Genre Activity

Coming Of Age  

 The characterization of the Coming-of-Age genre can be described in multiple ways. However, the definition of Coming of Age is the main character or better known as the protagonist transitions or grows from child to an adult. The fan base of this genre is broad, due to the heartwarming feel the genre leaves you after watching a film. These movies are perfect to watch with family, during any season.                        

 Content   

  When most people look for a movie to watch, they think about the genre. For example, Comedy, Horror, Sci-fi and many more. Directing them toward that genre are characteristics they have created for that genre. For instance, Horror- jump scares, screams, enclosed spaces, dark lighting. Additionally, Coming-of-Age provides its own character traits. One of them is popularly known as- loss of innocence. Whether it is going through puberty, traumatic loss, and other life- changing situations. The key to this technique is to highlight this through dialogue, use of color, and lighting. An example of this is the film "Turning Red", released in 2022 directed by Domee Shi. Starring Rosalie Chiang, this film displays young Mei’s life during her stages of becoming a teenager. This film provides relatable insights on the realities of feeling awkward during development.

   Additionally, another key factor of this genre is finding their place society. Many films in this genre convoy an idealistic world, everyone is perfect, no flaws, all around the American dream. Even though, many protagonists find inner conflict within or, loss of place in society because they feel like an outsider. This strategy is used to make the audience (especially pre-teens) feel like they are not alone. In other words, it is perfectly fine to be different. An example of this "You Are So Not invited to my Bat Mitzvah", released 2023 directed by Sammi Cohen . Starring Sunny Sandler, this film highlights Stacy's struggle with fitting into her religion and managing relationships. This movies gives the audience multiple different emotions. You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

Production Techniques

Production techniques that are used in this genre are very important. Production techniques help develop the story line and thicken the plot. One production technique is relatable dialogue. Many movies in this genre use similar slang or a topic that is popular to their target audience. Additionally, breaking the fourth wall- protagonist uses this method to engage audience viewers or to give more context about the plot. The use of sound and editing is used to make the film as normal and entertaining as possible. For Instance, " Ferris Bueller 's Day Off" released in 1986. Directed by John Hughes. Starring Mathew Broderick, this movie is a perfect example of the fast paced cuts and breaking the fourth wall when narrating. It gives the audience thrill and entertainment. Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Samples 

"Mean Girls" released in 2004. Directed by Mark Waters. Starring, Lindsay Lohan and Tina Fey. This movie all around is just a great example of a Coming-Of-Age movie. Main character, Cady Heron attempts to fit into her new school she transfers too and is not successful until the middle of the movie. Combining all of the production techniques and content I provided, this movie covers each tactic. For instance, loss of self, not fitting in, character development and much more. 

" Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." released in 2023. Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig. Starring Abby Ryder Fortson. Another great film, except this film brings in religion which can be a difficult topic to discuss. This film is purely based on the strangeness of moving to a new town, puberty and finding your true self worth. There are certain scenes that Im sure people can relate to. Particularly teens.

Movies to consider

 Eighth Grade

Juno

10 Things I Hate About You

Wonder

Thirteen

Blog Posting- Representation

October 18th, 2024 Blog posting - representation

The show I decided to analyze is Outer Banks. The show takes place in South Carolina and a couple of teens go on many adventures together and they treasure hunt. The names of these teens are John B, also known as the main character and the narrator throughout the show, Kiara, Pope, and JJ Maybank. These four are characterized as mischievous, school dropouts and not the wealthiest people around. Additionally, they are called the "Pogues". On the other hand, you have the "Kooks" which are completely different. The names of these teens are Sarah Cameron, Rafe Cameron, Topper, and way more side characters. They Golf, have yacht parties, and are very wealthy. The paragraph below will illustrate how the use of representation is used to represent each character. The difference in groups is a representation of othering. 

   The Pogues are often viewed by Kooks as lower class, and they do not have an equivalent social status or any respect from them. This battle between the two groups did not start with them, it arose when their parents were teens, and the traditional ways never stopped. The Pogues are constructed with baggy pants and tank tops or shorts, and Kiara is dressed in shorts and with a bikini top layering and short shirt and very beach vibe, summer jewelry stack. In contrast, kooks are dressed in polo shirts, linen pants or shorts and nice watches on, and Sarah Cameron is dressed in denim shorts and a cropped shirt. The stereotypical groups are brought apart by social and economic differences. During shots of each group's houses there is a clear distinction between them. Except for Kiara, in the show it mentions she had history with Kooks, but she changed to hanging out with the Pogues.  

The main characters I would like to analyze are Sarah Cameron and John B. John B worked on Sarah Camerons' fathers' boat, Ward Cameron, he is often viewed as the antagonist in the entire show. One day John B was caught stealing scuba gear and the Camerons hated him all except for Sarah. The selection was used to paint that picture as if Pogues were bad and Kooks were good. Sarah fell in love with John B, but her father despised him. The Pogues go on a treasure hunting adventure with gold and Sarah tagged along with the Pogues instead of the Kooks. John B and Sarah's relationship status broke an unwanted barrier to be broken. While it is nice for the Pogues to go on an independent treasure hunt, Ward Cameron also wanted to find the same treasure as them, then the plot thickens. 

From the description above, we know the Pogues are adventurous and have free spirits, but Kiara is an important aspect of the analysis. When treasure hunting, they are tasked with doing a bunch of "not women like" things. For instance, messing with guns, digging, diving, fighting, and stealing. She is not afraid of getting her hands dirty. My favorite part of Kiara is she completely disregards the fact that she is a Kook. She puts differences aside.