CCR Question #1

 The first question of the CCR is “how does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?” I want to make sure to discuss genre conventions for drama and coming of age, then talk about which ones I chose to follow, and end the discussion with representation and the choice I made regarding it.  

Genre Conventions research: 

Drama 

1. Emotional conflict: the film centers on deep emotional struggles like personal dilemmas, traumas, or moral decisions 

2. Character-driven plot: the narrative revolves around the transformation or decline of the protagonist 

3. Realism: depict real-life situations, focusing on complex relationships and the human experience 

4. Tragic resolution: end with emotion or tragic conclusions 

5. Hellerman, Jason. “Explore the Drama Genre in Film and Television.” Nofilmschool.com, 6 Dec. 2023, nofilmschool.com/drama-genre.

6. 
   

Coming-of-Age 

1. Adolescent protagonist: protagonist typically experiences personal growth, transitioning from adolescence to adulthood 

2. Identity exploration: film explores the protagonist’s struggles with identity, self-worth, and societal expectations 

3. External and internal conflicts: the story often features conflicts with family, friends, and even society 

4. Hopeful or realizing conclusions: protagonist often learns a life lesson or experiences growth by the end 

5. Kench, Sam . “What Is a Coming of Age Movie — Examples and Characteristics.” StudioBinder, 24 Sept. 2023, www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-coming-of-age-movie-definition/.

   My Answer:

My film follows the conventions of drama films since it focuses on Maddie’s emotional turmoil as the narrative and has a character-driven plot. Just like a classic coming of age film, my film will explore Maddie’s struggles with self-worth, her relationship with her mom and lack thereof with her dad, and her isolation. My film will show a realistic portrayal of mental health struggles and family dynamics with a tragic resolution that is hinted at in the opening of the film. One convention that my movie challenged is the typical hopeful conclusion of the coming-of-age genre where the character overcomes an adversity and learns a life lesson. In my film, no matter how hard Maddie and those who love her try to help her with her depression, she ends up committing suicide. 

 

Representation is very important in our film since we deal with the topic of depression, something so unique to the person experiencing it. The choice to make Maddie’s organized room, filled with pictures from her childhood and moments with her dad, represents the contrast between how things may seem on the outside versus how she feels on the inside. This choice shows that depression isn’t always obvious and that even someone who looks "put together" can be struggling. Additionally, Maddie's decision to delete her message to her friend after seeing her hang out with others highlights the isolation social media can create. This reflects how platforms often showcase only the best moments, contributing to feelings of loneliness. We wanted to represent depression in a realistic way while also including the power of social media and friendships in making teenagers doubt themselves, therefore we all reflected upon our own experiences when coming up with the idea for our film opening.