Life Moves Pretty Fast

ASK Recommends: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Directed by John Hughes, featuring Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jennifer Grey, Jeffrey Jones, and Ben Stein. Paramount Pictures, 1986.

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. – Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick)

Simply put, I never tire of this movie. I have watched it more times than I care to admit, and it has never gotten old (I watched it every day for a month in 2003 . . . ). Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is the epitome of comedy.

Of course, it has some underlying positive messages as well. The most well-known quote indicates its theme: slow down. In a culture that is constantly on the move, the idea of slowing down to enjoy some of our culture is enticing. And it promotes healthy growth (Cameron’s eventual decision to speak to his father is captivated in the moment where he stares at the artwork during the museum visit). It is Cameron’s “day off” with Ferris that helps him realize his own responsibility for the life he leads.

Not that the movie is a cinematic triumph. The soundtrack is slightly above average (thanks to Wayne Newton). The direction is not flawless, and the acting is often phoned in. Hughes devoted much of his ability towards getting actors to revel in teenage angst, which is not the most brilliant idea. But out of the Hughes films, this is probably the least dramatic and childish. It balances well between humor and drama, and I think it’s a shame Hughes didn’t aim more in this direction.

Ben Stein summed up one of the strongest aspects of the film during an interview:

Ferris tries to improve the quality of life of everyone around him. Except Principal Rooney who, let’s face it, has it coming.

Ferris does indeed do what he thinks is best for his friends, even if they think he’s just being selfish. Often, his family and friends misjudge his motives. Ferris’ mission is simple: to help whoever he can. Stein also said he thought Ferris modeled Christ in some respects, which I would say should be taken with a grain of salt. I don’t think Christ would have ever said, “Only the meek get pinched. The bold survive.” While the words may be true, they underline the idea that Ferris’ adventure is successful because of his boldness. Ferris shall not inherit the earth, at least not at the outset of the story. But he does indeed love his neighbor as himself. So perhaps there is something there to learn.

The movie may not be a cinematic masterpiece. But it does offer small boosts to truth and storytelling, which I think earn it at least a single watch. There is something compelling to viewers of all ages about the senior in high school who feels like he just needs a day off. I reckon there are a good many folk inclined to agree with him.