Ferris Bueller's Day Off - The Museum

"There are too many memorable scenes in Ferris Bueller, it's hard to pick just one!"

You're right. Ferris Bueller's Day Off is one of the few movie where ever single scene is perfect and meaningful. My personal favorites are the classic opening monologue, every scene at Cam's house, Solane's first and last scenes, and -this is the most important one, but you probably knew this after reading the title- the museum scene.

Sometimes, if I'm feeling down about the future of cinema (mainly when Disney announces yet another live-action remake), I tend to rewatch the museum scene. It's not that long, and I've talked to some people who think the scene is out of place compared to the rest of the film. Now, it's fine to have an opinion, but it's also fine to be wrong.

The museum scene allows the main protagonists, as well as the audience, to just get a chance to breathe before everything kicks off again. It's also has my favorites shots in the entire movie, and, really, defines the film. Three teenagers who aren't ready to grow up, and just want to still be kids and have the chance to do what they want, and find out who they really are.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off maybe be about Ferris Bueller, but it is Cameron's story. At the museum, Cameron looks closer and closer at one of the paintings, and the camera shots get more intense the longer he stares. It's almost a representation of Cameron's own Man Vs. Self conflict, as the more he looks at the painting, the more meaningless it is. It's fascinating foreshadowing which pays off at the climax of the film.

And that beautiful music. This film has a great soundtrack, but 'Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want' is so beautifully composed and absolutely perfect for this flawless and underrated scene that deserves more recognintion.

#movies #analysis #JohnHughes