David Evans released "Fever Pitch" in 1997, while the Weisz Brothers released "About a Boy" in 2002.
Both of these movies were adapted from Nick Hornby novels and center around the theme of "Lad Culture", depicting various aspects of how modern men behave. Fast cars, football, lack of family and sometimes, unemployment are among the most prevalent features of this male subculture.
In the poster for the 2002 movie "About a Boy," the child appears to look up to Hugh Grant in a father/son manner, which is surprising considering the typical "Lad Culture" perspective that men do not prioritize family life. The 1997 film poster for "Fever Pitch" portrays a woman visibly irritated with a man, evidenced by her body language, while the man's posture sends mixed signals; he has one arm around the woman (going against "
...Lad Culture"), but the other arm is raised in support of a football team (a typical aspect of "Lad Culture"). Of the three posters, "Fever Pitch" is the one that embraces "Lad Culture" as it features the male lead cheering and includes miniature images of symbols like the subbuteo man, a pint of beer, a record, and a football rosette that align with this lifestyle.
The main character of the movie "About a Boy", named Will, is associated with "Lad Culture" due to his belief that his life should be measured in units of thirty minutes. Will typically uses his time to watch television, maintain his hair, and drive quickly in his car. However, Will's perspective shifts as he forms a bond with a young boy named Marcus. This connection alters his perception of "Lad Culture", revealing its negative implications. Additionally,
Marcus experiences a transformation as well, transitioning from an unpopular geek to a trendy and social individual.
The frequent company of Will causes Marcus to undergo a transformation, which portrays the benefits of "Lad Culture" by aiding Marcus to become popular in school. Additionally, the main character in "Fever Pitch", Paul, is fixated on football and views his life through the lens of "seasons". This ties to "Lad Culture" because football operates in seasons. While Paul undergoes some change by the end of the film, it is not as significant as the transformation Will experiences in "About a Boy".
The reason for his transformation is that he is no longer tying his life to football. Instead, he acknowledges and embraces his affection for Sarah, as well as the necessity to care for their child. Meanwhile, Sarah's perspective shifts as well, from being someone who was against "Lad Culture" to becoming more accepting of it.
Before, she associated men who embraced "Lad Culture" with rowdiness, as their behavior while attending football matches resembled that of hooligans. However, by the end of the film, she has become a woman who revels in the victory of Paul's football team, dancing in the street and jumping up and down for joy. This is yet another empowering message.
Despite the rowdy behavior often exhibited by men at football games, they possess a compassionate and affectionate side as well. The clothing choices in "About a Boy" are relatively consistent, with Will being viewed as fashionable due to his stylish attire. This is attributed to the fact that men who subscribe to "Lad Culture" are keen on fashion. Will undergoes a transformation by
the conclusion of the movie.
The film portrays a clear indication of Marcus' transformation in terms of fashion. Initially, Will takes Marcus shopping for trendy trainers to boost his image, but by the end, Marcus openly mocks Will's unfashionable trainers. Not only that, but Marcus' own costume changes throughout the film. He starts off wearing a geeky woolly hat with tassels, but stops wearing it towards the end as he realizes the extent of its uncoolness through his friends. This shift in fashion choices could potentially convey both positive and negative connotations regarding "Lad Culture".
The impact of Marcus' clothing is uncertain - while it has prevented him from being bullied for his old-fashioned style, it has also restricted his choice of attire. Similarly, in "Fever Pitch", Paul's passion for football is evident through his frequent appearances in Arsenal shirts. However, towards the end of the film, he makes a slight shift by occasionally wearing a suit instead. This change reflects his realization that he needs to adopt a more professional demeanor in order to pursue a relationship with Sarah.
Sarah's costume undergoes frequent changes but ultimately seems dull. Initially, she is depicted in a beige raincoat complemented by a satchel, folders with academic materials, and an umbrella, alluding to her lack of social life, practicality and readiness for any circumstance.
By the end of the movie, the protagonist dons a red and white dress, reminiscent of the colors of Arsenal's jersey, symbolizing her newfound acceptance of "Lad Culture." This positive portrayal is further reinforced as Sarah embraces Paul's football team, having realized that football fans can be amicable towards others. Additionally, both films integrate a plethora of camera
angles into their respective visual narratives.
An example of the use of low angle shots and their connotations can be seen in "About a Boy" when bread flies through the air, conveying loneliness and isolation, as well as foreshadowing Marcus' mother's suicide attempt. This is relevant to the theme of "Lad Culture" since it implies that Marcus' mother is depressed from being repeatedly dumped by men. As a result, the portrayal of "Lad Culture" in this context has a negative connotation, highlighting how women can become depressed if they are constantly rejected by men.
The film "About a Boy" incorporates an oblique/canted angle shot during Marcus' enrollment into the rock band competition. The angle implies Marcus' inner turmoil due to his mother's recurring depression, and an argument with Will, leaving him uncertain about his future. This is relevant to the concept of "Lad Culture," which suggests that men struggle with significant decisions in their lives. In contrast, "Fever Pitch" features upbeat scenes with close-up shots, such as when Paul converses with a football parent during a teacher event.
The depiction of a teacher's job being less important than a football match relates to the theme of "Lad Culture". Additionally, a medium shot captures Paul and his friend walking away from a kebab stand discussing Sarah, revealing their embrace of the "Lad Culture" lifestyle characterized by consuming fast food and objectifying women while watching football. This representation may perceive "Lad Culture" as negative, portraying men as indolent and immature with only football and women on their minds. Furthermore, the films share similar sound effects.
The focus of this essay is on non-diegetic sound utilized when male protagonists are
with females. In "About a Boy," a non-diegetic sound connoting sadness and sympathy towards Will is employed after Rachel dumps him. Similarly, in "Fever Pitch," the non-diegetic sound of a guitar connotes awkwardness when Paul is at Sarah's house. Both sounds are associated with the concept of "Lad Culture," where men struggle with how to behave around women, often leading to either rejection or ending the relationship themselves.
Both Will and Paul use analogies in their respective films. In "Fever Pitch," Paul likens his life to a football team and divides it into seasons instead of years, as evidenced by his statement: "You'll be seeing your sister next season." Similarly, Will compares his life to an island, stating, "Yes, I am, I'm Ibiza." This choice of language reflects their shared obsession with a particular aspect of "Lad Culture."
Paul has had a strong interest in football for a long time, while Will prefers to remain single and avoid romantic attachments. This negative portrayal of "Lad Culture" highlights the fact that men may choose to lead solitary lives and disregard the prospect of growing old without companionship.
Overall, the films present a mixed view of "Lad Culture". In "About a Boy", it is portrayed negatively, while in "Fever Pitch", it is seen as a positive aspect. The perception of "Lad Culture" can depend on one's perspective; supporting a football team can be seen as harmless, but remaining single may lead to isolation and loneliness, potentially causing negative consequences. Ultimately, "About a Boy" is the preferred film between the two.
Initially, no one was content, but eventually, everyone found happiness. Fiona, Marcus' mother, discovered a potential new romantic interest in one
of Will's old friends. Marcus formed meaningful friendships. Will found love with Rachel and also developed a paternal affection for Marcus. By the conclusion, the value of "Lad Culture" diminished as being among loved ones became the priority.
