Cinema in Focus: ‘American Teen’
This documentary is a flashback to the high school years and the angst of growing up.
3 Stars — Thought-provoking
Most of us realize, as we look back on our teen years, that to even survive high school is a major achievement in life. Thrown together during the transition years when everyone’s developing minds are attempting to catch up with developed bodies, the U.S. high school experience is excruciating for many. From cliques to proms, from acne to locker rooms, from tests to playoff games and college admissions letters, embarrassment and pressure are around nearly every corner. That this is still the reality for teenagers is revealed in this fascinating documentary by Nanette Burstein, simply titled American Teen.
The “popular girl” is Megan Krizmanich. Driven by expectations to live up to her family’s legacy, Hannah is struggling to be accepted into the University of Notre Dame. But one would not know of her internal struggles if they were to look at her in her royal position within the school’s social system.
The “jock” is Colin Clemens. The son of a former basketball star of Warsaw High, Colin is driven by his father to perform and catch the attention of scouts so he can win a scholarship to play college ball.
The “artist” is Hannah Bailey. A beautiful but eccentric girl whose mother suffers from a mental disorder, Hannah is internally driven to get far away from her home and hometown to find adventure in California.
The “geek” is Jake Tusing. Driven into seclusion by an embarrassing experience in junior high school, Jake has isolated himself in his video games and music.
The “nice guy” is Mitch Reinholt. Driven to abide by the pressure of his peers, Mitch ignores his good judgment and chooses his natural attraction to fit in with his friends.
American Teen focuses only on these students’ school lives and their relationships with other teens. By artistic choice, the documentary reveals little about the influence of parents, teachers, pastors, coaches and even the larger society of small-town life. This is both the film’s strength and its weakness.
The undistracted focus on teen relationships is remarkable, but to imply that this defines an American teen is simply not true. These young people are a part of a larger familial, religious, political and social culture within their community. They develop mentoring relationships with other adults, teachers, pastors and coaches far beyond what this film represents. Perhaps that complete story is beyond the ability of any filmmaker to document.
Discussion:
» When you were in high school, to which group did you belong? Was it a good or difficult experience? What drove you?
» How much do you believe that your high school experience helped or harmed your life?
» At the end of the film, each of these people (who are now two years out of high school) write a note to describe where they are now. Which ones do you believe have changed the most? Which changed the least?
Cinema In Focus is a social and spiritual movie commentary. Hal Conklin is former mayor of Santa Barbara and Denny Wayman is pastor of Free Methodist Church on the Mesa. For more reviews, visit www.cinemainfocus.com.