The incredible feat of Ferris Bueller's Day Off is the extraordinary balancing act of tone. It is overwhelmingly fun, subtly poignant and, somehow, completely selfless. The film which focuses on a self-confident, cheeky teen is, somehow, completely loveable, swerving over-confidence with ease.
Ferris Bueller is such a John Hughes film. Highschool? Check! Teenagers? Check. Dance Numbers? Check! Molly Ringwald? She's still in detention. Yet, to simply name it as a collective rather than a singularity would be unjust. The film pushes the carnival float out, with clever use of the fourth wall, moving performances from Bueller's friends and hijinks that somehow seem possible.
The film is bursting with the energy of youth, embraced in a warm blanket of understanding; not once does Hughes look down on the acts of his teenage protagonists. Instead, he shows an understanding, vilifying the controlling adults in their lives. Bueller is the epitome of the jump between boy to man. Not quite sure with what to do yet, but knowing that something must be done, he takes this time, this so special time, and relishes it, every step of the way.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a film full of heart which touches the lives of thousands of teenagers. Ferris isn't talking to the audience in this film. He is talking to you and you alone. Doesn't that wanna make you twist and shout?
