MovieChat Forums > Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) Discussion > Why didn't Jeanie clear her name?

Why didn't Jeanie clear her name?

posted 9 years ago by avortac
13 replies | jump to latest

She could have SO EASILY proven that she was telling the truth, that there was a prowler on the premises, that Ferris was actually playing hooky, etc.

But she CHOSE not to.

Why?

When they almost run over Ferris, all she had to do was to say:

"Mom, look, it's Ferris!"

Immediate game over for Ferris, immediate "I am sorry for not believing you" from the mom. Exonerated.

The second opportunity was when she got Rooney's wallet.

Immediately run to mom&dad with the wallet, show it to them, ask them to come downstairs to see how Rooney is there, threatening Ferris, who is outside with Rooney.

That was proof that there was someone on the premises, and they could've sued for trespassing, etc.

In any case, Rooney's reputation would be completely destroyed.

But she chose to just not do any of those things. It's as if she wanted her parents to think she's guilty. It's as if she wanted Ferris to get away with everything Scott-free.

Why did she instead just squint her eyes, as if it's some sort of GAME all of the sudden? Where's the anger, the rage, the conflicted feelings of the Wrongfully Accused?

She started being egotistical against Rooney all of the sudden, instead of, for example, dragging him into the house, next to her parents, showing his wallet, how she found it, and confronting Rooney with the whole trespassing and assaulting their dog (while also breaking their property and belongings, like the vase).

Women's logic, eh?

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] Galagatron 9 years ago

This illustrated how kids, even those who don't like each other, will band together in the face of authority figures. The same thing happens in "The Breakfast Club" and it makes for a nice twist.

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] EmilyTheDramaQueen 9 years ago

I took it as moreso that saying about "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" thing when it came to Rooney.

"That was the sickest thing I've seen on TV, and I watch Dance Moms"

[–] alwayspoppy 9 years ago

I took it as siblings stick together in the end even if you hate each other, you really love each other.

Jeannie never thought she would but when he was in trouble she stood up for Ferris, which is what a sister generally does!

I loved it.

[–] novastar_6 9 years ago

I always figured Jeanie would use that to get Ferris to help HER get a day off since he could set it up so 'convincingly' where his parents were concerned.

[–] AllEighties 8 years ago

yup

[–] PrinceWin 9 years ago

Where's the anger, the rage, the conflicted feelings of the Wrongfully Accused?

This is one of the few things that I hated about this movie. A person's feelings towards another person cannot change just like that. There must be a reason or something. The latter must do such a thing that would change the way the former feels about him/her.

The moment I saw the door key in the hands of Ed Rooney, I thought Ferris Bueller would surely be screwed!

But it is true, you know. Some people are born very very lucky and always get away with trouble.

[–] novastar_6 9 years ago

A person's feelings towards another person cannot change just like that. There must be a reason or something.

That's why she was paired with Charlie Sheen at the police station.

[–] PrinceWin 9 years ago

That's why she was paired with Charlie Sheen at the police station.

If making out with a complete stranger who is about to go behind bars for dealing/doing drugs filled her cold, revengeful heart with affection and sympathy towards others, even the person whom she hates from the bottom of her heart, this is one of the most fatuous climax I have ever seen.

[–] Willus_A 9 years ago

The girlfriend I had back in '86 had an interesting take on Jeanie's sudden change of heart. On the way home from the theatre, she was saying that it was pretty obvious that Jeanie was a year younger than Ferris. Jeanie overheard Rooney saying that Ferris was going to be held back for a year. She then realized that Ferris was going be in high school with her for another year, rather than having him out of the house, and far away at college. That's when she decided to intervene.

"Hogs have futures, I don't."
Dr. Johnny Fever

[–] CigarDoug 8 years ago

If making out with a complete stranger who is about to go behind bars for dealing/doing drugs filled her cold, revengeful heart with affection and sympathy towards others, even the person whom she hates from the bottom of her heart, this is one of the most fatuous climax I have ever seen.

You've never made out with Charlie Sheen.

[–] onemanarmy82 (1764) 2 years ago

That is a good question OP. I just watched this movie this morning.....for the 1,000th time. I think seeing and talking with Charlie Sheen made her "see the light". She realized that she worries way too much about what Ferris does.

As far as the wallet goes, I think there were "bigger fish to fry". Jeannie had her day AND came to her senses and realized that it was Mr. Rooney who broke in and scared her half to death. Humiliating him and getting him roughed up by the dog was all of the "clearing of her name" that she needed.