The Breakfast Club | Understanding Andrew: what makes him behave that way? (analysis by therapist)

Therapist explains the psychology of Andrew Clarke (Emilio Estevez) from The Breakfast Club 1985. This video essay provides analysis on the character. It's easy to overlook Andrew Clark because he appears so bland and clean cut originally. What makes him behave so properly? What makes him so anxious of doing the wrong thing, and yet, paradoxically, also bully Larry Lester? Why does he fight with Bender so much, sometimes over Claire, sometimes just for power?
My Little Thought Tree is my channel for drawing out the deeper meaning and emotion in film, TV, and the world at large through relaxed, analytical video essays. I am a professional counsellor and often draw on my psychology and therapy background to better understand characters, themes, and emotion in fiction. I upload every Saturday and occasionally on Tuesdays, if I'm feeling productive.
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#breakfastclub #analysis #psychology

[@zaragordon8049]

I always got the feeling Andrew didn't really have a crush on Claire, he just felt like he had to invite her to parties and stand up for her because she's the princess and he's the jock, and so he probably felt like he had to like her because the jock and the popular girl always get together. Again, he follows the path he's been told he should. Luckily he breaks out of this and ends up crushing on a girl completely different to the cheerleader his parents would want him to bring home.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I 100% agree

[@cheeseebun]

thats the vibe i always got watching the film too

[@cabahab2996]

Yeah from the beginning nearly hes curious about Alison always trying to see her face and in the hallway he already feels a connection and so does she that why she speaks to him in the hallway .... Claire was more of this is who I'm suppose to like he didn't responsive her that way ..x x x

[@robertisham5279]

@@cabahab2996 Yeah they crush on each other the moment they first saw each other.

[@jongon0848]

That makes sense but Andrew is known to also be pretty chivalrous. Bender mocks Brian on several occasions and Andrew defends him a few times. "Why do you have to insult everybody? He's got a name" Also how he gets upset at Bender for the way he mocks Brian's relationship with his parents and tells him "Alright, what about you then?" As if to put him in his place. I think it could also be Andrew's outlook on bullying in general. It also makes sense since he's still going through regret for what he did to Larry, so maybe he's trying to compensate for what he did through Brian to some degree.

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

I don't think Andrew had a thing for Claire, they just moved in the same social circle because they're both popular. Everything else is spot on, and beautifully explained. These videos make me love the characters even more.

[@normancooper596]

I agree, but even if he didn't have a thing for Claire, Andrew's world was about competition and domination. He saw Bender challenging that. And, as she was the only one in the room in his social circle, that's probably why he was defending her so much.

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

@@normancooper596 That's a good point. Andrew could almost have been using Claire to exert his dominance over Bender. He may have been defending her more for his own sake.

[@davidkonevky7372]

I feel like they were a good match for each other, even if I preferred his relationship with Allison. The fact that they both share a common struggle makes them great for each other, as they can cope together without repressing their own thoughts. One is pressured to be the perfect princess of a daughter, and the other one is pressured to be the best boxer in the school by his father's standards.

[@cutienerdgirl]

@@davidkonevky7372 But Claire didn't want to change as much as Andrew and Andrew being with Clair wouldn't push either one of them to change because they wouldn't know how to. Allison and Bender teach Andrew and Allison how to be different.

[@PinkNintendoDuo87]

@@davidkonevky7372Theoretically and idealistically speaking? Sure; more “socially acceptable” to the status quo. From a more realistic/plausible standpoint? Probably not. I personally think TBC’s Andrew Clark and Claire Standish are TOO similar (not enough differences to balance/contrast each other). Honestly, being in a relationship (romantically or otherwise) with someone who’s too much like you can be boring and stifling. You don’t learn/progress that way as a couple and individuals. Same could be said for John Bender and Allison Reynolds.

[@riverbanzachamploo9725]

I did not like him until the moment he talked about how bad he felt about what he did to that kid. He did that to him just to make his dad proud. He didn't think about how much trouble he was in, but how a humiliated kid had to tell his dad what he did to him. People who have remorse for they have done always have my respect. But after watching this video I realized just how much I have in common with him.

[@davidkonevky7372]

Honestly his character is very interesting. It shows how actions can have a lot of backstory in them. Not everything is black and white. Don't get me wrong, what he did is inexcusable, but knowing why he did it can give you more interesting insight on what would seem otherwise as a pretty 2d character.

[@matthewtartt9422]

Still a hypocrite.

[@cairn4838]

I feel like Andrew reveals, if anything, that he’s very emotionally intelligent and even empathetic, but he’s been taught to use his people skills to gain power. And I think that’s weighed on him. As someone who has felt how difficult it is to be constantly sensitive to other people, I’ve tried to shut off that empathy and experiment with being mean to emotionally shield myself (it doesn’t work, if anyone’s curious). I suspect that influenced his abuse of Larry as much as what he’s learned about power from his father.

[@laxsneha]

I think this sums it up really well. 👍🏻

[@nyancat2221]

For someone who genuinely has had to learn to openly empathize, sympathize, and show compassion, it’s very hard to turn off once on, even when it hurts you.

[@thorinhannahs4614]

I find being mean as a form of shield does work. I often see at least two routes available for most encounters and the "mean" one or the "id" one or the "shadow" one is the one that leaves me feeling less drained at the end of the day.

[@lastmanstanding7155]

I kinda went through a similar thing when some years ago as a teen. Although as younger kid I was relentlessly bullied by multiple people. (But never groups of people just different bullies. It's sorta complex) Because of said physical abuse and then emotional abuse I find that it's actually really hard for me to be mean. Of course I can when needed to defend myself as I had to do that with bullies. But right off the bat to strangers or even playfully with friends just felt wrong. Sometimes it felt like my stomach was turning and I had knots. So instead of being mean I chose to be distant. I'd rarely speak and I'd never go out of my way to approach and befriend people. Although it obviously didn't work and I think it actually did more damage because I never stopped listening and I never stopped caring or thinking. I still remember overhearing a girl open up about her inferiority complex with her older sister and how her parents expect her to be the same way. To an extent I had a similar self imposed issue but I chose to just ignore what I heard. Maybe I might've not given her an answer and I doubt 16 year old me could have but I think I could've made an effort to talk to her about it and tell her how I dealt with it, because her face looked so incredibly defeated. There were more moments like that and I chose to do nothing. Now obviously I've learned from that and decided that anyone who asks or seems to need a shoulder I'll give it to them in a heart beat.

[@tgfitzgerald]

I agree! Even in trying to enforce the rules, I think there's a lot of concern behind it. He doesn't want anyone to get in trouble. He seems to be a very tender hearted boy who's been pushed into sports and forced to be competitive and aggressive.

[@miagreen4412]

I feel like Andrew and Brian relate a lot with how they are so pressured to “win” and succeed. The way Brian feels about his grades is the same way Andrew feels about pleasing his dad and sports. This is one of my favorite movies and I always felt I could relate and many others can relate to what they are feeling and going through. I think this is what makes this movie so amazing.

[@BY-bj6ic]

yes. Their strengths are in different areas, but their arrogance and shame is similar

[@dorothyanderson8124]

Yes, they feel like utter failures if they make one failure.

[@wellie_]

I'm sure I'm not the first to notice they also all have color themed outfits. Andrew's is blue; traditional masculinity. Calming, like an initial calm outward appearance. It's also in the school colors which we can see on his varsity jacket towards the beginning of the film, which is very much a symbol of his outward appearance. Claire's is pink; traditional femininity. And the soft, dusty tone of that shade of pink speaks to fashion of the Victorian and Edwardian eras where both class and traditional gender roles are very important. Allison goes from black to white as he pointed out in the video on Allison; black is very guarded, associated with protection, and it stands out. Also a lot of muted tones and greys like in her scarf and purse, like blending into the background, maybe a symbol of how she feels neglected and unnoticed. Brian's is green; associated with fortune and knowledge, like how his parents want him to do well academically and have a lucrative career, his whole outfit reflects that academia vibe, as if it's his whole identity. Bender's is red; associated with anger, passion, and sexuality. Need I say more? In general I think the costume design was excellent. Symbolic and iconic, and yet realistic.

[@angrytheclown801]

You might want to re-examine that theory with Claire. Pink wasn't a feminine color in the Victorian era, blue was. Pink was considered masculine. That's why the rhyme goes Something Old and something New. Something Borrowed, and something BLUE. Not that women in the Victorian era didn't wear pink, except that aside from flowers it would actually be lashing against gender norms for a woman to associate herself with pink.

[@davidkonevky7372]

@@angrytheclown801 Exactly. I still feel like giving Claire pink was a smart choice, but it's a little bit nice trivia to know that the genders of blue and pink were actually reversed in the olden times. It's more of a newer thing to associate pink with feminine stuff.

[@angrytheclown801]

@@davidkonevky7372 Our friend Wellie missed one as well with Brian. It's a bit dark and less common so I don't blame them. Green is poison, putrescence, and death. Who was planning to commit suicide? Brian.

[@jennyh3212]

Great insight!

[@mattslupek7988]

If you want to look at symbolism, think about the seating arrangement: FRONT ROW Homecoming Queen and All-State Athlete sit together at the same table, as they are equal in the social hierarchy and most likely have friends in common. MIDDLE ROW Brain/Nerd/Geek and Rebel sit at different tables, since they each have their own circle of friends and behind Homecoming Queen and All-State Athlete as they are lower on the social ladder. BACK ROW Outcast sits alone in the back because she has no friends.

[@bloodyrose1985]

I hypothesize that Andrew’s mother might be responsible for teaching Andrew to do the right thing. he states before being dropped off at detention: “Yea. Mom already reamed me.” This seems to imply that his mother was very angry over the fact that he played a cruel prank on Larry Lester (an innocent kid) while his dad minimizes his offense that earned him detention (“Hey I screwed around. Guys like you screw around. Only you got caught, Sporto.”) Also I hypothesize that Andrew has some morality. When Claire says “If Brian came up to you-you’d say hi to him and when he left, you’d cut him all up so your friends wouldn’t know you liked him”, Brian’s hurt expression clearly shows that there’s an implication that he’s bullied by jocks as he’s weaker than them along with being a nerd. When Andrew asserts he wouldn’t do that, Brian looks surprised and relieved.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Interesting thought, I think you're right. Also Andrew asserting he wouldn't do that to Brian is one of the best mini victories in the film

[@Joe_Parmesan]

Look at Brian when Andrew is telling his story about Larry Lester (16:12). Assuming that is from the same scene, Brian looks like he's feeling Larry's pain, as if that could've been him instead

[@bloodyrose1985]

J Par that is also a good point too. I have feeling that Brian was friends with Larry Lester.

[@brentt6714]

It's easier for him to insist that he wouldn't do it while he's with his detention group. The real test would come when he's in his more familiar social circle and facing the pressures to conform...we don't get to see that follow up, but clearly we all hope things work out the best for all of them.

[@duanevp]

@@bloodyrose1985 To some extent we know he was friends with Larry. When Andrew begins his confession about it, Brian says in surprise, "That was YOU?" Nobody else seems to know who Larry is, nor heard about the incident at all - but Brian knows.

[@Eruza9306]

6:45 the way it zoomed in on Allison stealing the knife 😂

[@mymoonams]

Wow! That was fast.

[@outoforder-n.p.h.a323]

God I love that scene in the film

[@agargoyle12345]

Your first sign that Allison likes Andrew--she secures Bender's knife when he's not looking.

[@WickedPrince3D]

I am imagining it ended up in her bottomless bag of runaway stuff where even Bender would never have found it again. :D

[@Trollestiatumblur]

@@agargoyle12345 She just likes stealing shit

[@EvilCarrotSauce]

I always got the feeling that Andrew and Allison would actually last long term.

[@Aloisk2012]

A cool thing I also thought of is how standing up for Brian (who he sees as a weak, innocent bystander at the beginning of the movie) is a way for him to make amends for attacking Larry. By trying to be friends with him or at least defending him against Bender, he can convince himself that he's not actually that guy that he feels guilty for being with Larry.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

A very, very good point. I hadn't thought of that

[@JoanieDoeShadow]

Very good point!

[@Aloisk2012]

Thanks you guys!

[@patricktilton5377]

After standing up for Brian in the library, later--when they're all following Bender to retrieve the weed from the locker, and Brian's trying to get him on his side against this 'wrong' activity--Andy threatens to beat the living shit out of him, if he asks him another question. Andy, now in a subservient role under Bender's leadership, feels the need to project strength by threatening the weaker Brian . . . the exact same dynamic that got him in detention in the first place, in regards to his father and Larry. Disturbing, to say the least.

[@Aloisk2012]

@@patricktilton5377 No kidding - his behaviour certainly isn't consistent and he does slip into his more destructive behaviours at times. His internalization of his father's attitude towards weakness definitely runs deep, which is probably why he can stand up for Brian when he's still above/equal to Bender at the beginning, but resorts to pushing him around once Bender is clearly taking the lead. Glad he opens up and seems to make some progress over the course of the film, but he certainly isn't dead set on a path to make up for his earlier actions.

[@idid138]

I think Allison is all emotion and that attracts Andrew who suppresses his emotion.

[@fish-fingers_and_custard7685]

Your analysis of these characters are utterly fascinating!

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Thankyou! 😄

[@maureengauthier6553]

Makes me want to watch it again (for 3rd or 4th time.)

[@Stevesk0011]

A testament to good writing.

[@Michael_the_Drunkard]

*analyses

[@v_zach]

Please do Brian next. Don't make him the last. It's bad enough he was the odd one out who didn't hook up with anyone at the end.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Watched the film again. I decided to go with Brian next for that exact reason, actually 😆

[@faemaiden5090]

@@mylittlethoughttree it's always sorta been my thoughts that Brian was coded as gay. The whole unable to be "manly" geek, who's kinda suicidal screams gay coding to me, I'm wondering your thoughts?

[@n.d.m.515]

@@faemaiden5090 I hope it doesn't go that direction. I was and knew nerds. It takes longer for them to find and form relationships, but often they are stronger because they take time.

[@maxeyre2024]

julia howe I don’t think he’s gay... his reaction to Allison’s transformation, getting a boner, wishing he was more romantically involved. Of course it’s possible but I don’t think the movie is trying to show signs to that.

[@BoxOKittens]

Guess you don't like the phrase 'save the best for last' huh

[@gdimitra01]

You’ve literally taken what I just thought was a classic 80’s film into an advanced lesson in psychology. Perfection 👌

[@entheo302]

Still wondering how they smoke all that weed and the teacher never smells it when he comes back lol.

[@oscarclarke2653]

80's weed was weak

[@ruthhamilton4882]

Well, where I went to high school, just before this was filmed, the teachers were smoking way more weed than the students

[@matthewjacobs6742]

Andrew was never really interested in Claire, and pursuing her was part of the obedient and stifling persona that caused him so many problems. Andrew's transition from Claire to Allison is an essential part of his growth. Ironically, when they come together Andrew is rebelling against his parents' expectations, and Allison is accepting that she doesn't always have to be the rebel, she can maintain her individuality without putting up a metaphorical "keep out" sign.

[@brianoneil9662]

And the "reasons ____ got detention" scene was totally ad libbed and yet they all feel true to the characters.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I did not know that, thankyou

[@Joe_Parmesan]

Emilio Estevez knocked it out of the park. What a monologue!

[@julietardos5044]

Not totally, but much of it, yes.

[@fiddleback4903]

Bender and Andrew were similar in that they both had issues with their father's. But on different ends of the spectrum.

[@vicoyeyemarz6508]

I always believed (wanted to be true lmao) that he and Allison will be something even after Monday. I mean they are more probable couple that claire and bender.I see Andrew rebel against his dad with Allison. and Allison having the attention of her parents at least and maybe the whole day for being with Andrew.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I think they probably would be, too. Even if Allison went back to her original clothes, I still think they would at least maintain some sort of closeness

[@fighterck6241]

As an athlete his social status is partially independent of outside approval. So if he brings Allison around his friend group won't ever voice any disapproval in front of him or her until/unless he breaks up with her. He may not even realize he has that type of power but, in my experience that's usually the case in high school. That's also usually a privilege that guys have. Wealthy, athletic or popular girls don't always have the same sort of freedom. So in Claire's case, her friends might tolerate her with Bender for a few weeks in the assumption that she's doing it to piss off her parents but they'll have more of an expectation for her to move on and will be more open about it than Brian's friends will be.

[@merricat3025]

​@fighterck6241 I think for Claire it was walk on wild Side that she has no desire to stay with. It's a look at me. She will stay with her group of friends. Andrew and Allison have more of a connection.

[@travdad76]

I am Andrew and my wife is Allison. Perfect for each other.

[@cabahab2996]

I love benders realisation when he looks at Brian and see that Brian has low self esteem and awful pressure on him constantly his face when he realizes Brian is suicidal over a failing grade .....his parents hurt him by constantly being overbearing and demanding and expecting just too much ...... I think until that moment he thought he was the only one that has problems ... Yes on the scale his dad beats him he has the worse home situation but other kids situations are valid too just different situations .....

[@rikk319]

Stepping outside yourself--having empathy--is the grease that makes the gears of society work smoothly.

[@SarahWells777]

@@rikk319Empathy and! Compassion!..

[@badladyproductions903]

Psychology of athletes have always been gaffed off and ignored. thank you for giving light to the perspective of those who are thought to be too tough to be cared about.

[@saadbunni]

I felt like he really be talking to me when he said " it's not your fault. Your not weak" oof. Crying here.

[@Kryptic1046]

I suspect he was. He was speaking both for Andrew and to those of us watching that have been abused at some point.

[@AyaBlue22]

It always bothered me how, though the incident that landed him in detention was something that *REALLY* upset Andrew, that he lost control, that he describes his bullying as 'torture' ... is really nothing to his dad. The entirety of their dialogue: "Hey, I screwed around. Guys screw around, there's nothing wrong with that... except you got caught, Sport." "Yeah, Mom already reamed me, alright?" "You wanna miss a match? You wanna blow your ride? No school is gonna give a scholarship to a discipline case." This implies that while his mom was upset, his dad doesn't seem to really care, certainly not enough to condemn Andrew's attack on someone, or to emphasize that that's not how he ought to behave, rather, the only admonishment from his dad comes as a result of not being sneakier(?) about it in order to escape any consequences for his actions.

[@rikk319]

His dad might be a sociopath for all we know--who knows how he treats Andrew's mother.

[@IvanLendl87]

I really enjoy your character analysis on The Breakfast Club. This film was released during my senior year of high school. I saw it over a dozen times in the theater. I came to realize that watching it was sort of like therapy for me. As a competitive high school athlete with an overbearing father, the character I most closely related to was Andy. One thing I always imputed to Andy (through my own experience) was that Andy originally loved wrestling but eventually his success or failure in wrestling became the basis for his identity and self-worth. It's the basis for his identity & self-worth because that's how his dad sees him. And the 'group therapy session' scene where Andy expresses his shame and remorse for wailing on Larry Lester as well as the oppression he feels from his dad is the most powerful and emotional part of the film for me. I also love where Andy says he will consider them friends after this - and I believe he really means it and will follow up with it. (Alison gives a little "Yay" in response.) Re Andy and Bender: I always had the the impression that Andy genuinely disliked Bender and that his aggression towards him was separate and apart from any possible feelings or competition for Claire. Those two are such polar opposites. And Bender wants people - especially people like Andy - to dislike him. Future topic suggestion: character analysis of Lloyd Dobler (played by John Cusack) in Cameron Crowe's classic 1989 film Say Anything.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Really nice comment, thankyou. I don't know that film,but I'll look it up

[@feliciaberke3953]

Great suggestion for Lloyd Dobbler! I thought the main point was that Andrew was jockeying for group leader. I read his asking Claire to the party not being motivated by any particular interest in her. She’s the type of girl he would be expected to be interested in - jock with prom queen - but it’s just more going through the motions in this role he’s stuck in. But either way, it makes him ineffective. He’s most effective when he is on his own terms, like when he seeks out Alison after she dumps out her purse. He lied to her before (they lied to each other) and she called him on it. He felt seen by her when she did that, so it matters to him when she’s upset.

[@littledumbass926]

When people talk about this movie, they don't mention Andrew a lot and I've never met anyone saying he was their favorite character. I think it's a shame, he's as complex as the others and criminally underrated

[@Superchick2]

Emilio Estevez gave one of the most heartbreaking, tear-inducing performances I have ever seen on film when he broke down to the group and confessed that he "tortured that poor kid" (Larry Lester) just to earn credibility with his cruel, hard-nosed father as the camera pans around him 180 degrees. We, the audience, could palpably feel his regret and remorse, and also the punch-in-the-gut realization that his actions were so egregious that he couldn't even apologize to Lester for it. It was in that teachable moment Andrew Clark decided that he would never bully another innocent student because it was JUST. WRONG.

[@kassandria13]

This series is helping me make connections as to why this is my favorite film.

[@donnadelrey]

Beautiful video, I love these Breakfast Club videos so much. I think Andrew also attacks Larry because he sees that Larry is skinny and weak, and doing just fine. I think that angered Andrew also because he can't get away with being skinny and weak, otherwise his dad would abuse him psychologically. It makes sense why Andrew would attack Larry, not only for being the image of what his dad detests, but also because he is jealous he can't be weak and get away with it.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

A very nice point, thankyou!

[@donnadelrey]

My Little Thought Tree Thank you for responding! ❤️❤️❤️

[@shoepixie]

It's very common, I think, for people that conform and hate it to feel threatened by people who don't, and are fine with themselves.

[@heathervanroo6680]

I am so fascinated with your analysis on Andrew and the rest of the characters. Something I would like to see more elaborated on is Andrew’s relationship with Allison but rather from Allison’s point of view. This is an amazing film that I have watched and enjoyed many times. I have a deep interest in becoming a therapist one day and bringing fictional characters into psychology is even more interesting to me. What you did with these characters has made me more interested and understand more of what I want to make out of my life. When I watch your analyses of The Breakfast Club characters, I can relate a lot to Allison (especially), Andrew, and Brian, however not so much Claire and Bender. Thank you for allowing me to understand myself and characters from movies much more than before

[@JoanieDoeShadow]

You repeatedly say "do the right thing" but what Andrew is doing is following rules and social expectations. Those aren't the same things. Parsing out those differences is part of Andrew's arc as that's part of the critical thinking and judgement skills he needs to learn moving forward.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Yeah, the "right thing" as he sees it doesn't necessarily mean what's actually right for him, just what's the correct way he's been "trained" to behave in

[@BY-bj6ic]

i agree with you

[@depressedessendonfan5702]

That's not true. If that were the case he would have no problem with bullying the other kid because his piers and father were for it.

[@SarahWells777]

Xactly! There’s Societal right and wrong and then there is the moral compass of right and wrong and you have to go deep within to figure out what that is for yourself..

[@jeffmuller1489]

This movie is about breaking down the peer pressure that exists, especially in teens' lives, to discover who we are, who God Created us to be, and to break free and rebel against the unhealthy, ungodly pressures of a world where God is not King. Andrew knew that doing that to another kid was wrong, and humiliating, but what drove him to do it was something ungodly: the need to please someone other than God - his father, his jock friends, who don't honor God in their lives. There is an Objective Biblical morality that our society, to some extent, was built upon. It has been seriously eroded since the 1960's. There's also a code of ethics that God instills in us as humans, and to which we are all accountable, if not to each other, than to God. The perfect performance of it is not the point, it's the acknowledgement that it is the standard to which we, as a society, hold. The best law is love, the way God describes it. 1 Corinthians 13 describes God's love.

[@lordofcinder0693]

Andrew then grew up to become a lawyer and a youth hockey league coach.

[@vignyathrisivanepalli2770]

XD

[@DNorbs7]

I relate a lot to Andrew's character. I never bullied anyone, but from childhood basically until the end of college, I had a similar relationship with my father. He pushed me so hard in basketball that it became what our relationship revolved around. How I played on a certain day dictated his mood, and typically I didn't quite meet his expectations. Eventually, both my father and the sport ended being things I resented and didn't want any part of. Unlike Andrew, however, I wasn't a conformist, and I didn't take out my pent up aggression on innocent nerds - instead, I took out all my anxiety, anger, & bitterness on myself, and self medicated. Parents can really screw a kid up without ever laying a hand on them. Great videos.

[@disturbedpyro4511]

I love that you zoomed into Allison stealing Bender's Switchblade. It's so subtle yet so hilarious!

[@danicegewiss862]

I note that Bender also demonstrates skills in sports. He's able to sink a basketball and hop to the upper floor of the library by his own personal route.

[@ace0047]

When I was younger I always thought I was like Allison, but (*after watching it a second time some time later) I was really more of an Andrew. I didn’t feel invisible and ignored I felt small and kinda helpless but shared that fear of appearing vulnerable. I never physically attacked someone but I definitely yelled at more than just a couple of people like I was their disappointed parent. And sometimes I think Andrew, like my teenage self, didn’t necessarily follow authority figures and social hierarchies because he “couldn’t think for himself” but rather because he didn’t want to somehow mix himself up with the losers and get berated at school like he did at home. Maybe he just wanted to be left alone so he could meet or even exceed the expectations placed on him. And if there was anything I wholeheartedly believed in it’s that it was always easier to be bland as fuck and blend in than it is to stand out and have risk having a target on your back (frankly, it’s something I still haven’t shaken off. For better or worse). Even with a pack of wrestler teammates behind him one could easily make the assumption Andrew can’t really “be himself” around them. There’s that constant need to meet somebody’s expectations and not be anything resembling a loser.

[@ineffablemars]

I also grew up in an abusive household... and I think most people have. I think that abuse is much more common than we make it out to be and this movie was so ahead of it's time for talking about it.

[@vinyllpreviews9462]

Abuse comes in different forms. All the kids were dealing with something.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

As explained in the community post, this is a reupload without the copyright block, without so many screenshot, and also (unfortunately) without the Atmosphere song The Last To Say playing at the appropriate times. I've had to wait ages to appeal this video before I could release it, so the end screen is outdated, meaning the partons I've since gained aren't there, but thankyou to all of you nonetheless: CapoxProductions, Daniel Coetzer, Life'sGoodThings, JP N Here is the long "extra thoughts" comment that I posted on the original video, as well. 1) It's unsurprising Andrew and Allison get together when you consider their emotional struggles. Allison struggles with being ignored whereas Andrew struggles with never being ignored and admits that he wishes his "knee would give" so that his dad "could forget all about me." Their opposite issues here might give them the unconscious hope that their unison could mean healing eachother's pain, each having what the other lacks. Alternatively, you could say they technically actually have the same problem: Andrew may be in the spotlight all his life, but never for who he actually is. The true Andrew Clark is totally ignored in place of 'the racehorse'. In that sense, they could relate to eachother very easily. 2) As a sidenote to the above point, if Andrew had won against Bender and got with Claire, he'd be learning nothing from his experience. Claire is a 'winner' in his eyes already, the typical popular girl that he, the jock, would be expected to get with...which is essentially why he goes after her originally: she's what society tells me to go for. His lesson of course is not to just do what's expected of him all the time. As such, he goes for the person whose vulnerabilities he can connect with. 3) Just because I really like the shot, it's worth pointing out that during Andrew's weed induced 'dance of freedom', he storms back into the foreign languages room and screams, causing the glass on the door to shatter. For one, it's an obvious metaphor of breaking out the cage, but it does say "foreign languages", which I relate to Bender's earlier comment in the film towards Andrew: "do you think I'd speak for you? I don't even know your language." Essentially, mocking that Andrew only speaks in this alien, braindead Jock language...a language he now shatters. 4) I did mention it a bit in captions but I didn't emphasise it enough. Bender teaches Andrew that anger doesn't just have to be supressed and bottled up, but that you can express that rage, either through dance or through rebellion. Rebellion being the very thing Andrew is most terrified of doing because it opens him to being crushed by his father. As such, he's spent his life accepting authority, bottling his anger up only for it to suddenly explode upon the weaker people instead. He's spent his life wrestling with his peers rather than the one person he truly wants to fight: dad. Bender helps him learn how to stand up because, if there's one thing Bender does, it's stand up to authority. 5) It's beautifully fitting that, during Andrew's speech about Larry Lester, he explains that afterwards, when he was sitting in Vernon's office, "all I could think about was Larry's father...and Larry having to go home and explain what happened to him...and the humiliation, the fucking humiliation he must've felt." Notice he says "Larry's father", not Larry's mother or his parents, his father specifically. Andrew is imagining what this would've been like for him because, in Andrew's family, it would've been humiliating beyond belief to explain that to his father. Maybe that's not the case in Larry's family, maybe his dad would be understanding, maybe his mum would be the issue? Maybe humiliation wouldn't have been Larry's main emotion, but Andrew's thinking about himself: "what if someone had taped my buns together?" What that tells us, if we take the point further, is that Andrew is still sort of projecting himself onto Larry, still imagining Larry as Andrew's own weak side. And if it's Larry's humiliation at the hands of his father that Andrew imagines, then that's probably what he wanted to project onto Larry in the first place: "I want you to feel the humiliation at the hands of your father the way I feel it at the hands of mine." 6) Just as a final point, there’s a nice moment before the Larry Lester speech where Andrew says to Claire “what’s bizarre? We’re all pretty bizarre, just some of us are better at hiding it than others.” This a) confirms Andrew has realised he is exactly the same as people he once thought weird losers, and b) it’s not Andrew’s better at hiding it, it’s that he doesn’t know how not to hide it: he’s so trapped into rigid way of living that he barely can express himself to begin with. This, ofcourse, may be another benefit to his relationship with Allison because she knows exactly how to express her weird side. Perhaps there’s an unconscious hope that she might be able to teach him? Patreon link - www.patreon.com/mylittlethoughttree

[@Alwayslearnimg]

Please please keep this up. More of these BC analysis. Still have 2 to go!!!!!

[@citycrusher9308]

''Andrew changes because, he starts going out with Alison'' Sorry, but that means nothing. Allison a beauty. Andrew's wrestling buddies would support him going out with her.

[@citycrusher9308]

@@raveng8217 You don't know guys. They may rag on him but they will not openly say anything to them as a couple. They will secretly be envious. The whole point of guys gaining status as jocks is to get the girl. She's not actually mentally ill either. Just acting up isn't a deal breaker.

[@seancrawford126]

How much would you charge for a zoom session?

[@rct3nut74]

I know the video would be really long but I'd love a super cut with all the character studies in one video. I think it would help understand how the characters interact if all the videos were back to back. Plus I'd watch a video that's an hour + of you talking about a movie, just a suggestion

[@havenk.5226]

Hey just an idea but instead of doing a full on video about Bender and Clair and the sexual assault and why she chose him after that, why not touch on that in a video about all of their romantic relationships as an overview. Like why Clair and Bender and Alison and Andrew got with each other instead of what would be assumed (I.e Andrew and Clair, Bender and Alison) like what they see in each other, what attracted them to each other. Why Brain ends up on his own etc. I think it would be an interesting inside to psychology behind relationships

[@louisephinith2174]

I would love that, it would be really interesting to hear his analysis on why the characters ends up together

[@irenemacian8810]

Yes, a video about that would be great

[@moonsnakesheddingskin]

This made me cry. I grew up with an abusive parent who had been abused. I resolved at a young age to be my own person & got far far away from them. (& Got therapy!!) I really like these Breakfast Club videos, they are wonderful. Keep up the great work! 💚

[@evelynmercadososa7769]

You’re such an incredibly strong person. I’m so happy you’re in a better place now ❤️

[@moonsnakesheddingskin]

@@evelynmercadososa7769 thank you so much, I'm so happy I am too. I feel so strong, even though I'm a big softy 😊

[@KarlWitsman]

I like how you pointed out that his small failure was not the end of the world. As a former counselor myself, I spent years teaching this to various people. A temporary setback is not the end. It's like Nietzsche's "That which does not kill us makes us stronger," or even the modern taunting meme of "But did you die?" Nope. You learn and grow and move on. Failure is sometimes needed for learning.

[@Freyja_M4106]

The most unbelievable thing about this film is Bender left his weed in his locker over the weekend...

[@normancooper596]

He probably can't leave it at home and maybe he doesn't trust anyone else to hold it for him. My dad used to toss my room regularly. I never kept anything at home that I didn't want my parents to find out about.

[@sono8880]

In Bender's case his dad would have probably smoked his stash. Which isnt cool

[@lizfeelsfunny9949]

“people need resolution they need healing, so that the cycle ends and doesn’t get repeated again and again, generation after generation” I won’t lie that sentence really hit me hard, and I can imagine as so many others too. My dads has been depressed since even before I was born, and over the years it’s been implied my grandfather has been aswell. Their mannerisms are so similar in the way they respond and react to things, and it was hard to realise that these behaviours are also in me and my sister. I was able to get myself into the therapy system as a minor for free, this depressive mentality lead me to think of some really dark things and not value myself much, I don’t know how or why I pushed to get into the system but it’s worked out well so far. In my sister however she reflects so much of my dad, but more aggressive and irritable, so it’s hard to relate and get along with her well. I know it’s not just biological and situational circumstance effects a persons mental well-being aswell, but will all that I feel and experience now - that sentence really got to me.

[@mfar3016]

Please dissect each of the characters. I love them all in different ways.

[@danielpowers423]

Believe it or not we analyzed this movie back in high school. Tons of symbolism... Especially their names: Clark (Superman), Alice (in wonderland), Johnson ( someone's son, not his own man), Bender (bends the rules)... Etc. Great movie.

[@Joe_Parmesan]

What about Brian = brain? That's all his parents think he's good for, and, he stressed so hard about a bad grade that he was willing to end his own life. Claire is close to 'clear', as in 'clear of all problems' (which isn't true). She's referred to as a princess, comes from a rich family and holds a notable "social reputation" at school. She even thought that she shouldn't held in detention with all of "them" I know you didn't ask, but your post got me thinking even more

[@LethalBubbles]

Fascinating analysis. This film, like therapy, seems about the dialectic. "Know thyself" is one of the most therapeutic things, and you can only find it through conversation. Opening up.

[@connorscorner443]

Oh some of the things you said about the cycle of abuse really hit hard. As a survivor of abuse from a parent I do hate myself as if it was my fault and I know it's not. Edit:ngl I almost cried

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I never set out to make anyone cry, and I hope it wasn't too upsetting, even if you mean in a good way. Thankyou for commenting. I'm quite touched something I made could have that affect. I hope you don't always hate yourself. I hope there are times when you catch yourself feeling a little bit of love, and I hope those times can start to blossom

[@connorscorner443]

@@mylittlethoughttree yeah I am getting better at not hating myself. Can't say I like me yet but I'm working on it. Yeah I absolutely meant it in a good way. The cycle ends with me. I was quite lucky because I was taken from my mother when I was 5. But thank you so much for your lovely reply ❤️

[@Kryptic1046]

@@connorscorner443 - Coming from someone who was abused as a kid, don't hate yourself over it. Life is too short to hate yourself over someone else's failings as a parent. Like Al Pacino says in Devil's Advocate, guilt is like a bag of f---ing bricks. All you have to do is put it down.

[@connorscorner443]

@@Kryptic1046 aw thanks

[@angelaf5040]

That cycle can be broken, I broke it. I love my children unconditionally. I've loved them in all the ways I felt unloved. It's just a matter of being aware of how powerful your words are to your kids and giving it shit about how it makes them feel and think.

[@trinaq]

Thanks so much for reloading Andrew's analysis. I love how you channel his hidden sensitivity, and how he gradually lets go of his rage, and opens up about his true self as the film progresses. Andy is a definite foil for Bender, even down to their opposing colours and Daddy Issues. It's speculated that his father was a bully back in high school himself, and drives that male toxicity home. Andy relinquishing leadership over to Bender also counters his growth, as well as his eventually giving in to his attraction to Allison, even though society would dismiss her as another "Loser" in the pecking system. I can't wait for your analyses on Brian and Claire, and perhaps even on Carl or Vernon?! 😉💯❣️

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Thankyou, that's a nice comment. Yes, Vernon and Carl, too! Hopefully even a final "wrap things up" video after all of them, too

[@duckiemurphy9928]

I would love to hear what you think about Cameron from Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Great video btw!

[@shpankyfunky]

I love this series. I wish I was this articulate when I try to explain to others why The Breakfast Club is my favorite movie of all time. Most people consider this only one of those shallow teen movies, it's obviously much more profound. Thank you! You have a new subscriber, keep it up ;)

[@sambenjamin9636]

A movie that I feel like you would love to analyze its characters would be St Elmos Fire. I think you would do a really good job with one of the characters specifically

[@jassimins4484]

Isn't it what connects them all? Every single one is abused in their own way. Some of them just doesn't seem to be what doesn't make them less of a victim. Love this movie so much since I saw it at the age of 13. I will definitely subscribe 😊

[@mylittlethoughttree]

There's a rapper I like called Eyedea who had this belief that our pain as human beings is what connects is all more than anything. That we all suffer pains and can all be brought together because of it. Thankyou for subscribing, that's kind of you 😊

[@SarahWells777]

I am a True Physician and Life was my school. I literally was born counseling people.I had to be my moms mom.She was so damaged and when my dad cheated on her and left she kept trying to kill herself over and over.All my other siblings,etc,just ran away and stayed gone.I literally saved her life over an over.If she said she was going to wrap her car around a telephone poll.I jumped in the car and said your not going anywhere without me and then proceeded to talk things out with her and make her laugh.I did the same thing for my grandmother(my dads mom) who was always Soo depressed and she would try to get away from everyone and sit on the porch grieving over the husband she had lost tragically decades previous.I would find her and get her talking and find things to talk about to cheer her up and let her remember how beautiful life was and what she had to live for.All the while I was sad and depressed but I put my feelings aside for those I loved.Later on through studying and doing Mindfulness Meditation I learned how to heal myself and my own Traumas.Now I help lead people to there own healing that’s within themselves.You got to go through that Dark Night of the Soul and go through the Violet Flame to burn down the person that was and rise from the ashes as The Phoenix.

[@alexawilsonartvideos]

His reveal is one of the most powerful moments in the film of abusing someone. Incredible and unpredictable moment and turning point.

[@ArcaneWolf9]

Your comments on breaking cycles are really important, and something I put a lot of weight on. One of the great things about this movie is that we CAN change. These characters change a lot through interacting with each other. They change their perspective, redefine themselves, stepping towards taking control of the course of their lives. They shift away from patterns of abuse. Not many films do that, certainly not at the time. It's one of the reasons this film sticks so much in my mind, even having not seen it in decades. It made an impression on me, and none more than that; we can all change, the trick is to try and do it for the better.

[@littlemouse91019]

I love that its so perfectly summed up, Andrew is taught to make love not war.

[@lo3375]

your analyses of this movie are giving me more reasons to love it, keep it up man

[@rustyshackleford735]

As someone that wrestled for 13ys this one cut deep for me.

[@Die-CastMetal]

You’ve perfectly described what makes this movie so iconic with a depth I’ve not seen yet. Thank You! Sub’ed for sure!

[@randomnerd9088]

This channel is so absolutely amazing, and it's been genuinely profound to listen to you talk.

[@ericalagos5842]

I love how there's always more to it that you might think. Thank you.

[@anjalidevi7168]

We, the audience never find out if The Breakfast Club publicly hang out as friends. It's just that, Andrew's attack on Larry, puts Brian in a difficult situation. As, if I were Larry: I'd feel betrayed, hurt, and angry that Brian is friendly with (presumably) the worst bully of my life. If I were Larry I'd give Brian an ultimatum.

[@ephyewt00]

I've always loved this movie... but hearing these in depth analyses of the characters is hitting me right in the feels. I've always felt like a mixture of Allison and Brian... but there's aspects of the others that I relate to as well. Really looking forward to the review of Brian's character, because suicide is something I had always struggled with as a teen. Thankfully I didn't do anything that I regret, never once even considered an attempt... but I did have some self-destructive tendencies. You've got yourself a new subscriber and I'm looking forward to going through your catalog of videos!

[@CantWaaait]

First of all, your content is fantastic! As we know, the topics of emotional abuse, projection, vulnerability, etc, especially in the context of how home life so strongly affects the "student society", are addressed on only a very superficial level, if at all, in high schools....unless that has changed, hopefully! I think that kids would greatly benefit from watching this movie, then watching your analysis in schools. It's that good! Looking forward to your take on the rest of the characters!

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Those are very kind words, thankyou, I take that to heart 🤗

[@jungcinema3687]

I’m marathoning these! can’t wait till the next one comes out!!

[@fallenwing25]

These are a joy. Love character analysis ❤

[@no1else344]

Never noticed how in the end when they are walking towards the exit they are lined up in the opposite order of who we perceive as “cool” at the start of the movie, Bender in the back then Clare then Andy and Alison are side by side then Brian in the front

[@andreavargas8547]

Thank you for a journey towards empathy and forgiveness.

[@jenniferglover9905]

Beautifully educational ❤ it's a classic because everyone can relate but sometimes we don't even know why we relate. We spend or lives figuring out how we got where we are and where we want to be and hating big chunks of the past because we didn't know that people aren't mean cause they wanted to be but because they were hurting.

[@anastasijajelisejeva3812]

Amazing analysis! I am so happy I found your channel! Please continue making more ❤️

[@notoriousix4507]

These videos are like therapy man. I'm watching each one of your videos and I can't help but shed a tear or two. The sad thing about this is, Im supposed to just man up and bury my emotions.

[@elizabethbeckmann2865]

Thanks for revealing the depth of this movie that I hadn’t grasped previously.

[@WooMaster777]

Oh, my gosh!! Thank you so much for this video essay! It perfectly articulates the love I have for this movie. I wasn't sure why I liked it so much back then, but now you've helped me realize it's because I identified with these characters and loved how they were able to overcame their inner demons. They are all so unique and fleshed out it's no surprise that anyone can find a character that they can relate to. Thank you for this!

[@mylittlethoughttree]

You're welcome 😊

[@davidatkins1483]

Thank you so much for this commentary, I found it extremely interesting! I am 60 and have retired from my career job, but I worked with a man who was a bit like Andrew in a way. He was a person that could be very nice when he wanted to be but he was an absolute bully, vicious and cruel when he got something stuck in his craw. I understood his dad was very violent and vicious. I would be fascinated to hear your analogy of this man but that will never happen still there was a lot of similarities here and I found this extremely interesting and educational. Thank you so much for taking the time to do these videos. It is greatly appreciated!

[@anthonysmith7504]

I guess the overall message of looking like Andy is That it’s okay to lose and to show weakness

[@Feintgames]

When you got deeper into talking about abuse, that was hard to listen to. Everything you said was really insightful and interesting. Made me think about the horrible bullies that used to attack me in grade school. Thanks so much for making these videos. Subscribed and I'm binging.

[@girlt229]

I love this! Thank you for making these videos and offering perspective that I never really considered! Plus the Andrew archetype makes me think of 45 and how I suspect he experienced some similar Dad issues with his own father, always needing validation by talking about who does & doesn't like him.. Thanks for shedding light!

[@momoegoista4662]

I've been binging your videos today and am happy I came across your channel. Looking forward to your future projects

[@veronicas2400]

He’s a codependent? Needs the approval and favor from his parents to gain love and acceptance= winner.

[@veronicas2400]

And approval from everyone else for that matter, even Vernon

[@queensquish]

Oh my goodness, this got me emotional! Really good analysis ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@aaronreau8556]

Thank you, man I really connected with this video. It brought me healing.

[@ohmarine43]

dude. appreciate you. keep making these. these are great. 3 is not enough. keep going.

[@cheeseebun]

i used to think i was an allison was a teenager, but this analysis made me realize im more of an Andrew. now im tryna hold back tears here haha...

[@texw4062]

I like these videos because unlike other dissection style videos (like videography or acting styles or anything like that) these videos make me appreciate the original film even more. Rather than removing the vail of the the mystery and magic of the film, it adds to it.

[@briankasnick4403]

Dude this video really resonated with me. You speak so well on this subject matter. So glad I subbed

[@animeluver45]

Love these analysis videos. Would love to see a whole lot more analysis videos and about more characters besides Breakfast Club. Your insight is amazing and your observations are amazing! Watching these help me understanding myself a bit better

[@IAMCAVE]

Andrew does show vulnerability in the hallway with Allison. The way he backs himself against the wall as he tries to explain why he’s in detention. Protecting himself, protecting his back from being attacked. Likely the harsh criticism from his father while he’s struggling to win, to maintain his rank in wrestling. However Andrew also shows deep empathy, as he talks about what he did to Lester, relating not only the physical pain he caused, beating on him and how the athletic tape took off some skin, but the humiliation that he knew Lester would be experiencing when telling his father what happened. Likely the same humiliation he feels when telling his own father (whenever) he loses a match, and the chewing out he gets. Emilio did an excellent job in this film.

[@rem672]

Please do Claire next!!

[@lollar]

I didn't think Andrew's video would be that interesting. I found it the most interesting one. He and Allison have the most intriguing psychologies to me.

[@melissas7980]

@My Little Thought Tree I love your content so very much. I'm 60 years old, and The Breakfast Club was such a meaningful movie for me, back in the day. I watch all of your videos, but i'm appreciating these very much. Thank you. 🥰

[@dizzitoast]

This was touching. This was rich. Thank you so very much!

[@tzm1843]

All of your videos are interesting and insightful. Thank you for making them.

[@darrelldarrell8168]

At around 8:00 in, Andrew is dancing around and goes into a room to yell and the glass subsequently shatters. Notice the name of the room on the glass door before it shatters, "foreign language." Yelling is a primitive, maybe foreign, forgotten means of letting anger out. Once Andrew realizes that shout, shout, let it all out is a good therapeutic tool, the glass shatters and primal expression in the form of vocalizing your anger is no longer 'foreign' to him. About 2 seconds worth of actual screen time but I think this symbolism was deliberate and full of intent.

[@azimuthclark462]

Andrew is a Bravo. he challenges the Alpha, and when he comes to grips with being a Bravo he becomes the perfect right hand man, loyal, honest, dependable, someone you can rely on to do the right thing

[@wojciechgrodnicki6302]

A good teammate.

[@rikk319]

Except that the whole alpha/beta/etc. dynamic was and is a sham, based on a flawed study of captive wolves. Much like how crop circles and bigfoot trickery grew out of control, the "alpha male" bullshit has grown into a life of its own.

[@Clevermoreunicorn]

I love this series! This movie is incredible and I truly hope that you do all of the characters.

[@robertopavon7453]

This was always my favorite movie, but now with your analysis i can understand it is truly a masterpiece. Im not gonna lie, this video in particular hits really close to home. thank you i could make an analogy with Andrew and me, and help me understand and accept me. Thank you.

[@lovelyrabbyt666]

Nothing you say sounds mad. This is wonderful content and I thoroughly enjoy your analyses. Spot on interpretation and you are so humble and straight to the point. Love it

[@mylittlethoughttree]

That's very kind, thankyou 😊

[@tomshahar2831]

Please keep going with the other characters. Its fascanating how you see it from your eyes as a counselor, to everyone.. because to be honest i didnt understand their motives..like why they act the way they did..but now its like there is a reasone , and its obviously their home. Thank you for your explanation. Have a great day everyone ❤️👏👏🙏🙏

[@FerbanaKinnitty]

These videos are incredible. So eye opening! Would love to see one about Claire, I don't really understand her or feel sorry for her that much.

[@Celesian]

Great video! Looking forward to the next one