Review of Pretty in Pink (1986) by Adrienne L — 30 Apr 2011

To say that 'Pretty In Pink' had an incedible effect on me in my youth and how I learned to handle criticism would be a gross understatement. Its not just that high school sucked (it did, all four of them). But life, in general can be sucky sometimes. We don't have contorl over how people choose to see us, how they label us, or what they tell others about us to try and hurt us.

But we do have control over how we see ourselves, how we treat ourselves and how we interact with others. Back in the 80's I was admittedly lost (to put it mildly). Aside from Ally Sheedy's character in 'Breakfast Club' Molly Ringwald's character Andie is the closest to how I felt at that age.

Andie's a kind and spirited young girl from a lower-middle class background. She's an A student, works at a record shop part-time, has only a few friends, and constantly gets judged by people who see her as nothing more than white trash. Although sleazy guys (James Spader) want to use her for sex, and the wrong guys like her (Jon Cryer) she somehow always manages to come out on top. I love her optimism. She's a brave character and she has impeccable style to boot.

Andrew McCarthy plays the dreamy guy who pursues her. But he gets cold feet when he realises his friends won't approve of his choice. He eventually stands up for himself and they make up but not before he humiliates her. I'm not oblivious to that experience. I don't like this character. Frankly she could do better. McCarthy apparently wore a wig for the finale because they had to do reshoots and he had shaved his head for another role. I always thought his hair looked weird at the end of the movie.

Annie Potts plays Andie's cooky older confidant. I always wished I had known someone that cool. She's the best, truly. Apparently Cyndi Lauper was originally supposed to play the role of Iona. Annie Potts rocked it, and made it her own.

Jon Cryer plays Andie's best friend Duckie. He's also secretly in love with her. I've bene there. Its sad when someone you love and trust wants more from you then what you can offer. It always causes problems. Jon Cryer is great in the role. He even beats up a guy who hurts Andie. Now that dedication. In truth I don't condone violence in any form.

The shot of Duckie holding Andie's hand at the prom was a reshoot. The male hand holding Ringwald's was one of the crews, and not Jon Cryers. Look for it. The hand is enormous.

I've read (and have seen during the extra features of the special edition DVD, yeah I own it) that Robert Downey Jr. auditioned to play Duckie. As did Charlie Sheen. Although I like them both, I think Jon Cryer suits the role to a tee. He made it his own. How can you not love Duckie?

Andie's father is played endearingly by Harry Dean Stanton. He's also wonderfully cast. He plays an amazing dad. His character clearly loves Andie more than anything but hes a broken man. Andie's mom had left them and his character can't sem to pull himself together. By the finale he does. I was happy to see that.

The best thing about 'Pretty In Pink' is that its held up well over the years. The story still works, I love the soundtrack (it first introduced me to the joys of alternative pop music - my favourite kind of music to this day), and the cast is perfect. I always smile when the credits role.

Despite the fact John Hughes didn't actually direct this installment of the 'Ringwald trilogy' it remains the closest to my heart of the three. Its one of my favourite movies of all-time. I never tire of it, regardless of how old I'm getting.

"...individuality, you know what you want to be, until tomorrow." -Psychedelic Furs (lyrics from the main title song). xx oo.