Friday Film: Pretty in Pink
 Pretty in Pink (1986) |
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| Directed by: | Howard Deutch |
| Produced by: | Lauren Shuler |
| Starring: | Molly Ringwald Harry Dean Stanton Jon Cryer Annie Potts James Spader Andrew McCarthy |
| Distributed by: | Paramount Pictures |
| All Movie Guide IMDb Amazon.com |
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The '80s blessed us with so many wonderful things: huge shoulder pads, the DeLorean, and Molly Ringwald. Recently ranked #1 on VH1's 100 Greatest Teen Stars, she and her Brat Pack crew embodied '80s adolescence in the U.S. in a number of teen-oriented films, including Pretty in Pink.
This popular 1986 film might be seen as one of the weakest of the John Hughes movies, but it is still a favorite among many. Andie Walsh (Molly Ringwald) is a poor but fashion-conscious teenager living 'on the wrong side of the tracks' with her incurably unemployed father (Harry Dean Stanton). Andie buys secondhand clothes and uses her sewing skills to create unique outfits for herself, but she is still often harassed by the popular, rich girls at her suburban Chicago high school. However, Blane McDonnagh (Andrew McCarthy), who runs in the same social circle as the snooty young women, develops a romantic fascination with Andie.
Andie works at Trax, a music store (based on Wax Trax, formally at 2449 N Lincoln Ave) managed by her older friend Iona (Annie Potts). Blane stops in one day to talk to her briefly and to grab her attention. Andie begins developing feelings for him but isn't certain if she wants to go out with a 'richie.'
Much to the despair of his friends, Blane goes on a date with Andie, but they struggle to find a place where they both 'fit.' Blane's rich friends are cruel to Andie, and Andie's best friend ('Duckie,' played by Jon Cryer) gives them both the cold shoulder, being envious of the girl's affections. Despite the awkward and horrible evening, Blane asks her to the prom, much to her delight.
However, Blane is continually pressured by his friends to separate himself from his unpopular date. He finally gives in, retracting his invitation and breaking her heart. Now, Andie must decide how to go on with her life and what to do about the upcoming prom.
Again, I don't think this film, as nostalgically wonderful as it is, is a strong story. She's poor, he's rich, she's ashamed, the girls are witches' It's a tale that's been told so, so many times before. (Cinderella, anyone?) I suppose that if you're trying to appeal to all teenagers, you need to stick to the basics. However, even though we all know how the film will end, the magic of the movie isn't in its plot but in its moments of heart and universal truth. We all know what it's like to be 16, to be on the outside looking in, and to be hopelessly (hormonally?) in love.
Photo description: Film poster for Pretty in Pink ' 1986 Paramount Pictures
Source: Wikipedia
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POSTED IN: Entertainment, Filmed in Chicago
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