John Hughes (1950-2009)

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
-Ferris Bueller

When the news broke a few days ago that filmmaker John Hughes shockingly passed away from a heart attack, it felt like a piece of everyone's childhood and adolescence went with him. This isn't a tribute because the fact is that there are other people out there for which his films defined their experiences growing up more than they did I. They were teenagers during Hughes' peak years so his movies should belong to them first and foremost. For a true tribute you should READ THIS PIECE instead, which I accidentally came across and has since been making the rounds all over the place. It's one of the most moving remembrances I've ever come across for anyone we've lost (and there's been way too many). Hopefully you check it out... then pass it along.

That correspondence is special in hinting that we may have been exactly right about who we thought John Hughes the person was, which softens the blow a little bit and can make us feel better knowing that he knew the impact he made. He was our best friend, just as we suspected. Other filmmakers who have won far more awards and received greater critical acclaim, would cut off their right leg to be able to say that they made a film that's even half as loved by the public as The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, Some Kind of Wonderful, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Weird Science, National Lampoon's Vacation or Home Alone. They can have their Oscars if they want them because it's Hughes' movies that are far more often mentioned when you ask anyone to name their all-time "favorites." It's his they still watch and enjoy repeatedly over twenty years later. And I have a feeling many are being re-watched this week. It's funny how we always have problems appreciating something until it's gone. His movies were always loved and respected but in these past couple of days doesn't it seem like we're only now starting to fully realize just how important they are? He's gone, but the legacy he left isn't going anywhere.

Hughes made films that you could put your arms around and hug, never shying away from the pain of growing up, but unafraid to celebrate it either, proudly wearing his heart and the hearts of many moviegoers on his sleeve and earning the right to. He just got it. When he chose to go in a more adult direction with Planes, Trains and Automobiles all of that magic was retained. A new Thanksgiving classic was born and each time I've seen it I'm amazed how a movie that's so hysterical can be just as moving at the same time. His movie are filled with moments like the one when we're given the revelation about John Candy's character that changes everything that came before.

It's safe to say without Hughes there may not have been a Judd Apatow, a Kevin Smith or a Wes Anderson. His influence can be felt in some way in every film they've made. Upon hearing the news he died you knew there would be a huge outpouring of affection because he was just that kind of filmmaker. He knew how to connect with an audience and create memorable characters in believable situations. In doing so he mirrored the experiences of those who came of age during that time...and even those who didn't. He understood that regardless of age we never really leave those years behind. Nor do we ever outgrow movies that provided the soundtrack to our lives. No one will forget about John Hughes.