Sunday, 5 January 2014

Holiday Homework: Teen Film Analysis

Step Up (2006)


Opening Clip:


Plot:
Tyler (Channing Tatum) is on the wrong side of the tracks, mixed up in a world of drugs, crime and violence. One night after getting kicked out of a party, he and his friends break into an arts school, committing vandalism. After getting caught he has to pay of by doing community service in the school. Attending the arts school is a girl named Nora (Jenna Dewan-Tatum) who is preparing for a showcase which is a step for her future. After an unfortunate accident which cost her her partner, he only choice is to have Tyler help her.
It's a film where 2 different worlds collide.

This film is appealing to teens, as it consists of themes which they can relate to, such as;

  • crime/violence
  • drugs
  • dreams and aspirations
  • school 
  • love/romance
As the clear binary opposition in this film is a bad boy who's in a world of crime and a good girl who's working hard to achieve her dreams. 

There is a difference in clothing, where those from the guys world are in the streets therefore tend to wear baggy clothing with a range of hats, where as those of the art school have more either formal clothing of dresses and such or clothing comfortable for dancing.

Also there are also a couple of party scenes in the film, which is what teens are able to relate to. These parties include, loud music of hip hop or rnb, dancing and drinking. These are all rebellious acts and mirror the teenage stereotypical image. 

With the camera shots, there seems to be a frequent use of long shots as well as mid shots, this could be due to the fact that the film is dance based and these shots are able to capture the movements, however there are some close ups during the 'final showcase' especially within the audience which could possibly be to capture the emotions of the audience.

At the beginning of the film, there is use of cross cutting, which helps highlight the 2 worlds of the main characters, Tyler and Nora. The film cross cuts between two dances, one which is more hip and street with breaking etc and the other ballet which is more calm and soothing. This could possibly give the slight hint as to what this film is about and it gives the basic underlayer that it is about 2 worlds comming together.

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