Deeper research on the Coming-Of-Age Sub-genre:
As said in one of my previous blog posts, a coming of age drama focuses around the protagonists journey as a person. These films
do not need to specifically be about a high school story or about a young person, they just need to focus on the personal growth of a person. A Coming of Age drama usually has some kind of personal struggle or conflict that the protagonist needs to overcome. For example "The Outsiders" focus on a few different conflicts like the death of Ponyboys friend and a few other conflicts. By showing personal struggle it forms a sense of empathy with the audience as well as makes the film feel relatable, and showing the personal growth of the character.
do not need to specifically be about a high school story or about a young person, they just need to focus on the personal growth of a person. A Coming of Age drama usually has some kind of personal struggle or conflict that the protagonist needs to overcome. For example "The Outsiders" focus on a few different conflicts like the death of Ponyboys friend and a few other conflicts. By showing personal struggle it forms a sense of empathy with the audience as well as makes the film feel relatable, and showing the personal growth of the character.
These struggle or conflicts can be both internal or external. It is important to make sure that your film focuses on using different forms of lighting and visual effects throughout the film to help engage the audience. For example, a coming of age film could use bright lights to express importance and urgency, while using warmer lights to represent comfort, and tranquility. They can also use a variety of different forms of mise-en-scene to help establish a connection to the scene. For example, formal clothes can represent wealth and business. It is also important to create a "time capsule" or in other words figure out in what time period your film is set. This helps the film feel genuine and engaging.
After doing some deeper research on coming-of age films, I have learned a lot. I never realized how many small details and features go into making a film. Coming-of-Age dramas have a variety of different key elements that most films don't have. For example, these films tend to emphasize some kind of form of nostalgia and the struggles both mentally and physically that comes with growing up. All these different features are what make the film enjoyable and engaging. From a viewers perspective you would never think to use white lights to express urgency, reduce shadows, and represent natural light rather than using soft yellow lights to create a mellow and relaxed feeling that also creates a sense of safety, and seems cozy. Overall, coming of age dramas have a multitude of different features and conventions that are necessary to make the film enjoyable. I have learned so many things that I never would have guessed were that important. My perspective on films has completely changed after starting my research. 
No comments:
Post a Comment