"10 things I hate about you" challenges and confirms my expectations of a teen movie, as it draws inspiration from Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." However, while the play portrays a woman forced into marriage and expected to be subservient to her husband, the film is primarily a love story. Despite similarities in plot and character, "10 things I hate about you" differs from the play in how it expresses the values and opinions of its time. As a modern-day teen movie, it follows a more contemporary narrative, but still manages to pay homage to classic literature.
In this essay, I will analyze how a movie fits the criteria for a teen movie, identifying both evidence that confirms and contradicts my expectations. Specifically, I will focus on "10 things I hate about you," which has been revamped t
...o appeal to contemporary teenage audiences despite being originally set in Padua, Italy. Instead, the film takes place in Seattle, Washington at a high school named Padua High. Though this adaptation changes key details from the source material, the presence of a high school remains a crucial element in defining "10 things I hate about you" as a teen movie.
Although a bright and sunny setting by the sea is a typical feature in teen movies, it is not necessarily true for all of them. An example is "Save the last dance," which takes place in a disadvantaged residential area of Detroit that is plagued by high crime rates and gang rivalry.
With its bright and colorful title graphics set against a scenic background, the movie immediately conveys the impression of being a teen movie. The graffiti-like
font used for the graphics reinforces this association to teenagers, which is automatic for most older viewers. The opening sequence is mostly set outside, with sunshine and scenery featuring prominently. While the camera focuses mostly on the characters, there are ample scenes showcasing the setting, although it's unclear if this is typical of teen movies.
The opening sequence of the movie, shot mostly outside, features a realistic and natural lighting that is typical of a teen movie. The high school building, resembling a fairy tale castle, adds to the overall theme of the movie based on a Shakespearean comedy. However, it also gives the movie a fairy tale-like feel and seems out of place in a teen movie. Other scenes take place in the characters' houses, which are all large, expensive-looking homes - a common feature in most teen movies. Although some movies try to be different by featuring characters from poorer neighborhoods, big houses, nice cars, and rich parents are almost essential in today's teen movies. Now moving on to the characters.
The majority of the characters depicted in this motion picture conform to the anticipated stereotypes commonly found in teenage-focused films. Predominantly, there is Bianca; a sought-after, popular girl that attracts attention from numerous males, despite the opinion that the chosen actress lacks an adequate level of beauty for this role. It would have been better suited for the individual playing Kat. Then there is Joey, a wealthy, self-assured character who believes his prosperity and physical appearance are the necessary components to accomplish anything he desires. Additionally, Michael represents the typical geek persona, and Cameron is the newcomer that forges a connection
with Michael. Despite these stereotypical depictions often used in teenage movies, there are a few distinctive roles introduced – particularly, Kat, Bianca's sister who differs significantly from her sibling.
Kat is not interested in being popular, even though she was popular before and grew tired of it, something that is atypical for a teenage movie character. Most characters in these movies yearn for popularity and thrive on it. However, Kat does what she pleases, speaks her mind, and is not bothered by others' opinions of her. Her eloquence is also noteworthy for someone in a teen movie. Essentially, Kat defies the expectations one would have of a typical teen movie character. Unlike most teenagers who seek acceptance and will go to great lengths to fit in and become popular, Kat's perspective is that popularity is not the dream that everyone thinks it is.
During the opening scene of the film, Kat is seen in her car while a group of girls occupies the car beside hers. While tuned into her radio, the music starts playing as the said girls turn their heads and make eye contact with her. The music transitions, and 'I don't give a damn about my reputation' starts playing. Both cars drive off after this exchange. This specific song fits well in a scene featuring Kat since it resonates with her attitude towards reputation and criticism. However, Mr. is not the only character who deviates from societal norms in the film.
Morgan, the teacher in the movie, behaves in a way that is unexpected for a typical teacher. His use of rude language such as telling Kat to "leave the room, you're pissing me
off" shocks the audience. Although he is rude to his students, it adds humor to the film and makes his character unique. Despite not being what one would expect in a teen movie, having Mr. Morgan as a teacher is beneficial as he challenges and puts students in their place. Unlike the typical movie teacher who is picked on or ignored by students, Mr. Morgan speaks his mind and ensures his word is final.
During the film, 'he' warns Joey of an impending bitch slap, claiming he won't intervene to stop it, revealing his true character. Another notable aspect is that unlike some teen movies where the students are dressed like models, all the other kids in this school look ordinary. Throughout the movie, there is a vast range of camera angles, including a scene where the camera rotates to show the stereotypical groups and their environment in a long shot.
I believe the camera was used exceptionally in the movie. In a later scene, when Cameron lays eyes on Bianca for the first time, the camera begins with a long shot before zooming in for a close-up. The slow editing and music contribute to the dreamlike quality of Cameron's experience. These elements provide insight into Cameron's feelings toward Bianca. The deliberately calm and slow music is notably distinct from typical teenage movie soundtracks. While slow music is generally used when a character falls in love, the use of this type of editing and soft music is uncommon in teen movies. Mise en scene involves considering the setting, props, costume and makeup, body language and facial expressions, lighting, and color within a frame to
achieve a desired look.
While Bianca was outside on the swing feeling upset, Kat could be seen looking through the window at her. The camera shot was visually striking, with only a small area of the screen taken up by Kat as she looked down at Bianca. Despite the close proximity of the two characters - Bianca was in the garden and Kat was inside the house - the filming created a sense of distance that may reflect the state of their relationship. The camera expertly captured Bianca on the swing and just enough scenery in the background to make the shot complete.
Bianca donned a youthful outfit featuring a long white dress, a pink cardigan, and black buckle shoes to appear innocent. None of them wore makeup, adding to the natural ambiance. The slow editing and minimal movement convey depth and significance in their facial expressions. Kat seemed to feel a tinge of guilt over Bianca's distress, while Bianca's obscured expression communicated introspection.
The use of natural and realistic lighting, as well as the absence of bright, eye-catching colors, suggests that a lot of thought was put into creating this scene, setting it apart from most teen movies that lack such depth. Typically, teen movies require little thought to entertain teenagers, however this film challenges that notion. A significant amount of rock chick music is played throughout the movie, particularly in scenes with Kat. This differs from the typical teen movie soundtrack such as "Save the Last Dance" which featured mostly rap and hip hop, or "Bring It On" which had more pop music. The decision to use rock chick music sets this film
apart and shows that it isn't afraid to be different from other movies in the genre.
Despite being different from most other teen movies, this film ultimately falls into that category. The decision was a close one, but the arguments in favor of its classification as a teen movie won over those against it. The plot, based on a Shakespeare play, is centered around a love story - a common theme in teen movies. Additionally, the majority of the cast are teenagers and several of the main characters fit typical teen movie stereotypes. While some unconventional characters exist, such as Kat, Mr. Morgan, and Miss Perky, they do not outweigh the overall classification of this film as a teen movie.
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