John Hughes and Chicago: A Match Made in 80s Teen Angst Heaven
Ah, John Hughes. The name synonymous with awkward dances, questionable fashion choices, and that universal teen feeling of being utterly misunderstood. His coming-of-age films like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles captured the hearts (and oh-so-relatable groans) of a generation. But there was another star of these movies, often overlooked: the city of Chicago.
Windy City, Way More Than Just Deep Dish
John Hughes wasn't afraid to let Chicago be a character itself. From the iconic Art Institute in Ferris Bueller's Day Off (who could forget that epic parade scene?) to the sprawling suburbs featured in Sixteen Candles and Home Alone (because let's face it, Kevin McCallister's booby traps practically defined the Chicago DIY spirit), the city became a backdrop that felt real, relatable, and well, totally rad.
So, How Many Hughes Films Were Actually Filmed in Chicago?
This is where things get interesting. Buckle up, film buffs!
While many of his movies scream Chicago (Ferris Bueller wouldn't have been caught dead skipping school anywhere else), not all of them were filmed entirely in the Windy City. Weird Science and National Lampoon's Vacation, for example, took their teen hijinks elsewhere.
But here's the real kicker: even some movies that feel quintessentially Chicago actually snuck in some scenes filmed in other locations. Can you believe it? Apparently, John Hughes wasn't afraid of a little cinematic bait-and-switch.
The Great Illinois Film Fake-Out
For instance, parts of The Breakfast Club were filmed in a high school in Morton, Illinois (though the iconic Shermer High School exterior is very much Chicago). Sixteen Candles also had scenes shot in neighboring suburbs.
So, the answer to the burning question? While Chicago undeniably played a starring role in many John Hughes films, the exact number gets a little fuzzy. Let's just say it was a love affair, and like all good love affairs, the details get a little hazy in the nostalgic afterglow.
The Verdict: Chicago Wins, Regardless
Here's the important takeaway: John Hughes and Chicago, it was a beautiful thing. Even if some scenes snuck in from elsewhere, the city undeniably left its mark on his films. Next time you're watching a Hughes classic, take a moment to appreciate the Chicago skyline, the suburban streets, and the feeling that even though life can be awkward and confusing, it's also pretty darn special. And hey, if you ever find yourself in Chicago, you might just recognize a corner store from Home Alone or a library from The Breakfast Club. Just don't try to recreate any epic joyrides in a borrowed Ferrari – that might not end so well.
