Three O’Clock High is a 1987 movie about a high school student named Jerry who finds himself in a fight he can’t avoid. The movie follows Jerry’s desperate attempts to get out of the fight before the final bell rings. He’s like a trapped animal backed into a corner, fighting for his survival. The tension builds throughout the day like an ever-tightening noose around Jerry’s neck. With each passing hour, Jerry’s anxiety and fear of the looming confrontation grows like a dark cloud hanging over his head. Will he find a way out? Or will he have to face his fears head-on?
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Review
The Gift of Vulnerability in “Three O’Clock High”
Brené Brown, the renowned vulnerability researcher and storyteller, once said, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” If she had seen the 1987 film “Three O’Clock High,” directed by Phil Joanou and written by Richard Christian Matheson and Tom Szollosi, she might have added, “and sometimes comedy.” Despite its cult status among some movie buffs and critics, “Three O’Clock High” remains largely unknown to many audiences. However, its timeless themes of fear, courage, masculinity and vulnerability still resonate today in a world that craves for more empathic and authentic narratives.
The storyline of “Three O’Clock High” is deceptively simple: Jerry Mitchell (Casey Siemaszko), a timid high school student with a passion for journalism but a talent for avoiding confrontation, accidentally angers Buddy Revell (Richard Tyson), a notorious bully with a reputation for violence. Buddy gives Jerry an ultimatum: either meet him in the parking lot at three o’clock after school for a fight or suffer the consequences. Jerry spends the rest of the day trying to avoid Buddy while seeking help from his few friends and teachers. As time ticks away, Jerry faces his fear of both physical harm and social humiliation while learning some unexpected lessons about himself and others.
At first glance, “Three O’Clock High” may seem like just another Hollywood teen comedy that relies on stereotypes and clichés. Yet, on closer inspection, it reveals layers of complexity that challenge traditional narratives about masculinity, identity and power. One notable aspect of the film is its use of visual motifs to convey emotions and ideas. From the opening shot of Jerry’s car driving through fog to the repeated shots of clocks ticking down to three o’clock to the striking angles that capture Jerry’s inner turmoil and Buddy’s threatening presence, the cinematography of Barry Sonnenfeld amplifies the tension and stakes of the story.
Moreover, “Three O’Clock High” showcases a talented cast that brings depth and humor to its characters. Casey Siemaszko delivers a nuanced performance as Jerry, who evolves from a nervous wreck to a reluctant hero. Richard Tyson imbues Buddy with an unpredictable mix of menace and vulnerability, suggesting that even bullies have their own fears and insecurities. Other actors, such as Jeffrey Tambor as the beleaguered principal and Philip Baker Hall as the wise janitor, add dimension and wit to their roles. The dialogue, though occasionally cheesy or dated, also contains moments of sharp wit and biting satire.
What makes “Three O’Clock High” stand out, however, is its portrayal of vulnerability as a gift rather than a weakness. Jerry may be physically weaker than Buddy and socially awkward around girls like Franny (Anne Ryan), his crush who ironically becomes his ally in his quest for self-respect. However, he also possesses something that Buddy lacks: empathy. Whereas Buddy sees himself as invincible and superior to others, Jerry sees himself as flawed but capable of growth. He writes articles about school events that reveal his curiosity about others’ perspectives. He listens to advice from Mr. Sommers (John P. Ryan), the English teacher who becomes his mentor when he realizes that Jerry has potential beyond his grades.
Throughout the film, Jerry’s vulnerability becomes his strength when he faces up to his fear of fighting Buddy not by resorting to violence but by risking humiliation in front of his peers. He exposes himself emotionally by telling Franny that he loves her despite knowing that she may not reciprocate or even hear him over the chaos around them. He accepts responsibility for his actions when he apologizes to Buddy for unintentionally hurting him in front of others before their final confrontation. In these moments, Jerry shows that vulnerability can be a source of connection, growth and authenticity.
Some viewers may find “Three O’Clock High” too silly or unrealistic for their taste. Others may criticize its portrayal of male-male aggression and the lack of diversity in its casting. However, those who appreciate its humor, heart and message may find themselves laughing and crying along with Jerry’s journey. They may also recognize the relevance of its themes in today’s society, where toxic masculinity, bullying and fear still haunt many people’s lives. As Brené Brown would say, “Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.” So why not give “Three O’Clock High” a chance and see what kind of response it evokes from you? Maybe you’ll discover that vulnerability is not just a birthplace but a destination worth reaching.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 97
- Release : 1987-10-09
- Genre : Comedy
- Cast : Casey Siemaszko as Jerry Mitchell, Annie Ryan as Franny Perrins, Richard Tyson as Buddy Revell, Stacey Glick as Brei Mitchell, Jonathan Wise as Vincent Costello
- Crew : Paul Haslinger as Music, Barry Sonnenfeld as Director of Photography, Nancy Nayor as Casting, Mark P. Stoeckinger as Sound Editor, Phil Joanou as Director
- Popularity 9.686
- Budget : $6,000,000
- Revenue : $3,685,862
- Company : Universal Pictures
- Summary : Nerdy high schooler Jerry Mitchell is assigned to write an article for the school paper about the infamous new delinquent transfer student, Buddy Revell. When Jerry accidentally invades Buddy’s personal space and touches him, Buddy challenges Jerry to an afterschool fight in the parking lot, which Jerry tries to avoid at all costs.
- Tagline : Jerry Mitchell just bumped into Buddy Revell. Now Jerry isn’t thinking about math or english. Because at three o’clock, he’s history.
