In a recent interview, actor Kevin Bacon reminisced about his experience filming the iconic 1988 romantic comedy “She’s Having a Baby,” directed by John Hughes. The film follows Bacon’s character Jake, an advertising copywriter living in Chicago. It happens to have a special place in the hearts of both Bacon and Hughes. Bacon shared some amazing stories from that brutal 24-hour shoot for the wedding scene. He wanted to bring attention to the film’s personal nature for Hughes.
“She’s Having a Baby” was more than just another film for Hughes, it was his most accomplished film and personal journey transferred to the screen. The director, iconic for such touchstone masterpieces as “The Breakfast Club” and “Home Alone,” really threw himself into this project. Consequently, it turned out to be one of his most sober pictures. Bacon noted that the film is “probably much more personal in a lot of ways than The Breakfast Club or Planes, Trains, [and Automobiles] or, you know, Home Alone, whatever.”
Bacon explained how he spent every weekend with Hughes while making the film, showcasing the special bond between the two filmmakers. He noted that Hughes wanted him nearby on set, which facilitated a strong collaboration. This bond doubled down by creating textures to their characters and brought dramatic strength to the climate of the film.
Looking back on the production, Bacon shared that the grueling filming schedule consistently had the cast working on little sleep. In fact, even the wedding scene required an exhausting 24 hours of filming. Even with the tortuous schedule, Bacon was proud of the end result. He conveyed his deep, profound pride in the film. He did this to highlight not only its importance to him, but even more so, the importance to Hughes.
Elizabeth McGovern, who played Kristy in the film, was largely responsible for the feeling of the movie being everyone’s favorite. Likewise, actress Drew Barrymore criticized She’s Having a Baby, declaring it “John Hughes at his best.” She knew the special challenges that the cast faced while filming. In spite of all the lost sleep, she announced it was “so worth it.”
She’s Having a Baby went on to resonate with audiences and critics alike on a much deeper, more emotional level. For many viewers, it was hard to understand its entire breadth. Bacon remarked on this dichotomy: “That some people had a difficult time with it critically was a very hard thing for him, because it was extremely personal.” He confirmed that the film should not have received widespread praise. Yet it is perhaps the most essential work of Hughes’ oeuvre, a true reflection of his own life’s journey.
Bacon’s character, Jake, is loosely based on Hughes’ own early experience. Hughes began his career as an advertising copywriter before making the transition into filmmaking. This parallel adds an autobiographical aspect to the story. It encourages audiences to engage with that story in a more impactful way.
Today, the legacy of “She’s Having a Baby” lives on. Today, it’s still one of the most iconic films to come out of the late ‘80s. Its themes of love, commitment, and self-discovery continue to touch viewers—though not literally—40 years later.
