The coming of age genre is typically targeted at teenage audiences as it concentrates on the psychological and moral growth of a protagonist from youth to adulthood. Some themes include loss of innocence, wisdom and maturation. A typical storyline for a coming of age genre involves a protagonist aged sixteen or eighteen. Within all of these films the character is reaching an important age, and could face a number of stereotypical, reoccurring issues such as pregnancy, drugs, home life, relationships, illness or death and friendships. These films are all about encouraging and informing teenagers, who could find themselves in similar situations.
Setting: Typical settings and locations that are used are flats, schools, parties, council estates and police stations. This is because these locations are relatable to a young audience and most likely link with the situations in the film. Climax moments often take place during parties because there is often a lot of characters involved.
Characters: The coming of age films have stereotypical characters, one includes ‘the dumb blonde’. This character provides humour, not necessarily in an unkind way. By the end of the film this character manages to find some consolation to their own problems, for example ‘Karen’ in ‘Mean girls’ finds a job to occupy her time. Another stereotypical character is the ’problem/ troubled’ teenager, this character frequently breaks rules and gets into trouble in order to rebel against someone or something. This involves them going through some sort of transformation, for example falling in love or getting sent away. This reformed character they have become can overcome other difficulties. An example would be ‘Poppy’ in ‘wild child’, her character is spoilt and gets sent to a boarding school in England where she learns crucial life lessons about herself and her lifestyle. A final stereotypical character is the ‘outcast’, they are often seen to be periphery/ distant at the beginning of the film. However they usually undergo a transformation as the film progresses, and finds a way to become more involved in society as well as opening up to others. An example of this character is ‘Charlie’ from ‘the perks of being a wallflower’, towards the beginning of the film he is introverted, depressed and anxious. As the films progresses he gains confidence within his self. Other characters may include a controlling parent, the homosexual best friend or a supportive teacher.
Lighting: Coming of age films are usually set filmed during the daytime as it is typically bright and interesting, such as during high school. However it can also be filmed at night time where a character is attending a party or prom and the lighting involves additional colour to brighten up the atmosphere.
Mise-en-scene: Props used within coming of age films include the latest technology, such as IPhones, digital watches or laptops. Which explains why some films base an entire scene around a character using some sort of communicational device. Another common prop used is a car, this is because many teenagers grow up and learnt to drive. Potentially showing off; causing them to be reckless and crazy. With films set in a school, it is generic for a geeky character to be carrying a number of folders/ books. Other props such as alcohol and drugs are stereotypically used at parties.
Costumes within the coming of age genre normally include casual clothing such as jeans and a t-shirt, this is because it reflects their everyday activities and is relatable to a young audience. Some films feature a special event such as a ball, prom or party. Characters would often dress more sophisticated in a dress or suit for these events.
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