Exploring The Iconic Locations – A Journey To Where The Breakfast Club Was Filmed

The Breakfast Club is undoubtedly one of the most memorable films of the 80s. It is a story of five high school students, each belonging to a different clique, who spend a Saturday together in detention. The movie chronicles their interactions and how they ultimately form an unexpected bond despite their initial animosity towards each other. This post will take you on a journey through the iconic locations where the movie was shot, allowing you to relive its best moments.The Breakfast Club remains a fan-favorite film that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Its clever blend of comedy and drama, combined with its social commentary, makes it a timeless classic. In this blog post, we’ll explore the locations where this cult favorite was filmed and delve into the significance of these settings. Join us as we take a nostalgic trip through Chicago’s most iconic landmarks and discover where The Breakfast Club was filmed.

Our journey to The Breakfast Club’s filming locations will be a trip down memory lane for fans and newcomers alike. We’ll uncover the details and significance behind each location, starting with the iconic Shermer High School. This location was used for most of the film’s scenes, where the protagonists spent their Saturday detention. The director’s skillful merging of a few distinct school locations has made Shermer High School one of the most memorable settings in the film. As we explore this location, we’ll learn how the director pieced together the three distinct school locations and how he created such a memorable backdrop for the story. So, let’s dive in and discover the legendary Shermer High School.When we see the familiar bricks of Shermer High School, it’s almost as if we’re walking the halls ourselves. The location’s facade, with its timeless architecture and sprawling grounds, has endeared itself to generations of movie-goers. The three-school composite that the director used to create Shermer High School each played a crucial role in shaping the final setting that we see on the big screen. From the exterior to the interior, this location sets the mood for the entire film, and we can all agree that it’s hard to imagine The Breakfast Club without it.As we explore Shermer High School, it’s essential to remember that John Hughes, the director of The Breakfast Club, had a clear vision of what he wanted the school to look like. Hughes grew up in suburban Chicago and wanted to portray a similar (albeit slightly surreal) landscape in the film. The location that Hughes settled on provided the perfect backdrop to bring his vision to life. From the exterior, it’s clear that Shermer High School is a sight to behold, but let’s not forget about the interior. The interior of the school is arguably just as iconic as its exterior— from the library to the janitor’s closet, each setting has a charm that we all love. In the end, it’s this charm that has cemented Shermer High School’s status as one of the most memorable locations in movie history.

Shermer High School

Shermer High School serves as the central location for the movie, and it’s where we see our protagonists serve their Saturday detention. However, the filmmakers actually used three different schools in the Chicago area to create the fictional Shermer High School. The first location was Maine North High School, which served as the exterior of the school. The second location was Glenbrook North High School, which served as the library and the interior of the school. The third and final location was John Hughes’ alma mater, Glenbard West High School, which served as the location for the scenes in the gymnasium and the hallway.

One of the reasons why Shermer High School has remained such an iconic location is that it captures the essence of high school in the 80s. From the lockers in the hallway to the bleachers in the gymnasium, the filmmakers paid attention to every detail to make sure that Shermer High School felt authentic. More than 30 years after its release, The Breakfast Club has become an iconic representation of that generation, and its influence can still be felt today. And a big reason why is the timeless Shermer High School setting.Another interesting fact about the Shermer High School location is how it continued to be used in other John Hughes movies. Shermer High School made appearances in other popular 1980s films like “Sixteen Candles” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Did you know that in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the pavilion that Ferris and Cameron visit was actually constructed on the track field behind Shermer High School? All these little details helped cement Shermer High School as an iconic location that captured the essence of that era’s high school experience.To add more context to the Shermer High School location, it was actually named after Shermerville, a town that John Hughes himself grew up in. Additionally, though The Breakfast Club was set in the fictional Shermer, Illinois, it was actually filmed throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. It’s fascinating to learn how the three different schools combined to make the fictional Shermer High School, and the attention to detail that the filmmakers had in creating an authentic high school experience. The Shermer High School location has certainly become an iconic piece of movie history.

The Library

The Library in The Breakfast Club is actually the gymnasium of the Maine North High School, which was closed down a few years after the film was shot. The gymnasium had previously been used for filming in the movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” as well. Interestingly, the iconic movie poster that features the cast in a triangular formation was actually shot in the Library itself, just outside the entrance.To add to the significance of the movie poster, the triangular formation of the cast has been analyzed as a representation of the different social groups; the popular kids, athletes, and nerds all stand above Claire, the “princess,” and Allison, the “basket case.” The design of this shot, as well as others in the film, have been highly influential in popular culture and have been recreated in numerous other movies and shows. All in all, the Library in The Breakfast Club played a vital role in the film’s emotional impact, and it continues to be a popular destination for movie fans and tourists alike.

The Library scene is a momentous turning point in the movie. It is here that the characters’ defenses start to come down and they begin to bond over their experiences and problems. The Library’s design and details contribute to the scene’s emotional impact, with the location’s expansive space and classic wooden architecture creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Additionally, the Library’s lengthy and meandering staircase symbolizes the characters’ journey, as they work their way up and down the stairs to reveal more about themselves.

The significance of the Library location can also be seen in the many references and homages to the scene that have appeared in popular culture. From song lyrics to television shows and movies, the Library in The Breakfast Club has become a cultural touchstone, a symbol of that one moment in time when five high school students let their guard down and became something more than just their stereotypes.To further highlight the importance of The Breakfast Club’s Library location, it’s worth noting that the Library scene has been recreated and parodied in a number of other movies, TV shows, and music videos over the years. For example, the scene was famously parodied in the 1998 comedy film “Not Another Teen Movie,” where a group of high school students awkwardly try to recreate the magic of the original scene. Additionally, the scene’s impact can be seen in other iconic movie moments, such as in 2013’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” where the film’s characters share a moment in the high school’s library that is reminiscent of The Breakfast Club’s Library scene.

Overall, the Library in The Breakfast Club remains one of the most iconic and memorable locations in the film, representing a moment of vulnerability, connection, and self-discovery that has resonated with audiences for over three decades.

John Bender’s House

The Library scene in The Breakfast Club is also notable for its use of music. The scene features the hit 1980s track “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds, which has since become synonymous with the film. The use of the song in the movie was almost an afterthought – originally, the song was not the director John Hughes’ first choice for the scene. However, after a suggestion from his daughter, he listened to the track and ultimately decided to use it in the film. The result was a now-iconic scene that perfectly captures the mood and themes of the movie.

The song’s lyrics, with lines such as “Will you recognize me, call my name, or walk on by?” and “I’ll be alone, dancing and you know it baby”, touch on the characters’ fears of being forgotten and the need for connection. The memorable hook, “Hey, hey, hey, hey. Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh. Won’t you come see about me?” has become an anthem of sorts, representing the film’s message of acceptance and understanding.

Interestingly, Simple Minds did not initially want to record the song, as they felt that it wasn’t in line with their usual style. However, the success of The Breakfast Club and the popularity of the song changed that, and “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” went on to become a massive hit, reaching the number one spot on many charts around the world.

Today, the Library scene in The Breakfast Club continues to be celebrated for its use of music, and the song “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” remains a beloved classic, widely regarded as one of the greatest movie soundtrack songs of all time.

Another interesting fact about the Library in The Breakfast Club is the graffiti on the walls. Throughout the scene, the characters can be seen writing messages and drawing pictures on the Library walls. These messages range from the poignant to the humorous, and help to establish each character’s unique personality and perspective.

Interestingly, some of the graffiti on the Library walls was actually written by the actors themselves. For example, the message “And when you grow up, your heart dies” was written by John Kapelos, who played Carl the Janitor. Additionally, the message “I love Larry Lester” was written by Mary Christian, who played the school’s secretary.

The graffiti on the Library walls has become an enduring part of The Breakfast Club’s legacy, with fans of the movie recreating the messages and drawings in their own homes and on social media.Overall, the Library in The Breakfast Club is a testament to the film’s enduring legacy and cultural significance. From its iconic staircase to its memorable graffiti and music, the Library is a location that has captured the hearts and imaginations of fans around the world. It continues to be celebrated and explored by movie fans, who are drawn to its emotion, power, and timelessness.Continuing with the previous paragraph: The Library in The Breakfast Club is a prime example of how location can play an integral role in the impact of a movie. Not only does it function as a vessel to tell the story but it can elevate the emotions and themes that the story is trying to convey. As such, The Breakfast Club, through its widespread influence on popular culture has solidified its distinct signature and place in the pantheon of iconic American teen movies.Continuing from the previous paragraph: The movie’s lasting resonance owes much to its effective use of locations, though Shermer High School and the Library rank among its most notable, they are not the only ones. From the charming exterior of the high school to the dark and dingy atmosphere of Vernon’s office, every location stands out in its own unique way. Given its cultural importance, it’s reasonable to conclude that at the very least you wouldn’t want to forget about The Breakfast Club, and in all probability, you’ll love it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exploring the locations where The Breakfast Club was filmed is a fascinating journey into the movie’s world. From Shermer High School to the Library and beyond, every location holds a unique significance that contributes to the film’s emotional impact and cultural resonance.

The Breakfast Club’s lasting appeal can be attributed to many things, but perhaps its most enduring element is its ability to connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Whether we’re watching it for the first time or the hundredth, the film’s relatable characters, timeless themes, and iconic locations continue to captivate and inspire us.

As we journeyed through the locations where The Breakfast Club was filmed, we were reminded of the power of movies to transport us to another world and connect us with each other. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the film that, more than three decades later, we are still talking about it and discovering new things to love.

So next time you find yourself in Chicago, be sure to take a trip to Shermer High School, the Library, and the other iconic locations that helped make The Breakfast Club the classic that it is today. You won’t be disappointed.

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The Breakfast Club’s Library scene has had a significant impact on popular culture. Many movies and TV shows have made references to it, and some have even paid homage or created parodies of the iconic scene. The scene’s influence can be seen, in particular, in many coming-of-age films that explore themes of identity, friendship, and acceptance. The impact of the Library scene has also been felt in the music industry, with “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” becoming an anthem for young people everywhere.

The graffiti on the walls in the Library has also had a significant impact on the film’s cultural significance. Fans of the movie have recreated the graffiti in various locations around the world, either through installations or on social media. Through the messages and drawings, fans find a connection to the film’s characters and themes, providing an opportunity to engage with the plot and its message in a unique and creative way.

Overall, The Breakfast Club has become an iconic representation of the teenage experience, and its locations, in particular, have had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film’s ability to connect with audiences across generations is a testament to its ability to tap into the timeless themes of friendship, identity, and acceptance. The film’s legacy is secure, and it will continue to be a beloved classic for years to come.Sure, here’s more content:

The Library scene in The Breakfast Club isn’t only iconic, but it was also a turning point in the film. Prior to the scene, the five characters had been at each other’s throats. They were closed off, defensive, and not willing to communicate with one another. But, during the Library scene, the characters slowly began to open up, and the audience was given a glimpse into their inner lives. The scene was emotionally charged, and it set the stage for the film’s climax.

The Library wasn’t a typical location for a coming-of-age film, but it worked perfectly in The Breakfast Club. The vast space of the Library was transformed into a place of introspection, where the characters were able to reflect on their lives and connect with one another. The location served as a metaphor for the characters’ journey as they moved along the staircase, up and down, revealing more about themselves with every step.

The Breakfast Club has been hailed for its realism and authenticity, and part of that can be attributed to the film’s locations. Shermer High School, the high school where the film takes place, was actually comprised of several different locations. The team behind the film had to work hard to piece the different locations together to make it look like one cohesive school. This attention to detail helped to create a world that felt genuine and relatable.

All in all, the locations where The Breakfast Club was filmed have had a significant impact on popular culture. The film’s use of locations helped to create a world that felt real and authentic, and it provided a perfect backdrop for the film’s timeless themes. From the Library to Shermer High School, every location in The Breakfast Club holds a special place in the hearts of fans around the world.