Ferris Bueller's Day Off

This week the topics have been about the influence of Hollywood on society in general and that their movies are dumbing down the intelligence of the public. It is very seldom nowadays that you see a truly deep and insightful movie such as "12 Angry Men" or "Casablanca" or "It's a Wonderful Life" or "Gone With the Wind".

Today, the themes of films are much more superficial. This dominant trend seems to be growing in that direction for decades. Take for example the 1986 comedy classic of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". This is one of my favorites from that decade and I would describe it as the ultimate high school fantasy of "senior skip day" of ditching school.

This movie was unlike any other at the time. This movie glorified the resourcefulness and boldness of a brash high school senior who wants to take a beautiful late spring day off instead of attending a meaningless day in public high school. Matthew Broderick, who plays Ferris Bueller, is a perfect choice of writer and director John Hughes.

The point of film influencing society is evident in this movie. Many of the lines have infiltrated today's mainstream such as "C'mon, live a little", "you can never go too far", and "only the bold survive". This film also was blatant in its views of challenging authority, enjoying the moment, and the meaningless of the public education system.

Although the movie was very humorous and playful, the influence it has can hardly be construed as socially helpful. If it is cool to bend the rules to get out of school, fool the parents, evade the school officials, all in the name of having a good time; this is not the most responsible message. To quote the dean of students played by Jeffrey Jones, "What is so dangerous about a kid like Ferris Bueller is that he gives good kids bad ideas." The following line by the school secretary (Edie McClurg) sums it up, "He makes you look like an ass is what he does."

Not to extend the implications of one movie beyond relevance, but the steady diet of fantasy, special effects, and superficial themes for decades will have a significant impact on society's views. Judging from the economic returns of box office draws, the public are coming back over and over again for these superficial, although humorous and entertaining, films. It compounds the impact when these movies are targeting the teenage market as primary viewers. As their views are molded during adolescence, they mature with these views in place for the next generation. The compounding generational effect is becoming very obvious - the generation gap is widening between parents and kids and the social fabric of the family oriented community is almost non existent today. The kids are indoctrinated with the us vs. them theme from the point they enter grammar school.

However, this is very contrary to the 4th commandment. Hollywood does not care about the commandments. Its role is to erode that social structure, and the plan is succeeding.

"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Deuteronomy 5:16 (NIV)

If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com