More than three decades after the Brat Pack classic Sixteen Candles first graced theaters, its leading lady, Molly Ringwald, has opened up about certain scenes that left her uneasy during filming. In a heartfelt and candid interview with NPR, the now 50-year-old actress delved into some of the film's more troubling plotlines, particularly in the context of today's #MeToo movement.
Take, for example, a pivotal moment in Sixteen Candles where Jake Ryan, played by Michael Schoeffling, contemplates "violating" his unconscious girlfriend, Caroline. Later in the movie, Caroline doesn't even remember having sex with Ted, portrayed by Anthony Michael Hall. These moments, while perhaps less scrutinized in the '80s, have come under renewed focus in the modern era, where discussions around consent and respect are more prominent than ever.
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Molly's Perspective on the '80s Films
Reflecting on the '80s era, Molly admitted that while times have indeed changed, certain elements of those films remain difficult for her to reconcile. "Everyone says, and I do believe it's true, that times were different back then. What was considered acceptable then is not just unacceptable now but should never have been okay back then," she explained. "It's a tough position to be in because there's so much about those movies that I genuinely love, yet there are aspects that I can't ignore or dismiss."
She continued, "There were definitely parts of the film that bothered me even at the time. While it's true that [late director] John Hughes listened to me in many ways—he really did—I wasn't the one making the final creative decisions. Sometimes I'd voice my concerns, like, 'This feels tacky,' or 'This doesn't feel authentic,' and he'd take it into consideration. But other times, he'd stick with his vision, and I had to accept that."
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A Grateful Heart Despite Reservations
Despite her reservations, Molly expressed gratitude for the opportunities John Hughes provided her. "I don't want to come across as ungrateful because he gave me a platform to be part of these iconic films. Looking back, I can see how they resonated with audiences, especially teenagers," she said. "As a parent now, I understand the challenge of getting teens to open up. But these films somehow broke through that barrier. They gave teens permission to talk about their feelings, to recognize that their emotions matter. That's something I'm incredibly proud of, especially with movies like The Breakfast Club."
For Molly, the legacy of these films is complex. While she opposes certain elements, she acknowledges their cultural significance and the positive impact they had on many viewers. It's a delicate balance, but one she's navigating with grace and honesty.
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