In
this clip there are 3 different age groups represented - teenagers, adults, and
elders. These groups are all represented differently and certain stereotypes
are fulfilled. However some characters from certain age groups often oppose
each other, such as the two teenagers and the two elderly characters.
The main teenager, a 16 year old girl, fits many stereotypical
attributes. Vulnerable, desperate, dishonest. Although, the other teenager
shown, a slightly older boy, doesn't often fit any of these stereotypes. He
does not cause any problems and is obedient to Paul, an adult. This contradicts
with stereotypical views of teenagers when compared to the girl. It is worth
noting the use of tracking the girl as she walks out from the house. This
relates to the view that teenagers believe they are the centre of attention.
The clothes that the characters wear are significant. The clothes that
Amy wear are not suitable for this type of manual labour, as she is wearing
very light clothing and also, a necklace. This fits the stereotypical image of
a teenage girl, caring more about her appearance than anything else. Amy's
headmaster, however, is wearing formal clothing, including a tweed jacket. This
fits the stereotypical image of a boring old person.
The harsh, diegetic sounds of tools clattering show that this is a rough
work environment which suggests that this is no place for a 16 year old girl.
The sounds reinforce the idea of manual labour, as well as Amy's uncertainty
when it comes to driving the car. The sound soon after, that of the car
crashing, brings an abrupt stop to the others' actions. This again reinforces
the idea that teenagers are the centre of attention. The crash is symbolic of
how Amy has been brought back to reality, as from this point onwards her life picks
up pace, and she comes under scrutiny from Paul. As Paul and Ewan arrive, she
walks behind them, looking almost like she is hiding behind them. This fits the
stereotypical view that teenagers cannot fend for themselves and require
protection.
After this car crash scene, the shift from high-key to low-key lighting
(from outside to inside the house) indicates that Amy's life has taken a turn
for the worst, although this also suggests the view that teenagers take things
too seriously. After this one misfortune has befallen Amy, she is in turmoil.
Yet again this is stereotypical of the tantrum-throwing teenager.
After the headmaster has revealed that Amy has not completed any of her
exams, there is an ellipsis to Paul opening the door, which helps continue the
narrative. This shows the idea of the strict guardian, as he is very immediate
and also dedicated to his work as he has no time to waste. The low-angle shot
of Paul puts him in a position of power, reinforcing the idea that guardians
are unfairly harsh when it comes to handling a teenager. The use of a cutaway
shows that Paul has no time for Amy's antics, also suggesting a hint of
cruelty. This reminds us of teenager’s views that parents are too strict and
cruel. Although, the use of an eye line match as Amy runs away after an
outburst suggest that the adults do care for her, reminding us of the
stereotypical view that teenagers think the world is out to get them, and they
don't know any better.
The use of upbeat, cheerful music in the next scene stood out to me.
After this outburst from Amy, the scene immediately shifts, and includes
diegetic sounds of manual labour, and non-diegetic music which is lively and
uplifting. The scene is also shifted from low-key to high-key lighting. This
strongly suggests that Adults do not feel any strong sympathy for teenagers,
even when they are this upset. This may be because they believe that it is only
a phase and the child will come around, the child is irresponsible and naïve,
or because they simply have more important things on their mind. This
reinforces the thought of cruel parents and guardians. In this scene, there are
no teenagers carrying out the physical work. This shows the belief of adults
that teenagers aren't cut out for manual labour. It also may suggest that
Adults are in more control of their emotions and are able to keep working after
an argument such as this. This also represents teenagers as emotionally weak,
meeting stereotypes.
As Amy prepares to run away, we see girly magazines on her bed, and the
writing on her notes is frilly and pink. This is appealing to the stereotypical
view of teenagers as unprofessional and irresponsible. The writing, along with
the teddy bear, makes her seem very childish. The use of tracking once again
reinforces this idea that she believes she is the centre of attention, and also
suggesting that the whole act of running away is a cry for attention. As she
leaves, we are left with a view of a family photo, not including her. This
suggests that she feels isolated because of her age, and not being a part of
the family. This suggests the stereotypical view of teenagers as isolated,
depressed, and dramatic, and is an attempt to evoke sympathy for Amy, as she
may feel isolated. This reinforces the theory that this act of running away is
a cry for attention. As we see Amy's reflection in the mirror, we see quite
clearly that she could pass for someone slightly older than 16, which is
exactly what she did to the others. This shows the stereotypical view that
teenagers are lying, deceiving, and not to be trusted.
Immediately after Amy has left, an older woman comes in to check on her.
This is contradicting of the stereotypical view of the elderly as slow and un-reacting,
as she checks for her immediately after her departure, showing her quick wit.
Although it does fit the stereotypical view that the elderly are caring and
protective of the younger population. The use of a camera tilts upward to see
the old woman entering the room symbolise her dawning realization that Amy
has deserted the house. As the camera comes to a halt, she runs out of the
room. This shows that once she has realised Amy has ran away, she instantly
takes action and tries to get help. This reinforces the thought of the old
being caring, but also breaks stereotypes in the fact that she hurries to take
action. Although it is also significant that she goes to Paul for help, as this
suggests that she cannot do anything by herself. This suggests the idea of the
elderly being dependent and weak compared to young adults.
After the older woman leaves, the scene changes to an older
man behaving belligerently towards Paul. The younger teenage boy is working
away without any trouble and without drawing any attention to himself, which
heavily contrasts with Amy's character and behaviour. This suggests that
not all teenagers fit the stereotypes they are given. The diegetic sound of a
sheep "baa-ing" almost sounds like a cry, which can be linked to
Amy's cry for attention. This also symbolises that while Paul continues with
his work and puts on a smile, she is still in his thoughts. This represents him
as caring, breaking the stereotypes of adults' attitudes towards teenagers. The
grumpy old man's aggressiveness fits the stereotype of old people often being
grumpy and unfriendly towards the young. Although Paul's attitude towards him
is also less than nice, as he behaves with disrespect. This reinforces the
stereotype that the young often disrespect their elders and take them for
granted.
As the elderly woman reaches Paul and tells him of the news,
there is a medium close up to show his change of facial expression, from
cheerful to slightly worried. This reinforces the idea that he is caring and
also suggests that he is protective of Amy. This represents his age group as
responsible.
To conclude, many stereotypes are purposefully met in this
clip, from things as obvious as the frilly pink writing from Amy, to subtle
things such as the sheep's cries. Teenagers are personified in Amy and are
generally represented as attention-seeking and weak; however the character of
Ewan suggests that not all teenagers fit these stereotypes. Parents and
Guardians are personified in Paul, as he is strict with Amy but also cares for
her. The elderly are also shown in this clip as caring, but can also be
represented as grumpy and unfriendly.
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