The Breakfast Club Dramatization/ Set & Costume Analysis

Set Analysis

            The scene I chose from The Breakfast Club is the scene where Claire, Bender, Andrew, Brian, and Allison are sitting together on the library floor. I chose this particular scene because this is where they reveal to each other why they are there and a little about themselves, and realize that they have a lot more in common then they think they do. This scene adds to the dialogue well too. The set is very realistic, The Breakfast Club is filmed at six different locations. Maine North High School was used for the school exterior, the school interior hallways, and the library is used as a model for the re-build in the gym, as well as the football field for Bender’s final fist pumping scene. Glenbrook North High School is used for the school’s interior. The Breakfast Club is filmed at three different locations in Illinois, Chicago, Des Plaines, and Northbrook.

            With the movie, being filmed at multiple locations as well as two different high schools, it gives us the feel throughout the movie that the characters are high school students during the 80’s. The 1980’s represent a time of bright neon colors and power dressing for fashion, with jewelry and Doc Marten boots and a music era of songs still popular to this day. The income of each character is different. Claire is rich, spoiled, and popular. As for everyone else they don’t seem rich or poor, their incomes are average.

            The set is pretty large we are able to see all of the characters and some of the library in the background of this scene. The set is furnished very nicely, there are wood tables and chairs, and bookshelves, lots of books and pieces of art too. We also see that there are two floors to the library, a lower level and an upper level, this scene in particular takes place on the upper level. It’s definitely not overcrowded but there’s also enough furniture so that the room doesn’t look empty. The overall image that the furniture represents is a typical library, with the bookshelves filled with books, chairs and tables for studying, works of various art, steps to reach the upper level. The costumes that each of the characters wear throughout the film help express each characters individuality. The makeup is very slight, especially for Claire with her red lipstick, very natural. Whereas Allison’s makeup is very dark and heavy at the end of the film. 

Costume Analysis

The character I chose from The Breakfast Club is John Bender from the scene where they are all sitting together in the library in the beginning of the film, after they all get dropped off for detention. The era that Bender’s costume represents is the 80’s, but Bender’s costume is more towards the rebellious side of the 80’s. It’s an accurate representation of what his character would wear it fits his rebellious, bad boy attitude and look. His costume represents the stereotypical criminal look with his trench coat, jean jacket, red flannel, white t- shirt, baggy jeans, combat boots, earrings, bandana, and leather gloves. His costume also adds to his attitude because it shows that he’s represented as a criminal and doesn’t care about anyone or anything. Bender’s income doesn’t seem too good, this is shown when he is talking and right before he reenacts what it’s like at the Bender household, he mentions that it was “A better Christmas at the Bender home this year” when he states that he received a carton of cigarettes for Christmas this year. Bender’s costume definitely emphasizes his virility because it shows the he has strength and energy, as well as manliness. This is shown when Bender and Andrew get into a fight with each other.

 Bender’s costume is appropriate for his age because he’s dressed like a typical criminal or bad boy. All of his clothing items are worn in the 80’s too. Bender’s clothes are both form fitting and baggy. His trench coat, jean jacket, red flannel, and jeans are all very loose and baggy, whereas his white t-shirt is form fitting. The material of his clothes is very thick, like most men’s clothing items are. Bender’s costume includes two earrings in his ear, leather gloves, a bandana tied around his boot, a scarf, and his all black combat boots. He has a couple of different colors on, but throughout the movie we see him in his red flannel the most. The color red symbolizes energy and love and is considered a warm color, which can be foreshadowing someone falling in love in the film. All of his clothes are subdued, solid colors, but his red flannel. Most of Bender’s body is concealed with the layers of clothes he has on. In the movie, Bender’s costume is very loose and baggy, his clothes are meant for leisure. Bender’s costume fits his character well because he gives off that “tough guy” vibe when you see him. He stands proud and tall with confidence because he knows he’s superior and that people are scared of him. Overall, Bender’s costume and his attitude give off the criminal, “tough guy’ vibe, and that he doesn’t care really about anything or what people think of him.

            Even though The Breakfast Club isn’t a theatrical play, there are some schools and people who are making it a performance on their own. The Breakfast Club could definitely be adapted for a stage performance. Throughout the whole movie, John Hughes’ hand is very prominent in the film.