Portfolio Genre #1 (Coming-of-Age)

 Coming-of-age

• What is the coming-of-age genre? This genre is known for its plot surrounding a young protagonist's journey through major life changes and situations that press them to mature. Although this is usually the case, the genre has broadened its horizons and has made it a bit of a challenge to determine what defines it. These films follow the main character as they “come of age” and stumble upon the next stage of their life, which is noticed through their typical themes of growing up and self-maturation. 

• Nowadays, this genre is paired with many others and is usually never focused solely on its individuality. We usually get dystopian coming-of-age, romantic, and comedic coming-of-age, or maybe even horror coming-of-age. As some might think, this genre isn't paired with others for the sole purpose of helping the character reach their growth; rather,  it is blended with other genres to keep the audience engaged.

• This genre demonstrates to the audience that no matter how hard life gets, there is always hope. Therefore, it is something that is heavily enjoyed.

Typical Target Audience

• The typical target audience for coming-of-age films is usually adolescents (12), teenagers, and young adults (19). This is often the case because the themes that are generated and built throughout the film are themes that individuals in that age group can strongly connect to due to similar outcomes and current experiences. 

• This genre is not limited to its younger audiences; it is also generally known for its broader appeal to older audiences. Making them feel nostalgic about certain experiences, maybe some gone through during their youth, because they long to reflect.

Genre Conventions with Content

• Coming-of-age films are thoroughly recognized through their aesthetic and their common conventions, such as:

• Family (parental problems)

• Highschool life

• Relationships: First love (romance), friends

• Straying from the norm (social pressures)

• self-discovery/worth (identity)

• They more often involve a realistic setting like school, home, parks, and overall, everyday and familiar environments

• In the coming-of-age genre, there will always be a major event that forces the character to change (mature)

• Goes over the typical: loss, journey, conflict/growth, and maturity

• Most coming-of-age films include romance and are more known for the dramatic elements. 

• All coming-of-age films will try to capture the experience of growing up, and are usually focused on a protagonist who is in high school.

Genre Conventions with Techniques

• Lighting: soft and warm lighting, realistic tones, usually making an emphasis on the natural lights (sunlight, streetlight). The plan of keeping such naturalistic elements is to evoke a sense of reality and to be able to see the contrast between moments of conflict.

• Cinematography: close-ups and extreme close-ups are used to show the emotions and vulnerability of the characters. Hand held camera is also used to create a sense of realism and the chaos that surrounds adolescents. Shallow depth of field is commonly used to alienate the main character from their environment.

• Sound: Voice-over narration is often used to show maturity, change over time, and to provide a reflective perspective on certain events. Diegetic Music is also usually paired with these types of films in order to develop the character even further. Diegetic sound is very focused on to keep a realistic atmosphere.

• Editing: montages and flashbacks are used to show the passage of time and to explain events after a long period of time. Pacing usually focuses on characters' emotions, and will change depending on the moment.

Institutional Conventions

• Marketing

• Posters made usually either involve the main character alone, or with their friends, and maybe even their mentor. This allows the audience to see an up-close teaser of the relationships being presented in the film

• Taglines usually focus on growth.

• Trailers will be focused on making the story seem relatable and emotional.

• Narrative Image is someone finding themselves, this can be seen in symbolic shots…those of which include literal and indirect meanings of individual triumph.

Two Films that Represent the Genre:

                                                              Lady Bird (2017)

                                                   The Edge of Seventeen (2016)