Classics: A Review of Pretty in Pink By Lauren Ennis

'Do you want to go to the prom?' is a deceptively simple question that has been a source of anxiety, anticipation, hope, and heartbreak for generations of adolescents. Unsurprisingly, this same question lies at the heart of many a teen film. Few films, however, capture the full drama of prom season and adolescence at large with the depth and authenticity of 1986's Pretty in Pink. A retro hit that continues to resonate today, Pretty in Pink is a must see for anyone who ever felt like an outsider, and everyone who remembers their high school prom.

Who says redheads can't wear pink?!

This suburban Cinderella story begins with artsy outsider Andie (Molly Ringwald) determined that she will not attend her senior prom. When she begins an unlikely romance with her graduating class' answer to Prince Charming, Blane (Andrew McCarthy), however, she begins to rethink her stance on this 'stupid school tradition'. Complications ensue, however, when insecurities, miscommunications, and classroom cliques collide to threaten the couple's budding romance just as it begins.

Pretty in Pink was released in an era when teen film topped the box office, but unlike its awesomely '80's counterparts remains relevant and resonant today. The film has aged surprisingly well by avoiding genre cliches that have left other films of its era badly dated. Most significantly, the film seems to begin with an all-too familiar love triangle between underdog Andie, popular Blane, and Andie's geeky best friend, Duckie, but then subverts this cliche set-up by infusing the characters with complexity and offering fresh plot twists. Rather than simply waiting to see which beau Andie will choose, audiences are treated to three individual character arcs that see all three leads learning and growing over the course of prom season. As a result, what easily could have been a by the numbers teen romance is elevated to a poignant coming of age story. The film earns particular note for the way in which it presents each of its three leads as three-dimensional people with weaknesses as well as strengths. For example, while Andie's confidence, maturity, and creativity make her an excellent role model her vulnerability and bitterness towards the school's entitled elites make her both relateable and realistic. Similarly, although Blane possesses the requisite looks, charm, and wealth expected of a the 'in-crowd', he is revealed to be just as insecure as overcompensating Duckie. Blane's struggle to overcome his weaknesses and stand up to the toxic peer pressure surrounding him proves to be one of the film's most satisfying elements which lends emotional weight to the central love triangle and ultimately results in a more satisfying ending. Duckie undergoes an equally engaging transformation as he struggles to come to terms with Andie's rejection of his affections. At the film's start, his adoration of her is innocent and endearing. As the story progresses, however, he attempts to act on his feelings in all of the wrong ways including pettily insulting and attempting to manipulate her when she dares to date someone else. When he finally opts for an 'all or nothing' mentality and ends their friendship the film takes a surprising turn as it becomes apparent that the geek won't get the girl unless he does some serious growing up. Duckie's journey, while bittersweet, proves to be a scene stealer as he learns to put Andie's happiness before his own and finally sees the value of the friendship that never seemed to be enough. While the film concludes with an overall happy ending, the growth that each character undergoes ensures that it is a satisfying and earned resolution rather than an instance of idealized wish fulfillment. Pretty in Pink has earned its place sitting pretty as a modern classic not because it is a story of who gets the girl, but because it is a tale of discovering who we are and who we want to be, earning it a place

The film expertly captures the angst, awkwardness, and drama of the high school experience thanks to the work of its talented cast. James Spader oozes entitles smarm as Blane's scheming friend, Steff. Jon Cryer puts a fresh twist on the '80's nerd cliche by portraying Andie's friend Duckie with a mix of endearing earnestness and a desperation that hints at something darker. Annie Potts is a comedic delight as Andie's eccentric employer, Iona. Harry Dean Stanton lends humanity to his performance as Andie's beleaguered father and aptly portrays his struggle to cope with his divorce from Andie's mother. Andrew McCarthy personifies boyish charm while still lending intelligence and depth to conflicted golden boy Blane. Molly Ringwald is at her peak in her multifaceted turn as Andie, in which she exudes a maturity and nuance that surpasses her more famous performances in The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles. 

Through its nuanced script and mature performances Pretty in Pink takes the 'brat' out of the 'brat pack'. The film captures the chaos that is adolescence in all of its awkwardness, exhilaration, hope, and heartbreak with aching realism. The film's combination of romantic drama, slapstick comedy, and coming of age story ensure that it is far more than mere kids' stuff. For more than just another teen movie turn on the VHS player and tune into Pretty in Pink.