Coming Of AgeGenre Conventions

Top 10Coming Of age films

(As voted by the critics of ‘the guardian’)

1)Clueless

2)Dazed and Confused

3)Pretty in Pink

4) Juno

5)Rumble Fish

6)Heathers

7)10 Things I Hate About You

8)Kids

9)Superbad

10)Blackboard Jungle

IconographyWithin coming of age films it is stereotypical for them to include the latest

digital technology, such as laptops and MP3’s. Many coming of age films

include mobile phones and some have entire scenes in which characters will

be talking on their mobile technology. Also typical iconography in coming of

age films is cars, as many teenagers grow up and learn to drive, many include

their reckless and crazy driving skills. In high school centred films it is generic

for a geeky character to be carrying folders and books around too. Alcohol is

also typical iconography used in this genre.

Mobile phone

scene within the

classic teen film,

‘Mean Girls’

CharactersGeneric characters of coming of age films include, teenage girls & boys, strict

parents and teachers that can be controlling over the teenagers life. Within

high school centred coming of age films, there are stereotypical characters of

nerds, cheerleaders, jocks (usually the bully of the film), the outsider, the

‘new girl’ and the wannabe, that follows what everybody else is doing and is

desperate to be popular.

‘Hannah Montana

The Movie’ – A

good example of a

controlling parent

In coming of age films, characters may typically

be in their set cliques, for example in mean girls

there is ‘The plastics’ a clique that contains the

main characters of the film.

A love interest character is

typically inflicted in the film

some way and creates problems

and sparks up a range of

emotions for the main

protagonist.

LocationA very popular setting within coming of age films is high schools. Teenagers

spend most of their time at school and they are a key character in the

coming of age genre so the high school location is expected. Another key

setting is the teenager’s bedroom, this is another stereotypical place where

teens spend most of their time. Some more examples of generic locations

are: Prom, in transportation such as cars, a family home, cafes, football

games and shopping centres.

‘Struck by lightning’ –

mostly set in typical,

American high school.

‘Perks of being a wallflower’ Car scene.

ThemesA classic example of theme used in coming of age films is young love. Many

coming of age films include a main protagonist and a love interest, and the

main theme will be their love story. Another typical theme would be parties,

alcohol and drugs, parties are usually the place where things go wrong in the

film and something has to be resolved. Teen issues are a generic theme too,

such as mental disorders, hormonal issues, sexuality and exams. Furthermore

these teen issues are typically the main narrative of the film and provide

complications within the story.

‘GBF’ Coming of

age film – Main

narrative is

sexuality

SoundThe soundtrack to a coming of age film is generically an indie/pop

soundtrack that is catchy and will get stuck in your head.

Within this film genre there are many films that include non-digetic

voiceovers from the main protagonist, for example Clueless.

School bells and sounds , such as talking within hallways and school

announcements can also be stereotypical sounds heard within coming of age

films.

Pop music is usually played in these film genres too.

Detention scene

in the film ‘The

Breakfast Club’

ColoursThe colours of a coming of age film, are normally bright, bold and

interesting. They can be the complete opposite to a horror film in which the

colours are very dark and dull. It is usually daytime so coming of age films

seem light-hearted and mostly cheerful.

‘Freaky Friday’ is a

bright, typical

coming of age film.