bowie’s lyrics used as the opening quote explaining the relationships between different generations. The movie offers an overview of teenage issues, culture, and stereotypes that might still be relevant today and teaches people not to be ashamed of their identities.