Coming of Age Movies: 3 Essential Elements of Great Rites of Passage Films
Introduction: The Universal Journey of Growing Up
We all grow up. Well, most of us anyway. But let’s face it – the process is never easy. That’s why we often turn to books and movies for guidance and lessons on how to navigate this thing called life. Coming of age stories continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, but have you ever wondered why? What’s their secret sauce that keeps us coming back for more?
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of coming of age movies, also known as “Rites of Passage” films. We’ll explore the three crucial elements that make these stories so powerful and universally relatable. So grab your popcorn, and let’s embark on this cinematic journey of self-discovery!
Understanding the Rites of Passage Genre
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the stage with a bit of genre knowledge. In Blake Snyder’s book “Save the Cat Goes to the Movies,” he breaks down the essential elements of ten different film genres. The “Rites of Passage” category is perhaps the most universal of them all.
Why? Because regardless of nationality, time period, or economic status, life presents everyone with a series of obstacles we must overcome. As Snyder puts it, “From puberty to midlife to death, these passages await us all. And just like life, only when the hero embraces his true self – warts and all – can the torment end.”
When we think of coming of age movies, our minds often jump to teenage characters entering adulthood. But Snyder expands this concept, breaking rites of passage stories into five types that cover a spectrum of life experiences:
- The Midlife Passage: Characters facing the crisis of adulthood
- The Separation Passage: Stories centered on the fallout of divorce
- The Adolescent Passage: The transition out of childhood
- The Addiction Passage: Battles with substance abuse
- The Death Passage: Characters facing mortality, either their own or others’
These transformative moments often overlap, creating rich, multi-layered narratives. For example, “Thirteen” deals with both adolescence and addiction, while “Scenes from a Marriage” combines elements of separation and midlife crisis.
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s dive into the three essential elements that make great rites of passage movies so compelling.
Element 1: The Life Problem
At the heart of every coming of age story lies a central problem or conflict that the protagonist must face. This isn’t just any old problem – it’s a life-altering challenge that forces the character to confront who they are and who they want to become.
The Nature of the Problem
These life problems come in all shapes and sizes, but they share one common trait: they’re not easily solved. As Snyder points out, “Often, the problem is one that offers no real action to solve. The easy answer is never apparent to the hero, but the journey to that discovery is what drives the character forward.”
Let’s look at some examples:
- In “Birdman,” Riggan faces an existential crisis. Will he find artistic fulfillment in his new play, or should he return to the superhero role that made him famous?
- In “Eighth Grade,” Kayla navigates the treacherous waters of middle school, trying to find her place and build confidence.
- In “Flight,” Captain Whitaker must confront his substance abuse issues while being hailed as a hero for saving lives during a plane crash.
Creating Sympathy for the Protagonist
One of the challenges for screenwriters in this genre is to provide enough sympathy for the protagonist and their plight. As Snyder explains, “We must be given a good reason to cheer for someone whose only problem is getting through it.”
This is where character development becomes crucial. By showing the character’s vulnerabilities, dreams, and the stakes of their situation, filmmakers can create a strong emotional connection between the audience and the protagonist.
For instance, in “Ordinary People,” we sympathize with Conrad because we see his struggle with guilt over his brother’s death and his strained relationship with his mother. These layers of complexity make us invest in his emotional journey and root for his success.
Element 2: The Wrong Way
Once the life problem is established, our hero inevitably tries to solve it – but in all the wrong ways. This element is crucial because it reflects the very human tendency to avoid pain and seek quick fixes.
The Flailing and Grasping Stage
As Snyder puts it, “Having sensed the problem, yet not knowing exactly what to do about it, the hero will inevitably flail and grasp at any solution that might help.” This stage often provides both drama and humor in coming of age stories.
For example:
- In “Modern Romance,” Robert tries to cope with a breakup by taking vitamins, exercising excessively, and dating other people – all futile attempts to avoid dealing with his real emotions.
- In “All That Jazz,” Joe ignores serious health concerns and pours himself further into his work, using his obsessive creativity as a distraction from his mortality.
The Power of Mistakes
Much of the second act in rites of passage films is dedicated to exploring these false remedies. As Snyder explains, “The ‘wrong way’ seems like a good idea, but is actually just a way of avoiding the inevitable.”
These mistakes are powerful storytelling tools because they’re so relatable. We’ve all tried to solve our problems with quick fixes or distractions, only to find that they don’t address the root issue.
Take “Bridesmaids,” for instance. Annie, chosen as the maid of honor for her best friend’s wedding, needs to take control of her spiraling life. Instead, her jealousy and insecurity cause her to make increasingly poor decisions, from sabotaging a bridal shower to having a meltdown on a plane.
These mistakes serve a dual purpose: they entertain the audience while also driving the protagonist closer to the realization that they need to change.
Element 3: Acceptance and Change
The final and most crucial element in rites of passage stories is the moment of acceptance and change. This is when the protagonist finally finds the solution to their problem – but it’s not what they expected.
The Internal Revolution
As Snyder points out, the necessary revelation comes from within: “The only thing that can save the hero is turning the flailing inward and realizing that he must change, not the world around him.”
This internal shift is often the most powerful moment in coming of age films. It’s when the character finally faces their true self and decides to embrace change, even if it’s painful.
For example:
- In “Young Adult,” Mavis finally realizes that rekindling her high school romance won’t solve her problems. She must accept her current reality and move forward.
- In “Trainspotting,” Renton decides to get clean by sabotaging and abandoning the friendships that keep pulling him back into addiction.
Forced Solutions and Epiphanies
Sometimes, the protagonist figures out the solution on their own. Other times, it’s forced upon them in a way they can’t ignore. As Snyder explains, “The solution must often be forced on the hero. It’s been coming all along. We know it, and secretly, so do the characters.”
This forced solution can take many forms:
- In “28 Days,” Gwen is court-ordered to enter rehab, where she’s exposed to the struggles of her fellow patients and finally recognizes her need to change.
- In “Mrs. Doubtfire,” Daniel must prove he can be a responsible caregiver to regain custody of his children. By disguising himself as a nanny, he’s forced to grow into the parent his kids need.
The timing of this acceptance can vary. Sometimes it serves as a break into the final act, becomes the climax itself, or is saved for the very last scene. Regardless of when it happens, this moment of acceptance and change is what gives rites of passage stories their emotional punch.
Conclusion: The Power of Transformation
Coming of age movies, or rites of passage films, hold a special place in our hearts because they reflect the universal human experience of growth and change. By focusing on the three essential elements – the life problem, the wrong way, and acceptance – these stories provide not just entertainment, but also guidebooks on how to navigate life’s challenges.
As we’ve seen, great rites of passage movies don’t shy away from the messy, complicated nature of growing up. They show us characters making mistakes, struggling with their identities, and ultimately finding the courage to embrace change. In doing so, they remind us that transformation is possible, no matter what stage of life we’re in.
The next time you watch a coming of age film, pay attention to these three elements. You might just find a reflection of your own journey, or inspiration for the changes you want to make in your life. After all, isn’t that the magic of cinema – to show us who we are and who we could become?
So, are you ready to embark on your own rite of passage? Remember, as these films teach us, the journey might be tough, but the transformation is worth it. Lights, camera, action – it’s time to embrace your own story of growth and change!