For my individual investigation for my MS3 coursework, I am looking at the Representation of Gender within coming of age films, particularly looking at 'Juno' and 'Submarine'. So leading up to writing this investigation I've decided to look at the main characters within these two films and look at the way gender is represented within them, starting with 'Submarine'.
'Submarine' - Lloyd Tate - Father
Lloyd is described as a pushover throughout the film, a scene that shows this is Oliver saying as the narrative voice that he can imagine his mother leaving whilst his father helps her pack and makes small talk).
Lloyd is seen as weak and even though the film never straight out says Lloyd is depressed, it is suggested and implied throughout, e.g. Lloyd drinking hot lemon out of the same mug everyday without washing it and him staying in his dressing gown. Also, Oliver finding an empty bottle of anti-depressants in his parents room.
When Lloyd tried to show his authority and dominance in his relationship it backfires on him, when he says he doesn't want to go to the cinema with Graham but ends up having to go, he ends up becoming more depressed.
Jill Tate - Mother
Jill is portrayed as trapped throughout the film, she's trapped in her career (she wanted to be an actress but instead works in an office)
She is the dominant one in her marriage but also feels trapped by how much of a pushover her husband is (when she's discussing hairstyles and her husband says he doesn't mind what her hair's like)
Can be considered trapped in her relationship with Lloyd due to her first love (Graham) moving in next door which rekindles her old feelings and then feels torn between the two of them.
Jordana Bevan - Girlfriend
Oliver chooses to pursue Jordana because "she's unpopular so a relationship between the two of them is more likely"
she's a strong independent character who goes out with Oliver to get back at her ex-boyfriend and she never shows Oliver any affection or chases after him (after they have sex she says "don't get cocky" and walks off)
Oliver Tate - Protagonist
Oliver never shows any emotion or smiles throughout the film.
He doesn't have a friendship group, is reclusive and isolated.
Even though he doesn't really show emotion towards Jordana the film is about his pursuit for her
Oliver seems older than his time but there are times where we do see him act his age (breaking in to Graham's house)
Throughout 'Submarine' the males are more dependent on females, even when Jordana's mum is ill with cancer her husband is still completely dependent on her.
'Juno' - Juno McGuff - Protagonist
Juno is a strong, intelligent girl who considers herself independent but depends more on Bleeker than she admits.
She's mature about the situation (her pregnancy)
She doesn't really chase after Bleeker but it is clear how much she cares about him (setting up the furniture outside his house and filling his mailbox with tictacs because they're his favourite)
Paulie Bleeker - Love Interest
doesn't have typical male bravado (Juno's dad saying he didn't think Bleeker "had it in him" when Juno tells him Bleeker's the dad of her baby)
Evident how he feels about Juno (keeping her underwear)
Very dependent on the females in his life (his mum, Juno, etc.)
Not considered or presented as mature
Shown as awkward.
Juno's stepmom is more dominant than the father but Juno is the most dominant member of the family (step mom not being able to have dogs because of Juno) this is shown in the height levels when she tells them she's pregnant (her standing up/over them whilst they're sat down)
In the adoptive couple, Vanessa is the most dominant in her marriage, however she is more dependent on him.
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