Genre Conventions for Final Project

 

For our film opening sequence, my group and I have decided to choose the coming-of-age genre. Coming-of-age movies gained popularity in the early 1900s, often being adaptations of well-known books. These included films such as The Wizard of Oz, and Little Women. However, the coming-of-age trope has been prevalent in literature for a very long time. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, written in 1597, can be considered a coming-of-age romantic tale. Moving through the 1900s, these films became more popular with hits such as The Breakfast Club, Clueless, and 10 Things I Hate About You. An important name in the coming-of-age genre to remember would be John Hughes, as his influence on this genre was monumental. Hughes directed Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and Pretty in Pink. These films introduced various similar characteristics, including focus on teenage angst, social cliques, and suburban life, which are qualities that define the coming-of-age genre. These films show a vast range of adolescent emotions, which makes them so undeniably appealing. This genre allows for certain relatable but unspoken feelings that teens experience. All the movies listed above do this in their own unique way. Through this impact, the genre has been normalized in the film industry and recognized as an influential genre. Because the coming-of-age genre is so popular, there is a myriad of noteworthy stars who have influenced the genre. A few that stand out include Timothee Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan, Scarlett Johansson, Emma Watson, and Winona Ryder. Though, there are countless prominent stars withing this genre, these stars all appear in more than one coming-of-age film. They all play young, somewhat distressed teens that face challenges as they move through their lives. This is the basis of the coming-of-age genre, and these stars bring this concept to life wonderfully.  

 

Coming-of-age films often contain similar themes, settings, character types, presentations, and story formulas. These similarities allow the genre to be recognizable in various films. In terms of the themes presented in coming-of-age movies, one common, broad theme is the importance of identity formation. Coming-of-age movies often follow a young protagonist who must make difficult decisions concerning their true identity. They may face judgement based on their choices, but they often end up prioritizing their own needs. Another theme that is prevalent within coming-of-age films is the difficulty of navigating new experiences. As we move through different stages of our life, we face new challenges, see new places, meet new people, etc. These situations bring about unfamiliar experiences and complex responsibilities that are often the basis of coming-of-age films. Moving on to common places that coming-of-age movies are set in, there is almost always a school involved, as this is a place where teens spend much of their time. Coming-of-age films may also feature a shopping mall, restaurant, or another common area that kids go to in their free time. Viewers can expect very youthful settings in these movies, as the plot revolves around teens. Regarding the presentation of these films, they are often filmed in a nostalgic, youthful, and comforting way. There is usually warm lighting, with colorful accents scattered throughout. The way these films are presented is a large contributor to the childlike feel within them. Finally, it is important to note the stereotypical story formulas these films utilize. These tie back into the themes mentioned prior, helping to explain how these themes are exhibited. For example, a young teen is usually faced with some kind of decision or challenge that they must overcome, through which they face the challenges brought about by navigating new experiences. They may make the wrong decision at first, having to then encounter the consequences of their actions. A wise mentor may make an appearance, guiding them through their struggles. All these potential plot points, though, would come together to create a conventional coming-of-age story.  

One very popular coming of age movie, Mean Girls, has a very distinct opening scene that presents the genre conventions explained prior. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgW2JoZJU7w) The scene highlights the new experience the protagonist, Cady, is about to embark upon. Cady was homeschooled her whole life and is now having to attend a public high school. This circumstance perfectly illustrates the “navigation of new experiences” theme that is so commonly found in coming-of-age movies. The opening scene goes on to show the different cliques found in a stereotypical high school. Cady, of course, feels that she fits into none of them. Cady also finds it challenging to conform to certain social norms that she has no knowledge of, being homeschooled. This series of challenges develops obstacles that Cady will face throughout the film, enforcing the theme of how hard it is to deal with new experiences. The scene also displays the conventional setting of coming-of-age films, that being a high school. These factors come together to create the perfect coming-of-age opening scene. Another movie’s opening scene that executes this genre nicely is that of the movie Wonder (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH1C6yH_nFM ) In this scene, it is emphasized that Auggie is not an “ordinary kid.” It is also introduced that his parents, who have been homeschooling him his whole life, have decided it’s time he tries public school. Because of Auggie’s differences, he is bound to face challenges, such as bullying, when going to a school full of kids for the first time. The introduction of this potential conflict, because of Auggie’s social differences and facing unfamiliar experiences, is ideal for coming-of-age movies. A final coming of age movie, titled 10 Things I Hate About You, has a broader, but still impactful opening scene. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xayX6djOQV8 ) In this short clip, we can see that the protagonist is, again, not like her peers. She has an angsty, darkness about her that sets her apart. The clip then features her pulling into school, showing that she is a teen. Even though this insight is all we are given in this scene, we can assume that she will face adversity because of her bolder personality. She likely struggles to fit in at school and will face social challenges because she is different. Though we were given so little in this scene, because of coming-of-age films’ stereotypical structure, we can predict several potential plot points, themes, and story structures that may be presented.  

With all of this being said, my group and I are very excited to create the opening scene of a coming-of-age film! We are not exactly sure of what this scene will include. However, we plan to lean on the common coming-of-age themes including self discovery, navigating new experiences, challenges regarding independence, etc. We plan to feature a young, teen girl as the protagonist. We want her to have a sort of grungy, roughness about her, which will set her apart from those around her. This uniqueness, mixed with some other factors, will help to develop a clear struggle in the protagonist's life. Furthermore, we will likely involve a school, or other social setting in the scene to establish the protagonist's age, what her peers are like, and how she is different. Keeping the coming-of-age genre conventions in mind, I feel that my group and I will be able to make something great!