Representation of Nerds in Film

 

  A group that is represented in various films and television shows are nerds. By definition, a nerd is a foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious. In the media, nerds have a few distinctive characteristics. These characteristics may include: glasses, lots of books, braces, lack of friends, and dorky clothing. There are two examples of movies that represent nerds that I will talk about.

  In the film Napoleon Dynamite (2004), the main character is a socially awkward “nerd” who has two friends at his school, living up to the nerd stereotype. He wears dorky clothing and glasses as well. This character’s costume design greatly contributes to the representation of nerds in this film. In the film She’s All That (1999), the main character is a dorky, solitary, art student. In the film, she wears glasses and dorky clothing as well. These characteristics contribute to the stereotype of nerds represented in film.

  Some of these nerd stereotypes are not always fair. For example, not all studious people are socially awkward or wear glasses. Not all studious people wear dorky clothing or have no friends. I myself am a very studious student but I wouldn’t say I’m socially awkward or wear dorky clothing. Therefore, I think “nerds” or studious people should be kept from being labeled by certain stereotypes in the media.

  Stereotypes of nerds that I would retain in a film are probably glasses. I wear glasses, and so do many other people, and personally I am not offended by this stereotype. Glasses are a significant element of costume design when it comes to placing a nerd in a movie that can help the audience easily identify the character as a nerd. Stereotypes I would challenge are lack of friends and and dorky clothing. There could be a nerd in a movie who has plenty of friends and dresses nice but he’s just extremely studies and could be considered a “nerd” by his peers.

The Genre of Drama

Hi again!

Today I’ll be talking about the film genre of drama! There are countless drama films out there and I’ll be talking about a couple. But first, let me go over some typical conventions within the drama genre.

Dramas exhibit real life situations with realistic characters, settings, and story lines. They portray journeys of character development and add intense social interaction filled with climaxes to keep the audience emotionally attached to the ongoing tension. The purpose of a dramatic storyline is to move the audience emotionally. They do this by getting the audience to relate to the characters. Dramas usually, but not always, have a happy ending.

Some production techniques that are utilized in drama films are dialogue, lighting, sounds, costume design, use of props, and camera movement. The use of these production techniques creates the sense of realism that comes with a drama film. A major key to a drama film is getting the audience to relate to the film, therefore, these production techniques especially come into play in a drama film.

An example of a drama film is A Star is Born (2018) directed by Bradley Cooper. This film takes the audience on a roller coaster of emotions as it follows the relationship of famous country music star Jackson Maine who meets waitress/singer Ally. Jackson and Ally instantly click and develop a romantic relationship as Jackson takes Ally on tour with him. Ally begins to gain fame while Jackson deals with his own alcohol and drug problems, problems that many people may deal with. The film’s tragic ending deals with a problem many people also deal with. The tragic ending also goes against a typical genre convention of a happy ending. The insight into Jackson and Ally’s relationship in the film helps the audience relate to their own personal relationships, making this film a perfect drama.

Another example of a drama film is Lady Bird (2017) directed by Greta Gerwig. The film follows the story of a teenage girl and her relationship with her mother. It gives an insight on the teenager’s life in high school and at home as she faces relatable issues that many teenagers face today. These issues involve the character’s relationship with her friends and family, as well as issues with boyfriends and school. Throughout, the film Lady Bird struggles with applying to college, making this film extremely relatable for teenagers dealing with the same issues. This film has a heartwarming ending, conforming to the usual drama conventions of a happy ending. Everything about this movie makes it the perfect drama film.

Other examples of drama films:

Whiplash (2014)

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Room (2015)

Schindler's List (1993)

Moonlight (2016)