Portfolio Project Genre #2

Dear blog readers, 

In my last post, I discussed one of two genres I'm exploring for my portfolio project, rom-com. In this post however, I have decided to discuss coming-of-age films, a genre that follows a young protagonist and highlights their transition from child to adulthood through milestones that an audience can typically relate to. Not only do I find this genre beautiful because of its relatability, but also due to its wholesomeness and genuine moments. 

As one would expect, most of the viewers for coming of age films are pre-teens and teenagers. The genre, although sometimes including fictional plots, can sometimes help an audience see themselves in the struggles of the protagonist, hence its appeal towards them. Additionally, the secondary audience for these films typically includes nostalgic adults who enjoy reliving youthful moments and feel like a child again. 

Content Conventions:

Young Protagonist: An essential part of any coming of age film is a main character who has not yet faced the struggles of the "real world" or in other words, hasn't lost their innocence yet. Throughout the film they gain skills and knowledge that shape their future. (Mia in "The Princess Diaries")

Loss of Innocence: Part of growing up means losing the sense of cluelessness that comes with being a child. In coming of age films, this is highlighted in its content through the discovery of social groups, sexuality, and relationships amongst others. (Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret)

Mentorship: Growing up, most people have someone to look up to and ask for help. It is quite common in this genre to include a mentor figure as a secondary character that directly influences the protagonists development and journey. (Mr. Miyagi in "Karate Kid")

Technical Conventions: 

Shifts in Set/Lighting/Color/Costume: As the film progresses and the protagonist's journey unfolds, it is typical to see a shift in the mise-en-scène aspects of the production. For example, a protagonist may be shot in bright lighting and colorful costuming at the beginning (innocence), and progress to a darker or more natural lighting and style as they begin to grow up. (Cady at the beginning vs. end of "Mean Girls)

POV Shots & Handheld Camera Movements: To further immerse the audience in the reality of the young protagonist, this genre is known for including point of view shots, which allow viewers to see through the character's eyes. Similarly, many scenes may be shot with a handheld camera, creating some slight shaky movement in scenes, representing the unsureness of some teenagers as they experience milestones. (The spinning scene in "Uptown Girls) (Use of handheld camera in "Adolescence")

Varied Pacing: Scenes including emotional, intimate moments will have a slower cut/pacing speed to mimic the feeling of calmness that a teenager would feel in such instances. On the contrary, scenes that are more energetic or rage-filled will have much faster pacing, once again mimicking a teenager's attitude and inner feelings. 

Institutional Conventions: 

The repeated characteristics of coming of age films, making them easier to market include: 

Common Settings: Because many teenagers spend lots of their time in stereotypical public spaces such as, school, their bedroom, and shopping malls, many coming of age films rely on these settings for the majority of the plot, making it accurate to their lives and relatable to the target audience. (The school gym in "Bring it On")

Character Stereotypes: Being a teenager, many feel as if they are "outcasts" or "problem children" in their lives. The main character/protagonist of this film genre commonly exhibits one or more of these stereotypes. They are unmistakable and are a great approach from a marketing point of view as they can be highlighted in trailers and promotion. (The teen gang in "The Outsiders")

These conventions, along with symbolism (drugs, alcohol, and mobile devices) are the main emphasis in the marketing for coming of age movies. For example, the obvious use of cell phones, home settings, and "dumb blonde" stereotypes in "Mean Girls" was shown in its trailer and later became some of its most iconic scenes and lines as teenagers found it applicable to their own lives and a playful exaggeration of what being a teenage girl feels like. 

Coming of age films aren't as mass produced as more common genres such as action, comedy, and horror, but the ones that do exist tend to be just right, comforting and accurate. Two examples that came to my mind when thinking of the genre were "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "My Girl"

1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Following the playful and mischievous life of the Ferris Bueller, this classic coming-of-age film highlights the contrast in young adult vs. teenager behaviors as the protagonist spends a "day in paradise" with his friends before they graduate and face the real world. 

At the start, Ferris' actions are very childlike  and foolish, but towards the end, he seems to have a moment of realization where he comes to the conclusion that he doesn't have much time left to act young, because growing up brings mature expectations and he must enjoy what's left of his goofiness. 

2. My Girl (1991)

Being more on the sadder end of the genre, the film "My Girl" features a reality check to the protagonist Anna as she faces grief at an extremely young age. Contrary to most children, who don't really understand what loss is, Anna learns just how much it hurts. 

This specific coming of age plot may not be relatable to everyone, but it is very entertaining and can be applicable to children who lost a close relative or friend when they were young. 

Overall, I find so much pleasure in watching films from this genre and believe that this would also make a great option for my film opening. As a teenager myself, it would be interesting to see if I could include my own experiences and feelings growing up. 

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