Coming-of-age Film Opening Interviews (Blog #13) RESEARCH

To conduct further research on the coming-of-age genre I wanted to not just research, analyze and deconstruct popular coming-of-age movies but to also get opinions on my specific idea, so I decided to interview some friends. Before filming the interviewers I really thought about what are some questions that fit under my current film opening idea. After a few brain storming sessions I finally decided on ten questions to ask my interviewees.

10 interview questions for film opening research:

1. Would you relate to a story about a student working hard to earn a scholarship? Why or why not?

2. Which student struggles do you think are most important to show in a coming-of-age story? 

3. Do you prefer fast-paced sequences or slower moments that focus on emotions?

4. How important is it to show the challenges and sacrifices a student makes to achieve success?

5. How engaging would it be if the story compares a high-achieving student’s life to a more balanced student’s life?

6. Does the idea of ending on a cliffhanger make you more interested in watching the full story?

7. How much do visual techniques help you connect with a character?

8. Do voiceovers, diegetic sounds, or moments of silence help you understand a character’s stress and emotions?

9. Would seeing a character struggle despite getting good grades make her more relatable or less appealing?

10. What part of the story or character would make you feel most invested in the film?

       The process:

Before going into the interviews I was a little nervous as I’ve unfortunately come to learn I’m not the best at interviewing people from past experiences. My curiosity was the only reason I was able to do this part of my research, I really wanted to know what people liked most for my story. I wanted to know if people had different opinions, visions, or ideas for my film opening. So I finally decided to send the text to my friends...

and thankfully my friends were willing to be interviewed.

Despite them being available, I was still really nervous about my questions, the answers. The whole process was terrifying to me simply because it was something different to what I’ve done before. In the past when I’ve interviewed people they’ve always been other adults and would be extremely helpful in the process but this was my first time interviewing people my age and I would be the one leading the interview. The thought of the interviewees being friends I’ve known since 7th grade was comforting and did help me calm down a little bit but I still had to figure out how my setup would be. After experimenting around with different sets, lights and mics I finally found my setup. I used my iPhone 12 Pro as my main camera on a tripod, RØDE Wireless GO microphones, and  a studio light.

Interviews 

The aftermath: 

After completing the interviews and analyzing the answers I received I was very surprised by some of the answers. 

Question one: Both of the girls find the story of a student working hard to earn a scholarship relatable since it is a very common goal for many students due to it being a huge help for one's future. 

Question 2: The interviewees believe it's important to show academic pressures, friendships and family finances because students could show a happy front to everyone around them but at the same time they could be struggling with their relationship with school and how it greatly affects them mentally. Friendships are important to be shown since the friends we make and decide to be around are a big part of how we are, how we act, how we think and even how we talk. Finance struggles can really determine how someone acts, thinks and goes on in their everyday life. 

Question 3: Both of the girls prefer slower moments that focus on emotions instead of fast-paced sequences. Both Maya and Olivia stated that they would prefer slower moments to showcase what the character is going through and to show real time processes such as the studying the character does in the film opening. To me this was one of the most surprising answers since for my original vision I had envisioned a few study montages  of the character suffocating herself in schoolwork, homework, projects, and studying. I think when I originally came up with the idea, the only two minute time limit made me feel like I had to include as many angles, shots, and frames as possible but now looking at it from a different perspective I think including more slower emotion filled moments would fit the plot better than a lot of montages. While I will still include montages I will prioritize showing those strong emotions the character is feeling. I will try my best to show how she tries to hide those emotions while in public but at home she will continue to work hard but her protective facial front goes down and through it, the audience can really see what she feels. Through lingering shots I think I will be able to best showcase the character’s facial expressions. 

A prime example of how I think to do this is the scene from Black Swan where the main character is in her dressing room covering up her tears of frustration and hard work with makeup to continue to perform, putting a positive and happy fake front for the audience. 

Question 4: Both people stated how important it is to show the challenges and sacrifices a student makes to achieve success. Maya and Olivia both gave similar answers when asked this question by saying that while a student may be getting good grades there are endless sacrifices a student has to make when wanting to high-achieving. By showcasing these challenges and sacrifices it will highlight just how much the character has to miss out on or has to overcome just to be successful. 

Question 5: Both girls stated it would be very engaging to show the comparison of a high-achieving student’s life to a more balanced student's life because it will showcase the difference between the students' standard and how differently they are willing to reach those standards they have set out for themselves as well as their goals. 

Question 6: Both people said the ending being a cliffhanger makes them more interested in watching the full story. Their response answers my question of whether to change the ending from being a cliffhanger or to leave it as one and leave the audience wondering what’s next for the character and if everything she went through and did for this specific moment, was it even worth it or if it was all for nothing. 

Question 7: Both girls  said visual techniques help them connect with a character. They both expressed how visual techniques really help them understand the character and know exactly what it is that they are feeling, going through and or thinking. For example using a close-up of the character's facial expressions when receiving her grades or if she feels upset by so said grades. Using a high angle of when the character is about to take a big test, she feels unsure of herself and small compared to the test. 

Question 8: Both people agreed that voiceovers, diegetic sounds and moments of silence help them understand a character’s stress and emotions better since you are able to further experience the world the character finds herself in and her own personal life through sounds such as diegetic sounds. Moments of silence gives the audience the realism of being there with the character on her stressful and overwhelming journey. 

Question 9: The two girls agreed that seeing a character struggle despite getting good grades make her more relatable to them as a viewer because it's the sad and unfortunate  reality to make students' current life. The girls expressed how despite getting good grades the character could still be struggling in other areas in her life like how many of us have experienced before. 

Question 10: Both answers were very different from each other for this question. Maya stated the part of the film opening that would make her the most invested in the film is the part where the character finally receives what they’ve been working for throughout the entirety of the film. While Olivia expressed that the part of the opening that would make her the most invested in the opening is the plot and how the character will fit into that plot and overall story being told. 

After reviewing and reflecting on the process of the interview in general I’m thankful that I got the answer I was wondering about in regards to my original film opening idea and even got inspired by a few answers to go and maybe even change a few things within my story and characters. One element I would like to further explore now that I’ve gotten some feedback on my idea is looking at movies that explore a perfectionist protagonist such as Whiplash, I, Tonya, and Black Swan as I’ve seen all have elements in their main character that I think would the character I am trying to build and explore. 

Opening Scene Research #3 (The Edge of Seventeen) (Blog #12) RESEARCH

 The Edge of Seventeen opening scene analyze

https://youtu.be/oqfftH17sQI?si=8WFhhYe7GMT3P6_Z

(Pinterest)

The opening scene of The Edge of Seventeen immediately signals that this is a coming-of-age film. It focuses on a teenager, Nadine, as she struggles with the confusing, emotional and often messy journey of growing up. The film combines humor and heartache to explore self-identity, friendship, and the frustrating feeling of being misunderstood. All the themes touched upon in the film all fall under the coming-of-age genre. 

Codes, Conventions, and Techniques 

Camera Work 

The movie opens with a handheld close-up shot of Nadine nervously speaking to her teacher, Mr. Bruner. The handheld camera gives the scene a raw, and realistic feeling as if the audience is part of her awkward confession. This specific technique draws the viewer directly into her emotional state which is overwhelmed, dramatic and anxious. 

Editing 

The editing style is quick, matching the pace of Nadine’s racing thoughts. This style of editing mirrors how teenagers often feel when emotions take over them, it's fast, intense and unfiltered. Later in the movie, flashbacks are used to fill in her backstory, helping the audience understand how her childhood shaped her insecurities. The use of these visual transitions is typical of coming-of-age films, which often explore how past experiences shape a younger person's current identity. 

(Pinterest)

 Sound

The soundtrack instantly sets a youthful and emotional tone. The film uses indie-pop music to reflect Nadine’s personality which is emotional, quirky and rebellious at times. This specific music choice appeals to the target audience which is teenagers and also helps create a modern, real, and relatable tone to the movie. Nadine’s voiceover narration is one of the most powerful storytelling tools in the opening of the movie. Her internal monologue is a perfect reflection of her mind, dramatic, painfully honest and funny. This style is common in coming-of-age films because it directly provides the audience with a narration of the character’s thoughts, which helps the viewer understand the protagonist's confusion and intensity of growing up that they feel. The voiceover also gives the movie a diary-like feeling, as if Nadine is documenting her life and emotions in real time.

(Pinterest)

 

Lighting 

The lighting in the opening is natural and bright, showing the realism of an ordinary school day. Yet, despite the familiar setting, there’s a sense of emotional tension beneath the surface. Coming-of-age films often use this contrast of showing ordinary environments while exploring deep, emotional inner worlds to highlight how teenage struggles can feel enormous even in everyday life. 

Mise-en-scène

Nadine’s appearance plays a major symbolic role in establishing her character. Her messy hair, loose hoodie, and simple clothing show that she’s not concerned with fitting in socially. Her look reflects her sense of isolation and her discomfort with traditional teenage popularity standards. The school setting reinforces that this is a coming-of-age story. High schools are classic locations in this genre because they represent growth and self-discovery. For Nadine, the classroom becomes a symbol of her internal struggle, a place where she’s supposed to learn and grow but it's a place where she mostly feels lost and misunderstood. Her body language also tells a story. She slouches, fidgets, and avoids eye contact, highlighting her lack of confidence. This physical awkwardness contrasts with her teacher’s calm, detached demeanor, symbolizing the gap between a teenager and an adult. 

How these techniques reflect the genre and affect the audience:

(Pinterest)

Every choice in this opening scene works together to immerse the viewer in Nadine’s teenage world and to highlight her emotional journey which is the core of a coming-of-age narrative. Through close-ups and natural lighting, the film gives us an honest look at how chaotic and confusing adolescence can feel. The voiceover narration turns her thoughts into a form of storytelling, allowing the audience to connect deeply with her personality. Her dramatic tone and exaggerated emotions are both funny and relatable, helping viewers see themselves in her. For younger audiences, the film feels authentic and comforting. It shows that being different or uncertain is part of growing up. For older audiences, it brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding them of how overwhelming teenage life can be. The balance between humor and honesty is what makes The Edge of Seventeen stand out in the coming-of-age genre. It doesn’t sugarcoat the teenage experience, but it also doesn’t make it depressing. Instead it treats Nadine’s struggles with empathy and humor, helping the audience both laugh at her awkwardness and feel for her pain. 

Relevant film theories:

Stuart Hall’s Reception Theory:

Audiences interpret Nadine in different ways depending on their own experiences. Some may see her as a genuine and relatable person, while others may view her as overly dramatic. This range of reactions shows how deeply human and layered she truly is. Which is a hallmark of strong coming-of-age storytelling, where the main character’s flaws make them more realistic. 

Uses of Gratification Theory (Blumler and Katz):

Viewers often watch coming-of-age movies like The Edge of Seventeen to see themselves reflected on screen, to process their own emotions, or to feel understood. Teens might relate to Nadine’s insecurities, while adults might watch to remember what being a teenager once felt like. The film offers both comfort and self-reflection for the audience.  

Todorov’s Narrative Theory: 

The opening scene sets up the equilibrium which is Nadine’s normal but emotionally unstable life and hints at the disruption that will push her towards growth. This is a key structure in coming-of-age films, starting with internal or social conflict and ending with personal understanding or acceptance. 

Opening credits and title design: 

The opening credits in The Edge of Seventeen are simple but meaningful. The font looks handwritten, as if it came from Nadine’s own notebook. This connects to the coming-of-age theme of self-expression and personal storytelling. The color palette uses soft, warm tones that match the film’s emotional yet casual vibe. The timing of the title, appearing after Nadine’s introduction, emphasizes that the story is entirely about her, her growth, her voice, and her perspective. Coming-of-age films often use subtle title designs like this because they prioritize emotional connection over flashy visuals. The credits in The Edge of Seventeen flow naturally into the story, keeping the audience focused on Nadine rather than distancing from her. 

                                                         Annotations

The scene uses off-center framing and a shallow focus highlights Nadine’s distress, isolating her from the busy school hallway around her. The handheld camera movement and slight blur create a sense of anxiety which reflects her current emotional state. The setting with teal lockers and harsh lighting adds to the cold atmosphere, highlighting how overwhelmed and alone she feels in this situation. 

The scene feels natural and real, showing the main character rushing through a busy school courtyard. The warm autumn colors and everyday setting reflects the changes she’s going through, fitting the coming-of-age genre. As she moves towards the camera while others go about their day, it highlights how out of place and overwhelmed she feels in that moment. Solely the actress's facial expressions tell you a story of how the character is feeling. 

The title frame of the film uses bright yellow text on a dark background, which gives off a youthful and energetic vibe. The glow of the letters makes it feel lively yet emotional, matching the film’s focus on the ups and downs of a teenagers life. The title's simple design suggests that the story will be more about the character’s personal growth and feelings rather than dramatic moments. 

In this scene, the main character is sitting in a classroom, looking anxious and lost in thought. The bright natural light and realistic school setting makes the moment feel authentic and relatable. Her casual outfit and expression displays the everyday struggles and emotions that come with being a teenager, reflecting the film’s focus on finding yourself and learning to deal with growing up. 

Reflection

After reflecting and analyzing this film's opening, The Edge of Seventeen perfectly captures the essence of a coming-of-age film. It’s honest, emotional, awkward, and real. Through natural lighting, close-up shots, personal narration, and expressive editing, the audience is pulled into Nadine’s chaotic teenage world. The film explores the ups and downs of adolescence, showing how confusing and funny life can be when you’re trying to grow up and find your identity. This film doesn’t glamorize teenage life but instead, it celebrates the imperfect process of learning who you are. It highlights the loneliness, the insecurity, and the humor that come with that stage of life. Similar to many well done coming-of-age stories, The Edge of Seventeen reminds viewers that everyone, no matter how lost they feel, is on their own journey towards self-acceptance. The blend of comedy with emotional realism, the opening sets the stage for a story that feels deeply human. It captures what it means to be a teenager trying to make sense of this overwhelming world we find ourselves in, making The Edge of Seventeen such a powerful and modern example of the coming-of-age genre. 

Sources

https://youtu.be/oqfftH17sQI?si=8WFhhYe7GMT3P6_Z

https://youtu.be/6xh9FjcQTWE?si=unv9qfJUHZysvMKr

https://thinkinsights.net/strategy/blumler-and-katz-uses-and-gratifications-theory

https://youtu.be/f7AfnJd55PI?si=vlgHUQJVNwLmF9Wj

Opening Scene Research #2 (Legally Blonde) (Blog #11) RESEARCH

Legally Blonde opening scene analyze 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS2ODDaGuZc&t=5529s

(Pinterest)

The opening scene of Legally Blonde sets up Elle Wood’s world in a bright, energetic, and confident way. Everything in the opening from the lighting to the soundtrack shows that this will be a fun and empowering story about a young woman who doesn’t fit into other people’s expectations and doesn’t let anyone tell her who she is. 

Codes, Conventions, and Techniques 

Camera work:

The film starts with tracking shots and close-ups of everyday objects in Elle’s life such as pink notebooks, nail polish and hair bushes. The choice of showcasing all these small objects before revealing her face builds curiosity about who she is and what she looks like. The camera almost treats her world like a secret we’re about to uncover and go into. When Elle is finally revealed, the camera moves smoothly with her, creating a glamorous and positive tone. Showcasing who Elle is as a person through camera work. 

Lighting:

The scene is filled with bright, natural lighting that gives everything a cheerful glow. It highlights the happiness and harmony of her environment, which reflects Elle’s confident and overall optimistic personality of hers. The lighting also gives the audience a sense of comfort, setting the tone for a lighthearted comedy while still displaying elements of a coming-of-age movie. 

Editing: 

The editing is fast-paced but not in a chaotic way. It moves quickly from one shot to another, showing different parts of Elle’s daily routine and her friends’ activities. The cuts between shots make the sorority house feel lively and full of energy. This type of editing style keeps the audience engaged and fits perfectly with the upbeat tone the film is setting in the opening. 

Sound: 

The soundtrack immediately stands out with “Perfect Day” by Hoku playing in the background of the first few minutes. The song’s cheerful lyrics match Elle’s mood and the overall feel of the movie. It gives the audience an idea of her personality and who she is as a person. She’s happy, confident and ready to accomplish anything she wants to take on. The sound effects and dialogue are minimal at first, allowing for the music to set the overall mood and tone of the film in the very beginning. 

Mise-en-scène (Setting, Props, and Costumes): 

Everything in the opening scene reflects Elle’s character. The sorority house is decorated with soft colors, lights, and matching outfits, creating a strong sense of community and sisterhood that is formed in a sorority house. The use of pink, her fashion choice, makeup, sparkly accessories and even her dog Bruiser, all highlight her feminine and confident personality. These details tell us a lot about who Elle is before she says any type of dialogue. 

(Pinterest)

Acting and body language: 

The way Elle and her friends move and interact show warmth and friendship. They hug, smile and overall seem to genuinely care about each other and enjoy being together. This creates a sense of positivity and makes the audience feel comfortable in her world. 

(Pinterest)

How these techniques affect the audience: 

The opening immediately makes the audience feel like they’re stepping into a bright and happy world that is Elle’s reality. The colors, music and camera angles display that this film is going to be fun while still covering topics like self-expression. At the same time, the movie uses these early images to set up a contrast. People might assume Elle is shallow or just a “typical dumb blonde” but later into the movie, she proves she’s so much more than that with her dedication, perseverance and hard work. This creates a strong emotional connection with the audience because as the viewer you begin to root for Elle’s success. The audience sees how others underestimate her because of her gender and stereotypes but as a viewer it all makes you want to see her success that much more. The upbeat visuals and music helps us understand that even though the film is funny and light, it's also about heavier topics such as self-confidence, growth and challenging stereotypes. 

Relevant film theories: 

Laura Mulvey’s “Male gaze” theory: 

At first, Elle is shown through a very glamorous lens as the camera work highlights her beauty, fashion and overall confidence. However, as the story progresses, Elle becomes the one controlling how she’s seen. The film uses her femininity as a source of power, turning the “male gaze” into a tool for empowerment rather than objectification as it often is in real life due to the male gaze. 

(Pinterest)

Despite the image being used being from the second movie, the theory still applies. Elle being the only woman in a male dominated field of work shows her characters empowerment and overall character growth she undergoes.

Propp’s character theory: 

According to Propp’s narrative theory, Elle is clearly the hero of the story and undergoes the hero’s journey. Her “quest” is to get into Harvard Law School and prove that she’s more than just her looks. The early scenes introduce her in her “status quo” which is her ordinary life before her entering her journey in the movie which sets the stage for her transformation and growth. 

Stuart Hall’s representation theory: 

Hall’s theory focuses on how characters represent real groups or ideas in society. Elle’s character challenges many stereotypes such as that women who care about beauty and fashion are not smart.

The film uses her to show that femininity and intelligence can coexist, offering a more modern and positive representation of women. 

Opening credits and title style:

The credits are integrated into the action, appearing on-screen while the story continues, instead of showing up on a plain background. The pink, cursive font fits Elle’s personality as she’s stylish, feminine, and confident. The placement of the names over the scenes of daily life makes the opening feel alive and continuous. The title “Legally Blonde" appears at the end of the sequence. The name itself is a creative mix of her appearance and this new journey she finds herself in. It perfectly captures both sides of Elle, highlighting her appearance and her ambition to succeed in law. 

Annotations

The actors facial expressions and overall mannerism towards each other indicate the trios overall like and care they have for each other. The excitement shown and expressed by the three as well as the support they have for each other establish the type of friendship they all share and lets the audience know that with their smile, hugs and closeness. 

Parts of Elle’s room being shown before Elle’s face such as her accessories provide the audience a preview of who the character is through the props found throughout the room and what type of life they have. From what is shown, Elle is very girly with many props such as nail polish, heels, a hair bush, and jewelry being shown before her actual face exposing this character's life to the viewer before fully showing who the story is following. In this specific scene we now know Elle is the president of her sorority house.

The necklace reflects Elle’s blend of femininity and confidence. The necklace and pink top reflect her stylish, bold, and self-assured nature that is who Elle Woods is as an overall person. The top and necklace symbolize her mix of strength, individuality, and optimism. 

The title page of Legally Blonde immediately sets a bright and playful tone with its use of pink and stylish design, it reflects Elle Wood’s fun, confident personality and hints that the movie will focus on themes of self-expression, ambition and challenging stereotypes. 

Reflection

The opening of Legally Blonde perfectly captures the spirit of the film. It’s bright, fun and full of unique personality, but it does also lay the foundation for a story about strength and independence the main character builds throughout the film. Through color, lighting, music and editing, the film introduces Elle Woods as more than just a stereotypical blonde. They showcase that she's confident, capable and kind. The opening grads the audience’s attention with the movie's charm and overall energy. While introducing this whole new world they also subtly establish that Elle’s story will challenge how society views women who look like her, act like her and think like her. It’s a powerful start to a movie that blends humor, personal growth, and empowerment. 

Sources

https://media-studies.com/stuart-hall-representation/

https://media-studies.com/propp/

https://media-studies.com/male-gaze/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS2ODDaGuZc&t=5529s