In Memory of John Hughes

It makes me sad to even have to think about writing this blog. Last night I learned the tragic news - John Hughes has passed away.

There have been many celebrity deaths in the news recently, but this one hits me particularly hard. John Hughes' influence has always been a big part of my life, as it has been for so many others. He wrote and directed movies that have resonated with me. Even though the clothes and hair from the 80s seem outdated now, the concepts of the films still apply today. He knew how to capture real human emotion in such poignant and entertaining ways that people still know and talk about his films 20 years later.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Pretty in Pink have always been in my top 10 movies list. No matter how many times I've seen them (easily over 50 times each), I still LOVE them. I could explain what I love about each, but I like knowing that these things are personal to me. The characters, the plots, and the emotions of all of his films appeal to everyone for different reasons, which is why they're so great. They appeal to the general public, and to people on individual levels.

The news of John Hughes' death is still sinking in with me. I could probably craft a much better tribute to him, but I really didn't want to let time pass and face the possibility of never putting it out in the universe that John Hughes meant something to me. I never met him (though I wish I had), but he seemed like a truly great guy. (Please see this blog for a really touching and personal tribute.) My hat is off to you, John Hughes. I hope you find peace in your own Shermer, IL.