SH Genre Research 1: Teen Drama

Adventureland (2009, Mottola) [0:00 - 2:34]

This film is an example of a teen drama, which also has elements of a comedy as a sub-genre.

• There are many conventions of teen dramas which allow audiences to recognise the genre. These include stock characters, such as the popular character (the 'jock'), the 'rebel', the characters love interest and the socially awkward character or the 'nerd'. Stock locations are also used, which include high schools, locker rooms and house parties.

• The camera shot to introduce the main character is a MCU, which shows him staring at the girl, before speaking to her. The camera is also tracking in, to make the shot a CU. For teen dramas, there are many stock characters that are used and are easily recognisable by the audience. In this sequence, the main character can be seen as the socially awkward teen, as he only socialises with his two friends, and stares at the girl before speaking to her. This is a conventional character in teen films, as the audience immediately and maybe subconsciously recognises him.
  
  

• The shot-reverse-shot technique is used to show the beginning conversation, which reveals the two characters ending their relationship, which is a common subject in teen dramas.


• The alcoholic drinks (props) and the house party set is a typical setting for teen films.
  
  
  
• The music continues through the opening credits and the scene itself as the music at the party. The music is upbeat and is appropriate for the time period the film is set in.