Popular Teen Angst Film Openings

Popular Teen Angst Film Openings:

I have decided to look at some popular teen angst film openings to try and get some ideas for our own film opening. I have noticed some popular and generic conventions for teen angst opening so I believe these will be important features that we could include for our own. I decided to look at the popular teen angst films called 'Footloose', 'Pitch Perfect' and 'Clueless'.

Footloose:

-The setting of the opening is a party which is very stereotypical for teenagers.

-Different social groups are presented all together, such as males, females, different ethnicities. Although there are no elderly, children or disabled people represented.

-The music is very loud with an up-beat tune which is a typical representation of teenagers as they are known for stereotypically playing loud music at parties.

- The title 'Footloose' is blended in half way through the title sequence between other titles. A sans-serif font is used which reflects the outgoing and slightly crazy representation of teenagers in the title sequence.

-The bright yellow font used reflects the bright and careless personalities of the characters shown in the opening scene.

-The iconography of the props such as the litter of red cups on the floor conveys a value for drinking but also portrays them was irresponsible.

-Shot used of two characters kissing represents the convention of love which is typical of a teen angst.

- The car crash represents an important social issue that is relevant to teenagers as it can affect many young people.

Pitch Perfect:

-The setting is firstly based at a taxi point, which reflects the stereotypical convention that teenagers like to travel around. This is then followed by the next setting which is at a university campus which is also a relatable setting for teenagers.

-The soundtrack is very fast-paced which reflects the chaotic lifestyle of teenagers. The song is also based on a popular chart song which is important because it is stereotypical that teenagers like to listen to chart music.

-The close up shots of the editing software used to edit the music reflects how technology is an important to teenagers.

-High key lighting used to present a happy and careless atmosphere.

- Main character has a briefcase style of bag which is unstereotypical for a teenage girl as we would expect to see her carrying a handbag.

- The main character is wearing dark clothing which represents her as a counter type compares to the bright clothing of other teenagers, such as the bright yellow tops of the group of boys on campus.

-The titles are very organised and continuously symmetrical which represents the idea of 'perfect' from the title of the film.

-The colours of the main characters props also portray her as a counter type as we would expect to see bright coloured luggage and jewellery opposed to the black which is the colour of hers.

Clueless:

-The production company logo is presented very with 5 different bright colours which is reflecting the busy and bright lifestyle of teenagers.

- Stereotypical good looking and desirable girls represented as the main characters.

- Starts with lots of short quick cuts between different shots of the characters which conveys a careless and chaotic lifestyle.

- High key lighting used portrays a fun and positive atmosphere.

-The soundtrack used, 'We're the kids of America' is a well known pop song which reflects teenagers stereotypical love for chart music.

- The voice shows the main character talking about others behind their back and this idea of backstabbing is a typical social issue for teenagers so they will be able to relate to this.

- The shots of the main character looking at herself in the mirror and taking care in choosing her outfit reflects how teenagers care about their appearance which the audience will be able to relate to.

-The glamorous lifestyle presented, such as material items like her car and nice clothes and also her popular social status, shows what is valued in this teenage world.