...Recommend: THE BREAKFAST CLUB

This is a new (hopefully) regular feature in which I offer a recommendation, categorised by genre, to either watch or read each month. If you've come across them before, feel free to comment and share your opinion, if not, then give it a try!

FEBRUARY'S FEEL-GOOD FILM RECOMMENDATION: 

The Breakfast Club

Now, I appreciate there could be some contention over the genre for this 80s classic, but it makes me feel good, so that's the classification I'm using. It blurs the edges of comedy, drama, coming of age and teen movies, which is what makes it so successful; it is all about defying arbitrary boxes imposed by society, therefore I shall call it what I damn well like. Possibly THE film for students, it manages to capture the sense of peer pressure and frustration that accompanies life in high school, and deals with it in a fun, thought provoking way without becoming too preachy. Yes, there is a clear moral, and perhaps the central premise, (that all these different people are left in detention the same week for a selection of suitable 'crimes') feels a bit hackneyed, but the way it is dealt with definitely isn't. The stereotypes are deliberately caricatured slightly at the beginning, but only so that outward perception can be slowly eroded throughout the course of the film. The wonderful thing about The Breakfast Club is the fact that you both empathise and hate each of the characters as you get to know them. None of them are flawless, all of them could do with a good shake, and most importantly, you have known, or even been, one of them at a point in your life. This is no 'Twilight' or 'Easy A' sketch of attractive teenagers with the occasional flaw thrown in, such as clumsiness or accidentally making people think you'll give out sexual favours for money (a slip-up I'm sure happens to many people...maybe if...no, I genuinely can't imagine a situation where this could conceivably occur.), but one which doesn't shy away from using the real voices of teenagers. Although made in the mid 80s, the stigma attached to talk of sex, fear of being seen as frigid and/or slutty, peer pressure leading to casual drug use, the sense of abandonment and misunderstanding between parents and their teenage offspring encapsulated in the group's discussions is so relate-able it could have been written yesterday. Admittedly, the fashion and music suggest otherwise, but that's part of the charm. I absolutely think this is THE film to watch with new high school friends (if they don't like it, ditch them-they were no good anyway) and with flatmates when you go to university. It is the ultimate bonding film; if you're not smoking a spliff* and dancing on the tables by the end, you're not doing it right. The Breakfast Club is the one American high school film with real universal appeal; if you've met society then you'll know what is like to be boxed and judged before you can even open your mouth.

The Criminal, The Basket-Case, The Jock, The Princess and The Brain

John Hughes was master of the teen movie, and the actors in The Breakfast Club can be seen in a variety of his other films, being part of the group known as the 'Brat Pack'. However, The Breakfast Club is undoubtedly the best of the bunch; it's the one most acutely observed, with the best premise and some of the most quotable lines, the catchiest songs and, best of all, an ambiguous ending. Although all seems perfect, and the Club are one-nil against the world, there is a wonderful question left on everyone's lips, including the characters, as the end credits role: will it last? That last image, the punch in the air of triumph, epitomises what this film is telling us; it doesn't matter, because today is OUR day. 

BEST QUOTE:
'Screws fall out all the time, the world is an imperfect place.'

You might like if you enjoyed:
St. Elmo's Fire, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Back to the Future

*(I do not condone drug taking, but you understand the sentiment. A little alcohol and some pizza makes a great substitute if you want to make a night of it.)

Directed/Written by: John Hughes

Year:  1985

Starring:  Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall

...Defend Poetry

IN THESE STONES HORIZONS SING...oh hey poetry.

 Rather too many people have a negative perception and attitude to poetry. I've heard it described as boring, pointless, trite and pretentious. And at its worst it can be all those things. But then, so can't a bad film, book or play? It's easy to dismiss the whole genre through one bad experience because, unlike those others i just mentioned, our exposure to poetry is minimal. It's seen as the preserve of academics, lovestruck adolescents and wannabe poets, with the majority only coming into contact with it (outside education) during the occasional rom-com funeral. When was the last time you read a poem? (Voluntarily?) Its just not done really. Imagine you've been chatting to a friend about a novel you've just enjoyed. How likely is it that they'd reply: 'Oh I'm reading a fabulous poetry anthology at the moment. Its so moving, but surprisingly raunchy.' How many of you would do a double take? Or laugh? Part of the problem is association. Even the word 'poetry' sounds up itself, with its e where it has no business to be and the way it is a blanket cover for so many different things. But that shouldn't be daunting, try thinking of the world like this: everything is potential poetry. That tree over there; poetry. That dead bird? Poetry. In an exam, that clock ticking away seconds of your life, that's poetry. A good kiss? Poetry. A bad kiss? Poetry all the same. Do you think this is funny? Laughing, that's...well, you get the idea. Poetry can be made from anything, it should be the most diverse and accessible thing in the world. It's universal. But, wonderfully, its also intensely personal. It is what all psychologists dream of; a glimpse into the mind of another. The possibilities, as they say are endless. 

Okay, so we've established its an art. So why, is it perceived as an elite rather than a popular form of culture? Well, part of the problem is the flipping ridiculous prices of books of poetry. I looked at one once, a slender volume of poems about an eighth of the size of the average paperback book; £10.99. I don't expect a bigger book, but at least a more reasonable price. I appreciate it's a vicious circle that no one buys hence the prices, but really, there has to be some sort of compromise. If we all had poetry in our houses for kids to borrow off the shelves I guarantee it'd be a lot more beloved. 

Finally, and the biggest cause for lots of people, is the exposure to the 'wrong' poems. Now, I'm not trying to say some art has more value than others (now THERE'S an argument for a rainy day) BUT some is more to the taste of a certain audience. Poetry is still largely associated with literary movements such as the Romantics and therefore the typical idea of a 'poem' is high brow, pastoral, with dense subject matter and vocabulary. Or a superlativarific ode to love. To those who like that sort of thing, great, you're probably a fan of poetry anyway. To the rest of you; if you'd like an insight into real human (flawed!) relationships, try Shakespeare's sonnet sequence or Rapture by Carol Ann Duffy. For an all too relatable account of mother-daughter relationships try Catrin by Gillian Clarke. Ted Hughes' Lovestory is a shockingly visceral description of the difficult bonds of love, inspired by his own feelings regarding his wife Sylvia Plath, whose style may not be to everyone's taste but is certainly full of some amazing poetry about life. Those who like the raw, darker stuff, check out the infamous H.O.W.L. by the Beat poet Allen Ginsberg; it'll take your breath away. Go on, read a poem. I dare you.
If half the books and films in the world were as experimental and exciting as these poems we'd all be walking around in a permanent state of awe.
Also...if you STILL say you don't like poetry...you're a liar. So all your favourite songs are instrumental?

...Had A Brief Encounter With Scripts

So, I promised writing! This post is sort of cheating, but I prefer to think of it as recycling. I recently had to write a short (10-15 page) script for a university application, and I thought I'd share my attempt here. I was given a deliberately vague brief, with a choice of 4 titles, from which I chose 'Brief Encounter' (yes, they were all as oblique). This was the result. Not my best piece of writing, in my opinion, but...passable. (I got an offer anyway so they can't have thought it too dire!) Let me know what you think.

BRIEF ENCOUNTER

SCENE ONE

INT. Living Room, Day

A plush yet cosily furnished living room. BEN is in his early twenties; friendly, well groomed, loquacious. ALICE, his mother, is approaching 50, but well-dressed, posh and distinctly middle class. CHARLOTTE is 20, red haired and opinionated. Ben sits on the sofa with his arm around Charlotte, facing Alice who is perched upon the edge of an armchair. A smart oak coffee table lies between them, with a teapot and saucers laid out neatly upon its surface.

BEN

Yes, Tiffin will be ten on Friday. We’ve always had dogs, ever since I can remember. It’s nice to have some company, isn’t it girl?

Ben ruffles the dog’s head affectionately.

ALICE

Mmm. We had our first Dachshund when Ben was first learning to crawl.

CHARLOTTE

Bit thoughtless that wasn’t it?
(awkward pause) I just mean, I thought that you weren’t supposed to have animals around babies, in case they, y’know, attack them or something.

ALICE

Oh, have no fear Charlotte, I wouldn’t let anything vicious near my little boy.

BEN

Aw, Delilah was a little thing, she wouldn’t have hurt a fly. In fact she’d probably have run away from one! Oh I wish you could have seen Delilah, you’d have loved her, Charl.

ALICE

He’s always had a soft spot for bitches.

An awkward silence fills the room. An angry red flush begins to rise on Charlotte’s cheeks. Alice leans back in her seat, smug.

CHARLOTTE (gritted teeth)

Look, I’m sure I didn’t mean to offend you but I won’t-

ALICE (serenely)

Yes, Ben loves his dogs.

BEN

When it comes to pets, I’m firmly in the dog camp. Charl’s a bit undecided, aren’t you baby? She’s got a cat, Mel, who’s just given birth to her first lot of kittens, so she’s somewhat biased at the mo.

ALICE (sweetly)

Ah, yes, I should have guessed you were the catty type Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE

Well, I wouldn’t say that exactly…

BEN (appalled)

Mother!

ALICE

Don’t fuss, Ben dear. Charlotte knows I didn’t mean to offend her. Besides, she’s old enough to take a little joke. You have developed a sense of humour by your age, surely?

CHARLOTTE

I can take a joke as well as the next woman. Better I’d say.

ALICE

I see you’ve finished your tea, Charlotte. I do hope it was to your taste; you see I only had semi-skimmed milk in the house, and I know how conscious you are about your weight. Very sensible if you ask me, and I’d hate to jeopardise your diet routine before it has chance to take effect.
I’d offer you another, but I presume you must be on your way, and I’d hate to keep you.

BEN

No it’s okay Mum, Charlotte is staying for dinner. She finished her shift at work earlier, and I can drive her home so she needn’t fret about bus times or taxis and all that nonsense.

CHARLOTTE

No Ben, it’s okay, maybe I’d best be going.

BEN

But Charl! Really you must stay, Dad will be home in another half hour, and you’ve got to try Mum’s lasagne, it’s the best outside Italy.

CHARLOTTE

I’d love to but I’m not feeling great.

BEN

You should have said baby, I hope you’ve not caught anything.

CHARLOTTE

Maybe I’ve got a cold coming on. After all, it’s pretty chilly in here, don’t you think Alice?

Alice finishes her cup of tea and places it carefully back on the saucer. She lifts the teapot and refills her cup. She puts in a splash of milk from the

ALICE (mildly)

I can’t say that it’s affecting me that much Charlotte. You must be more susceptible to the frost we get down in these parts. You do look out of sorts, now that you mention it.

BEN

Oh sweetheart, I didn’t realise you felt the cold so badly; I feel pretty toasty. It’s just like on that trip to the lakes;
(To Alice) she had a cough for a week afterwards.
But maybe some warm food would help?

CHARLOTTE

Best not. It’d probably choke me.

(BEAT)

…as I, um, I’m feeling rather sick.

BEN

Oh baby, I’ll get you a glass of water. Maybe it’s all the stress you’ve been through today, after that encounter you had at work.
(to Alice) Charlotte had a bit of an ordeal today at the salon she’s been helping out at.

ALICE (drily)

An ordeal? You don’t say. Do tell.

END SCENE

SCENE TWO

INT. SALON – DAY

EARLIER THAT DAY

ALICE sits on a chair, flicking through a magazine and waiting whilst the stylist jots something in her diary. CHARLOTTE is sweeping up hair left by the previous customer.

STYLIST

Can I get you a cup of tea madam?

ALICE

Yes please.

STYLIST

Charly, one tea, and if you could take this lady’s coat.

CHARLOTTE

I’m on it Kay.

The stylist takes Charlotte to one side.

STYLIST (undertone)

Look, when’s there’s a customer in the room, I’m Katherine to you. It looks unprofessional, and you know what women like her are like. They like things to be proper, and who knows, we might even get a decent tip out of it. That coat alone probably cost a month of my wages.

CHARLOTTE

Bit of cash and a perm and they think they’re the queen.

Charlotte turns to go back to Alice who is glancing through her handbag. The stylist grabs her shoulder.

STYLIST

I mean it Charly, you’re on a warning as it is. You’ve already asked to leave early, and I don’t have a problem with that, but only once you’ve dealt with this customer’s every, and I mean every, whim. Understand me?

CHARLOTTE (impatiently)

I got the message.

Charlotte rushes to help Alice off with her coat, rather hurriedly, yanking her arms out.

ALICE

A little less haste and a little more care might be in order, thank you young lady.
(to the stylist) Teenagers these days seem to be all rush and no respect.

Standing at behind Alice, still holding up the coat, Charlotte scowls and opens her mouth to retort. She closes her eyes briefly and takes a long breath in, steeling herself. She plasters a big smile across her face, and removes the coat from Alice’s other arm carefully.

CHARLOTTE

My apologies madam. Do you take sugar in your tea?

Alice picks up a magazine, barely glancing at Charlotte.

ALICE

No sugar. I’m trying to cut down.

(to Stylist) Diabetes. I can’t cut down on all my little luxuries, but I’m learning to like my tea unsweetened.

STYLIST

I’m more of a coffee drinker myself, but it has to be nice and milky. My boyfriend drinks it black as hell, but I can’t bear anything stronger than a Mocha!

ALICE

Oh yes I agree with you there, though I don’t drink coffee very often; the occasional cup when I go to my sister’s, and on Christmas morning. And I simply can’t drink it late at night.

STYLIST

Oh, I’m just the same. Wide awake for hours. I do like a nice cup of Earl Grey tea before I go to bed though.

ALICE

I couldn’t drink it before bed, I find I’m rather susceptible to caffeine. But I do love a cup of Earl Grey. It’s so refreshing, isn’t it?

STYLIST

Oh absolutely madam. In fact…

Charlotte enters the room, holding a mug of tea. She places it in front of Alice with a smile.

STYLIST (cont.)

Actually, we’ve changed our minds; we’ll have a cup of refreshing Earl Grey. In fact, make it two.

CHARLOTTE (scowling)

But I’ve just made-

STYLIST

Charly. Tea. Please.

Charlotte seizes the first mug of tea, looking surly. Some of the tea sloshes over the rim of the mug, on to the floor. Alice politely pretends not to notice.

STYLIST (cont.)

Mop that up plea-

CHARLOTTE

Alright, alright, I’m going as fast as I can.

Charlotte leaves the room, muttering irritably to herself. Alice purses her lips, gives the stylist a knowing look. The stylist forces an apologetic smile on to her face to hide her grimace. She begins to comb Alice’s hair.

STYLIST

I am so sorry about that Ms…
(glances down at wedding rings) Mrs…

ALICE

Bradbury.

STYLIST

Then I do apologise Mrs Bradbury. Charly seems to be… out of sorts today. She’s not usually so… um…

ALICE

Outspoken? Uncouth? Or perhaps clumsy.

STYLIST

Well I, ah… you’re not one of our regulars are you, Mrs Bradbury?

ALICE

No, usually I take my custom to the salon down Abbot Street; nothing personal you understand, it just so happens to be right next to where I have my art classes, so it’s far more convenient. I rarely venture down to this part of town anymore; it’s just all students and nightclubs these days.

STYLIST (disappointed)

So we won’t be seeing you often then? I do hope Charly hasn’t made you feel-

ALICE

Oh no, it’s nothing like that. But Angela has been doing my hair since I was a blushing bride, so you understand how it is. I’m only here today because my son rang me last night to let me know that he would be catching a train home this morning, and would it be alright to bring his girlfriend over for dinner.

STYLIST

Men are all the same, they think we just snap our fingers and everything’s ready and waiting for them.

ALICE

Well, he’s been working so hard since he graduated with his first. He’s been ‘on placement’, as they call it, with a very successful and high ranking accountancy firm. He’s always been such a bright boy, and a charmer, I couldn’t let him down. I haven’t met his lady friend yet, but apparently she’s planning a career in the arts.

STYLIST

Both highfliers then! You must be very proud.

Charlotte re-enters the room. Silently she puts down the teas, and begins to mop the floor sullenly. Alice surreptitiously wipes around the rim of the mug.

STYLIST (cont.)

And naturally you want to be looking your absolute best. Well, I don’t know whether you had anything in mind, but I think a few lowlights might just add a touch of depth to your hair, often in the winter months hair can start looking a tad dull…

ALICE

I don’t want anything too extreme, but perhaps, a little colour-
(sips tea, grimaces)Is there milk in this tea?

CHARLOTTE

Yeah, earl grey, skimmed milk, no sugar. That okay for you?

ALICE

I don’t usually drink skimmed milk, but I suppose, yes, it will be ‘okay’ for me.

CHARLOTTE (undertone)

You’ll live.

ALICE

I’m sorry? Did you say something?

CHARLOTTE

Skimmed is all we have in madam. I’m sure you’ll get used to the taste. Might even do you good.

ALICE

And what, pray tell me, do you mean by that?

CHARLOTTE

Well, there’s no shame in watching your weight when you reach a certain age.

STYLIST (appalled)

CHARLY!

ALICE (flushed)

I may be a little more… voluptuous than most of the ironing boards that seem to pass for women these days but at least I can boast a little more decorum and civility as well!

CHARLOTTE (sweetly)

I do hope I’ve not offended you ma’am, I was just trying to make you feel better about the milk. Every cloud has a silver lining eh?

Shakily, the hairdresser resumes her work, whilst Charlotte returns the mop and bucket to the back room.

STYLIST

So… lowlights? Maybe the caramel or the-

ALICE

Yes, yes, fine. The caramel will do.

STYLIST

Please excuse-

ALICE

I suppose you picked up that girl from the university. I hadn’t realised their standards had dropped so. I should think a little more carefully about your staff next time.

Charlotte stands in the doorway, scowling, holding a box of bottles. The stylist hurries over and takes it from her.

CHARLOTTE

‘That girl’ is an undergrad, yeah, though not at the uni here. I’m just staying in this bloody city to look after my aunty. Not that that’s any of your business.

ALICE

Do you speak like this in front of her? The poor woman must be mortified.

CHARLOTTE

She doesn't mind actually. She needs company now that her wife's passed away.

ALICE

Really? Well, with that kind of background I'm not surprised you're the way you are.

CHARLOTTE

And tell me, really pray do, what you mean by that? What ‘kind of background’?

ALICE

I don’t know what you’re implying; I have no issue with homosexuals as long as they don’t feel the need to thrust their sexuality in our faces, but there has to be a line somewhere. I pity you young woman, you’ve obviously led a very misguided life.

CHARLOTTE (outraged)

I’VE led a misguided life?! You with your ignorant, small minded homophobic opinions, looking down your nose at me and my family, can’t even bear to touch something I’ve touched in case it gives you bloody liberal germs.

ALICE

I’m not going to stay here and listen to thi-

CHARLOTTE

Well maybe you should and you might learn something for once. Someone should have told you a long time ago.  There’s more to life than tea and lowlights and Roger’s new jag and what’s Kate wearing. The height of scandal is no longer Lady Chatterley. Stop judging other people and maybe they won’t judge your snooty nose and fat arse.

Alice splutters in shock and horror. The stylist stands speechless at the outburst. Charlotte is red faced, and near to tears.

CHARLOTTE

What’s the matter, choking on that plum in your mouth? I didn’t think people like you still existed. I’m not ashamed of my family, and they’re not ashamed of me. Not sure yours could say the same of you.

ALICE (indignant)

Well I’ve never been so insulted in all my life. You may think you’re very clever now, but an attitude and a mouth like that won’t get you far in this life.  I know where girls like you end up, and it’s only a-

CHARLOTTE

Oh screw you!

Trying to conceal her angry tears, Charlotte storms into the back room, grabs her coat and leaves the salon, slamming the door on her way out. Silence in the salon. The stylist tries to comb Alice’s hair, but she jerks her head away angrily.

STYLIST (anxiously)

I can only apologise most profusely and I assure she won’t have a job here any longer. Your colour half pr-

ALICE

Job or no job, that girl is an affront to civilised society and I thank god that I never have to hear her loutish opinions or see that vulgar red hair again. As for you, you may be a talented hairdresser, but you are weak and ineffectual as a manager. I shall not be recommending your salon any time soon.

END SCENE

SCENE THREE

EXT. PARK - DAY

CHARLOTTE sits on a bench, drying her eyes with her sleeve. She is on her mobile.

CHARLOTTE (into phone)

-she was looking at me as if I was a flea she’d found in her rotten fur coat; that was when she even noticed I existed. The old cow.

The indistinct muffles of Ben can be heard on the other side of the phone.

CHARLOTTE (cont.)

I know, I know, I shouldn’t have gone off on one. I just wanted to leave early to spend more time with you, and she was being really difficult, and when she said that I just… you know since Gina’s gone I’ve been a bit touchy about her and aunty Mya-
You must hate me. No, you must. I’m such a- I am! An embarrassment; I should learn when to shut my big gob.

More garbled talk can be heard through the phone. Charlotte smiles and blushes.

CHARLOTTE

Do you really mean that? Yeah, yeah, I guess I do. Well, what’s the point of believing in something if you don’t stand up for it?  Aww, love you too baby. Oh really? Friar Street?

Charlotte stands up and cranes her neck to see over some bushes, and grins.

CHARLOTTE

I can see you! Oh, shut up you. Maybe I’ll dye it again. Or p’raps not. Cheeky bugger! Shouldn’t you be focusing on where you’re going? Hey?

Charlotte looks around. A bike swerves into view, with BEN on. He drops his mobile phone into his shoulder bag and waves. Charlotte grins and runs to hug him.

BEN

There’s my fiery little monster! Picked any more fights with OAPS?

Charlotte smacks him playfully on the arm.

CHARLOTTE

Shush you!

BEN

Anyway, we’d best be on our way.

Charlotte balances herself on the back of Ben’s bike, holding on to Ben’s waist for support. They turn out of the park and ride down a lane.

BEN (cont.)

It’s not too far, even when I’m carrying your heavy bottom.
(he laughs) Best not be late for mother or else second helpings will be out the question, and trust me, you don’t want to miss out on mum’s cooking.

CHARLOTTE

Leave my bottom out of it! Food sounds good though, I’m pretty hungry. And I want to make a good impression on your mum and dad. I hope they like me.

BEN

Of course they will Charlotte, don’t worry. Mother is always going on about me finding myself an attractive, intelligent young lady.

CHARLOTTE (teasingly)

But you’ve settled for me instead?

BEN

Now it’s your turn to shut up. She’s going to love you.

END SCENE

SCENE FOUR

EXT. BEN’S HOUSE DAY

CHARLOTTE and BEN stand holding hands outside a large detached house with a gravelled drive and a well-manicured lawn surrounded by large conifers. The bike is propped against a wall. Ben raises his hand to knock at the door.

BEN

Ready baby?

Charlotte takes in a deep breath, then nods.

CHARLOTTE

Ready for anything. That’s me.

Ben knocks at the door, and smiles at Charlotte, who returns it nervously. He squeezes her hand and she prepares a big friendly smile as the door opens. Inside stands ALICE, a delighted smile on her face and her hair a distinctly lighter colour one side than the other. She eyes widen, her smile freezes and her jaw locks as she recognises Charlotte. Charlotte gives a squeak of horror and the smile slides off her face. Noticing nothing, Ben beams.

BEN

Mother! Oh it’s been agggges!

He steps forward and embraces his mother, who glares at Charlotte over his shoulder. Charlotte shakes her head, indicating she didn’t know.

ALICE

It’s wonderful to see you darling, but I must ask wh-

BEN

How remiss of me, mother, this is Charlotte. I’ve told you so much about her, and it just so happens she’s staying with family in the city at the moment, so I thought, perfect timing!

ALICE

Ben I think perhaps-

BEN (happily)

She’s such a busy girl, what with all her plays and lectures and odd jobs I can barely pin her down in one place! But I knew you’d just love to meet her, mother.

Alice looks at her son, then at Charlotte. Charlotte looks pleadingly at her, gripping Ben’s hand tightly. Alice purses her lips. Charlotte takes a deep breath and steps forward.

CHARLOTTE

I love your son very much, Mrs-, erm, Alice. I hope you can excuse my er… discourtesy in not getting to know you sooner.

She holds out a hand. Alice looks at it, then at Ben.

ALICE

I have been told today that I am close-minded and have old fashioned ideas, to paraphrase the exact wording. But let it never be said that I am rude.

She takes Charlotte’s hand and shakes it extremely briefly.

ALICE (cont.)

I think you’d best come inside and have some tea, and you can tell me about yourself Charlotte, before I pass judgement on you for your discourtesy, as you put it.

The three of them step into the house, Ben standing between the two women, smiling.

END