Portfolio Genre Research Featuring: [*Dramatic Music*] Coming-of-Age

 What is coming-of-age?

    Choosing a genre for this film opening was not as difficult as we had thought it might be. As we were advised to do, we decided to go with something we knew well, and I believe we know the struggles of growing up pretty well. The coming-of-age genre is one that many teenagers and young adult audiences can find themselves relating heavily on when it comes to many different types of media. This genre includes plots that involve the protagonist having a sense of growth both psychologically and morally. It is a demonstration of a transition from childhood to adulthood. Because it depicts a passage from childhood to adulthood, this genre encourages self-discovery and growth. Coming-of-age stories rely on language, character development, and social commentary to convey their stories. Because the characters are sharing their feelings, the conversation allows the audience to obtain a better understanding of their emotions. Man vs self, which is a more familiar form of conflict to write, is a common problem that the youths in this generation experience and we are familiar with the concept. The viewers will be taken on an emotional or spiritual journey with the main characters as they mature as a result of difficulties and feelings in the coming-of-age genre.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

    Many coming-of-age films include the concept of cliques and how the influence the protagonist on their personality and decisions. This is seen in mostly a high school environment where teenagers are seen as mostly influenced. An example of this is demonstrated throughout both the novel and film of The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Written and directed by Stephen Chbosky). We see a significant progression of the main character, Charlie, as he begins experimenting with drugs, alcohol and his sexuality. We begin to see how he becomes a participating subject in society rather than just a bystander. In this film opening, we clearly see an introduction to a rather socially awkward teenage boy as he writes detailed letters to someone who we do not know yet about. Right away we are acknowledging how Charlie is the narrator of this opening and that is enough information to assume that he will be the narrator all throughout the film. The way we are exposed to multiple sounds all at once, especially in the transition from a voiceover to both asynchronous and synchronous sounds of the school bell the visual of students going wild in the hallway. With the voiceover narration and visual context, we get an idea that this film will be all viewed through the eyes of Charlie. In this opening, we are stimulated to an abundance of visuals and sounds that create the beginning of Charlie's story, having us want to know more about not just about his character, but about all the other character's mentioned. 

    Sources

Eghosa, E. (2021, November 13). What is the coming-of-age genre? Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://www.filmdistrictdubai.com/blogs/what-is-the-coming-of-age-genre

Pinksy, S.M. (2016, April 26). Perks of Being a Wallflower Analysis. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://sites.psu.edu/pinsky/2016/04/25/perks-of-being-a-wallflower-analysis/