Are you ready to take a trip down memory lane with one of the most beloved movies from the 80s? The iconic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has left a lasting impression on audiences, but did you know that the final product we all know and love today almost didn’t come to be? According to a new Cinemastix video essay, the original vision for Ferris Bueller was quite different from what ended up on the big screen.
Danny Boyd, the creator of the video, reveals that John Hughes, the writer-director of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, actually completed the screenplay in less than a week. In a rush to finish before a potential writers’ strike, Hughes pitched the movie with just the tagline “A high schooler takes a day off from school.” With such a quick turnaround, it’s no wonder that the initial cut of the film ran two hours and 45 minutes and was deemed unworkable.
Fortunately, with the help of editor Paul Hirsch, known for his work on Star Wars and Footloose, the movie was reshaped and reorganized to better connect with audiences. Scenes were rearranged, scores were altered, and the rest is history. The trip to the Art Institute of Chicago now comes before the iconic parade scene, giving viewers a more cohesive viewing experience.
So next time you watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, remember the behind-the-scenes magic that turned a potentially disastrous film into a classic. And if you’re a fan of film editing, check out these related articles that delve into the artistry of editing in various films:
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- Alfred Hitchcock’s 7-Minute Master Class on Film Editing
- The Alchemy of Film Editing, Explored in a New Video Essay That Breaks Down Hannah and Her Sisters, The Empire Strikes Back & Other Films
- How Filmmakers Tell Their Stories: Three Insightful Video Essays Demystify the Craft of Editing, Composition & Color
- The Importance of Film Editing Demonstrated by the Bad Editing of Major Films: Bohemian Rhapsody, Suicide Squad & More
- The Art Institute of Chicago Puts 44,000+ Works of Art Online: View Them in High Resolution
Interested in more film-related content? Follow Colin Marshall, who writes and broadcasts on cities, language, and culture, for his insights and perspectives on the world of cinema.
