Maisie Peters first release of 2021, 'John Hughes Movie', is as an inspired, individual and thought provoking concept that showcases the singers ever growing talents as a songwriter and creative. Her subject choice, the late director who sadly died in 2009, is not exactly the choice you may expect from a 20 year old from Brighton but that's part of the huge appeal of her latest song and video.
'John Hughes Movie', has lyrical references to his use of some traditional cinematic techniques as Maisie sings, "Coz this aint no John Hughes movie, where the girl gets the guy....I keep waiting for the heartbreak music, that’s never gonna come." Hughes more than put his stamp on movie history with some classic coming-of-age films like 'The Breakfast Club', 'Pretty In Pink' and 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' but Peters has obviously found out to her dismay that life doesn't always work out like it does in the movies.
The video for 'John Hughes Movie' is as well thought through as the song itself and the combination of the two work just like any short movie should, telling a great story with a brilliant visual interpretation. Masie said of the film, "jhm music video was an actual movie of a day. stemming from an idea i had where i wanted to push boys off my balcony, i then sent a brief off to louis with the main point being, 'i want it to be bloody and scary and like a quentin tarantino film but with cheerleading'. we then started working on jhm and over the following weeks created this imaginary 80s coming of age slasher universe where i was on a one woman mission of murdering all f**kboys and turning them into my army of wonderful cheekboned avengers at the prom. we shot it in one day in a freezing cold town hall in peckham, starting at 6am and wrapping at midnight, and i think i was on my feet for every single minute of that, apart from when i had to sit with my hand in a girls toilet sink with the cold water only taps running at full pelt to try wash the fake blood off my hands before the pom poms scene. not my most popstar moment. this video is one of the most insane things i’ve ever made and i’m so so proud of it, but it wouldn’t have been possible at all without every single member of the crew and styling and makeup and props who gave all their hearts (some more than others ((looking at u brad)) to this concept and worked so so hard from beginning to end who i have everything to thank for. thank u! if u haven’t already seen it go and watch it are u kidding me it’s so iconic, and yes! special shouts to kieron, natalie, riz, destiny, tazmyn, scarlet, christian, callum, adam and ricardo for being the all star cast of my dreams, and to louis, supple and adelaide for carrying this silly little video from behind the camera <3 and finally netflix come give us a special already!"
Thank you Maisie for your detailed explanation, it's saved us a job!