Before communication even begins between two people, a first impression is subconsciously created based on looks, fashion, body language, and many other factors. Typically, after a first impression is formed, whether it be negative or positive, it cannot be escaped. In the classic film, The Breakfast Club, directed by John Hughes, the assistant principle, played by Paul Gleason, looks down on the students in detention and perceives them as degenerates. Throughout the story the gang of newly formed friends attempts to prove themselves to each other and escape the detrimental first impression imposed on them by Mr. Vernon. The group is assigned a task to write a one-page essay on who they are, or better yet who they see themselves as. Because the students know that a first impression has already been attached to them by Mr. Vernon, they proceed to mock his assignment by describing themselves exactly how he perceives them. In the body of the essay, Brian Johnson, the brain, expresses his feelings about this first impression and states that “You see us as you want to.” The gang realizes that no matter how they act, the principle will always see them as a bunch of low life’s, so they decide to go along with this perception and embrace it. They show that they are accepting this perception by continuing to not care and act like degenerates. This classic film is relaying the message that first impressions last forever.

In this film the students are each given their own identity and are excellently portrayed using costumes, and the general attitude that they display. John Bender, the criminal, is dressed in a dark trench coat and expresses an attitude of rebellion. Eventually he leads the entire group to believe that what other people think of them does not matter, that only you can create your own destiny. Claire Standish, the princess, gives viewers the first impression that she is prissy and gets whatever she wants. In the film, she is quite rude to her father and dresses and acts like she is entitled. She seems sensitive and doesn’t feel like she fits in with the group. She lives up to this first impression very well as she acts sassy towards the other characters. Andy Clarke, the athlete, is first viewed as a strong and somewhat arrogant jock who thinks that being an athlete should excuse him from any sort of discipline. He’s eventually broken down by the group and comes to the realization that sports are not everything in life. Brian Johnson, the brains, is a portrayed as a nerdy kid who never breaks the rules. He is a timid character who takes a while to become comfortable with the rest of the group members. Allison Reynolds, the basket case, embraces the first impression of being a psychotic nut job who’s constantly living in her own world. The gang is initially scared of her but eventually learns that she has a lot of interesting stories to share. Because each of these characters acts and dresses the way they do, the viewers create first impressions. By creating these first impressions viewers feel more involved in the storyline and can watch the characters interact to break the wall that is the first impression. 

Many times, people make the mistake of acting different than they typically would around close friends and family. This hinders other people to create a solid first impression and can be detrimental when trying to earn their trust. Have you ever thought of why employers hold interviews before they hire someone? Many people practice countless hours and may even take classes for upcoming interviews because they understand that a first impression can make or break your potential to receive employment. During the movie, it is easy to tell by Mr. Vernon’s tone of voice that he is displeased with the students’ behavior. As the storyline progresses his tone does not alter and his first impression on the students remains the same. Because the students in the Breakfast Club are already under the first impression of being delinquents they do not attempt to change the way they act around him. Instead they mock Mr. Vernon and act exactly how he would expect them to. The camera angles and cut scenes that are shown in this movie gives the viewers a behind the scenes look at how the students pull off their stunts against Mr. Vernon. By giving viewers this insight they create a connection to the students and can relate to their dilemma. Viewers can then feel what it is like to have a first impression poised on them by an angry vice principal. The idea that a first impression is impossible to escape is imprinted into the minds of the viewers as they grow to love to students.

To counter this argument, the claim can be made that friends and mutual acquaintances can shift and reform your first impression of a person. Friends and family can influence people to like or dislike other people based on their prior experiences with that individual. Sometimes a first impression can be erased by simply getting to know the individual on a deeper level. In the film the students start off with the impression that John Bender is a no-good criminal who is extremely rebellious. But, throughout the story the characters open to each other and Bender reveals his true self to the other students. His past defines the way he acts towards other students and explains why he feels the need to act like a badass. To the other students, they now see him as a nice guy who has been through a troubling past. They can relate with him on a deeper level because he trusted them enough to open up to them. Sometimes all it takes to get past a first impression is a deeper understanding of where you come from and what your past looked like. 

In conclusion, first impressions can either make or break relationships and will determine how an individual is treated. As seen in ‘The Breakfast Club’ the people who you associate with will influence other people’s opinions on you. Even after many years of having a relationship with someone, the brain will always remember the first encounter with that individual. Escaping these first impressions is a seemingly impossible task and can take many years. Because many people have different views and beliefs we must all learn to be accepting of each other and not judge people before we’ve taken the time to get to know them. First impressions are almost always seen as a negative aspect of life, but with an open mind a first impression can turn into a lasting relationship.