Coming of Age Films—Rebel Without a Cause

One genre that definitely stands the test of time is the coming of age film. Why? I guess because it’s a universal theme. We all grow up, there are stages in life we all pass through, it’s usually not easy, and everyone has done it—so coming of age stories resonate with large numbers of people. Conflict and angst are pretty much built in, which makes for great stories!

As a writer, if you’re looking for a genre that is nearly always in demand, and one where you have experience [as do we all], the coming of age film may be for you. It can be moving or funny or insightful or bittersweet or downright sad, but it’s a genre you can take a shot at because you no doubt have a story to tell [or can imagine one] that audiences would enjoy.

As with any genre, the best way to write a good script in the genre is to study the genre. And what a fun genre to study!

The first coming of age film—and a true classic—that I want to look at is Rebel Without a Cause [1955] screenplay by Stewart Stern, adaptation by Irving Shulman. Take a look at the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXRgAXU1-T4

Isn’t it interesting to look back at trailers this old—at how they seemed to be telling audiences how they would feel, how the movie would move them. The text on the screen over the clips promises people the emotional thrill ride they’ll have if they come to the film. And remember, trailers were only seen in movie theatres in the 50s—television was only just coming into most peoples’ homes. So their appeal was to the person already sitting in that movie seat to come back for the upcoming film.

Rebel Without a Cause combines teenage angst over how to fit in, how to deal with life situations in an ethical way, how to survive parents who aren’t providing you with much of an example, and how to navigate the waters of falling in love. Some coming of age films deal with one or two of those themes, but Rebel deals with all of them.

At the center of the story is Jim Stark—a truly complex character living in suburbia in post-WWII America and not connecting. To a large extent, this idea of not connecting—whether it’s to parents, authority figures or other teens—defines most coming of age characters. So if you want to write in this genre, ask yourself how you could portray that lack of connection in an interesting way. It’s good to study films in the genre you want to write in—not to copy them, but to be inspired by them.

Let the films you study in this genre lead you to interesting ways to tell your own coming of age story.

Next week as we continue to look at coming of age films, we’ll look at another film from the 50s— The 400 Blows.

Copyright © Diane Lake

02May21

Email Diane a question to Diane@DianeLake.com