Camera Angles and Shots
This scene focuses on John Bender, who up until that point was viewed as nothing more than a criminal. By using various camera angles and different shots, John Hughes succeeds in changing the viewer’s perspective on Bender, who may be one of the breakfasts club most misunderstood character. The scene begins during lunch. The breakfast club is eating their food, with commentary from Bender. After teasing both Clair and Andrew, Bender moves on to Brian. The camera is moved onto Brian's table, who sits alone on the right hand side of the room. The camera is placed above the surface of the table displaying an eye view of the two boys. In the background sits Allison, out of focus and blurred. This is done to inform the audience that this scene is obviously going to formulate around Brian and Bender. Bender is taller than Brian, which immediately suggests superiority and power. Bender teases Brian about his "nutritious" lunch, which he clearly finds infuriating. He then stands up, moving the camera with him as he moves into the centre of the room, walking down the aisle between the tables. The camera is then focused entirely on Bender, the background out of focus and unimportant. As he proceeds to imitate what he assumes is life at the Brian's house, shots of each of the characters reactions are shown. This is a recurring theme in the breakfast club as the entire movie is centred on each of the characters impressions of one another, hence, this is an important part of the scene. The next shot features Bender as he imitates his own family.
This time, the camera is positioned further away, with Bender positioned to the right of the frame. This is done to give the illusion that Bender is talking to someone, his dad. His hand gestures are also easier to see when the camera is positioned to show Benders torso, adding to the effectiveness of the monologue. The camera is shaking slightly creating tension and suspense. The slight movement of the frame adds to the uneasiness of the scene. Close ups of the others faces are shown to accentuate their reactions, making the scene seem even more personal. Once Andrew tells Bender he doesn't believe a word of it, Bender moves towards the camera following him as he means down to show Andrew a cigar burn on his forearm. The slow movement of the camera creates a feeling of intimidation and tension. Close-ups of the others reaction are once again shown, including Andrew's profile as he looks away from the evidence of Benders abusive home, furthering the uneasy atmosphere. Bender than pulls away and the camera follows him as he backs away into the library. Close shots of their reactions are presented as he violently throws piles of book off the table below the stairs. The final shot is of Bender alone, framed by a single piece of wood, his hand resting on the metal bars of the staircase. His eyes are closed, a look of pain flashing across his features, hunched over and tense. He looks vulnerable and small, a contrast to our earlier image of him.
