Molly Ringwald, the iconic star of three of John Hughes' most beloved films, has recently opened up about her mixed emotions regarding her role as a muse for the renowned filmmaker. Best known for her performances in "Sixteen Candles" (1984), "The Breakfast Club" (1985), and "Pretty in Pink" (1986), Ringwald has revisited her experience from an adult perspective, shedding light on the complexities associated with her early career. During a candid discussion on Monica Lewinsky's "Reclaiming" podcast, she delved into her thoughts on fame, teenhood, and the lasting impact of Hughes' work.
Ringwald's reflections reveal a deep contemplation about the systemic attitudes toward female subjugation that permeated Hughes' films. She believes the art we consume and endorse plays a significant role in reinforcing these attitudes. A notable example is in "The Breakfast Club," where Judd Nelson's character, John Bender, persistently harasses Ringwald's character, Claire. This prompted Ringwald to write an essay addressing the sexism, racism, and homophobia present in Hughes' movies.
"He told me that story, but, you know, when you’re that age — I mean, I had nothing really to compare it to," – Molly Ringwald
Ringwald recounts how Hughes wrote the screenplay for "Sixteen Candles" after seeing her headshot. At the time, she had no comparable experience and described her involvement as a "peculiar" situation for a teenager working with an older filmmaker. Reflecting on this experience now, she describes it as "complex."
"I had done more movies than John at that point, [but] I was still only 15 years old. So I didn’t have a lot of life experience." – Molly Ringwald
Rewatching "The Breakfast Club" with her daughter became a turning point for Ringwald, prompting her to re-evaluate the influence of her early roles. Her analysis extends beyond personal experiences to question broader societal impacts.
"What if we are in the unusual position of having helped create it?" – Molly Ringwald
Ringwald's insights contribute to ongoing discussions about the portrayal of women in media and its implications. She acknowledges the complexity of being a muse for Hughes and continues to process how it has shaped her.
"It’s definitely complex and it's something that I turn over in my head a lot and try to figure out how that all affected me. I feel like I'm still processing all of that." – Molly Ringwald
