Actress Molly Ringwald looks at her role in 1984s pioneering movie, Sixteen Candles, much differently.
Its all down to todays #MeToo movement, which has exposed misogyny and sexism towards women in Hollywood, following the multiple sexual assault allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein.
Molly, 50, became an 80s movie icon with her starring role as Samantha in Sixteen Candles, directed by John Hughes. The coming-of-age movie centers on Samantha approaching her 16th birthday and experiencing nearly every embarrassing situation that could possibly happen to a late teen.
One of the movies rather uncomfortable scenes features the male lead Jake Ryan, played by Michael Schoeffling, discussing the possibility of violating his unconscious girlfriend Caroline, played by Haviland Morris.
However Jake sends Caroline home with Ted, played by Anthony Michael Hall, but she doesnt remember having sex with Ted. Its just one of the scenes that would no doubt garner a much stronger reaction today than it did more than 30 years ago.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Reflecting on the movie, Molly told NPR: Everyone says and I do believe is true, that times were different and what was acceptable then is definitely not acceptable now and nor should it have been then, but thats sort of the way that it was. I feel very differently about the movies now and its a difficult position for me to be in because theres a lot that I like about them.
Referring to John Hughes, who also directed 80s classics The Breakfast Club and Ferris Buellers Day Off, Molly added: But I do oppose a lot of what is in those movies, but said she doesnt want to appear ungrateful to John for the opportunity.
The Riverdale actress continued: There were parts of that film that bothered me then. Although everybody likes to say that I had, you know, John Hughes ear and he did listen to me in a lot of ways, I wasnt the filmmaker. And, you know, sometimes I would tell him, Well, I think this is kind of tacky or I think that this is irrelevant or this doesnt ring true, and sometimes he would listen to me, but in other cases he didnt.
Having a teenage daughter myself, I know that its not always easy to get teenagers to talk. But these films or to break through that. Theres something that really touches teenagers, especially The Breakfast Club I feel like sort of gives them permission to talk about their feelings — says that teenagers feelings really matter.
Got a story?
If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Molly Ringwald admits discomfort watching The Breakfast Club post #MeToo
Advertisement
Advertisement
