In the world of cinema, few stories are as captivating as the one surrounding Kevin Bacon's 'She's Having a Baby'. This movie, directed by the legendary John Hughes, was supposed to be a triumph, a transition to adult comedies for Hughes and a career-defining moment for Bacon. But, as the saying goes, 'all good things must come to an end', and this one didn't quite make it to the finish line. In my opinion, this is a tale of missed opportunities, studio hubris, and the unpredictable nature of the film industry. Personally, I think it's a fascinating story that sheds light on the challenges of making movies, the power of marketing, and the resilience of artists in the face of failure.
The Perfect Movie?
She's Having a Baby was a movie that, on paper, had all the makings of a success. John Hughes was at the peak of his career, having just released the iconic Ferris Bueller's Day Off. He was a master of teen comedies, and his suburban Chicago wit was perfectly suited to the Yuppies who had become the new target audience. Kevin Bacon, on the other hand, was a rising star, fresh off the success of Diner and Footloose. He was the perfect choice to star in the movie, and the film's premise - a copywriter navigating the complexities of fatherhood - was relatable and charming.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the level of personal investment Hughes had in the project. He had built his career on teen comedies, and this was his chance to explore a different side of his talent. The fact that the movie was based on his own experiences as a copywriter and a father only added to the personal significance. In my view, this is a movie that was destined for greatness, and the fact that it didn't achieve that status is a real tragedy.
The Flop and its Implications
The movie's release was delayed, and when it finally hit theaters in 1988, it was met with mixed reviews and a poor commercial performance. This was a major setback for Bacon, who was still riding high from the success of Footloose. The fact that the movie's buzziest scene, a difficult childbirth set to Kate Bush's This Woman's Work, was its climax, only added to the challenge of marketing it. The studio's decision to release it in the early going of 1988, when late 1987 releases were still doing well, was a strategic mistake. In my opinion, this was a movie that deserved better, and the fact that it didn't achieve its potential is a real shame.
The Impact on Bacon's Career
The failure of She's Having a Baby had a significant impact on Bacon's career. He was still riding high from the success of Footloose, but the movie's failure left him in a difficult position. The fact that the movie was a personal project for Hughes, and that Bacon had invested so much in it, only added to the emotional impact. In my view, this was a real setback for Bacon, and the fact that he had to wait two years before redeeming himself with Tremors is a testament to the resilience of the artist.
The Power of Marketing and Timing
One of the key lessons from this story is the importance of marketing and timing in the film industry. The fact that the movie's buzziest scene was its climax made it difficult to market effectively. The studio's decision to release it in the early going of 1988, when late 1987 releases were still doing well, was a strategic mistake. In my opinion, this is a real lesson for filmmakers and studios - the timing of a movie's release can make or break its success, and the power of marketing cannot be underestimated.
The Resilience of Artists
Despite the failure of She's Having a Baby, Kevin Bacon's career went on to thrive. He redeemed himself with Tremors, and went on to become a household name. This is a testament to the resilience of artists, and the fact that they can bounce back from failure and achieve great success. In my view, this is a real inspiration to anyone who has ever faced failure in their creative endeavors.
The Broader Implications
The story of She's Having a Baby also raises deeper questions about the nature of success and failure in the film industry. It is a reminder that even the most talented artists can face setbacks, and that the path to success is rarely a straight line. In my opinion, this is a story that resonates with anyone who has ever pursued a creative passion, and it is a reminder that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone to greater success.
