Superbad Analysis

Content
The target audience for this film is teenagers (15+) to young adults (early 20’s). This is because this film has been rated a 15 which means no one under the age of 15 should watch this film due to sex references, violence and bad language. I don’t think this film will appeal to many adults over the age of 25 as is a film based around high school students and therefore doesn’t really appeal to them.
Structure
The film follows the linear narrative because all events run in chronological order although some characters have sort of ‘flashbacks’ of how they would like a situation to turn out but it’s not reality, just fantasy. This film follows the structure of exposition – climax – resolution. The two main characters start the film being total no body’s and want to find a way to become somebody’s before they leave high school. They fall out after an argument at a party then they end the film becoming friends again but accepting the fact that they won’t be able to see each other anymore. It’s a very easy structure to follow which helps the audience get more involved therefore being able to understand the film. During the flashbacks a voice over is used to help explain what is going on. Flashbacks are used in a number of the films I am analysing which makes it typical of the genre.
Codes and conventions
Throughout all the films I am analysing friendship is a main importance. All films involve main characters having close bonds with each other. This works well with the genre of comedy as it shows that over time characters have got used to each other’s personalities therefore when they insult each other it isn’t taken personally and is found comical by viewers. A lot of references to sex are made in this film that is found comical by young viewers. Also the characters personalities are very geeky which adds humour to the movie.
In the scene I have chosen to analyse ‘McLovin’ is being questioned by the police after being attacked trying to buy alcohol illegally. McLovin is dressed like a typical geeky character and the police are dressed in regular uniform, carrying guns which shows its set in America. When the police are on camera mostly two shots are used to show they are together and a team. When talking to McLovin over the shoulder shots are used showing they are talking to him personally. The lighting in this scene shows its daytime as everything is brightly lit.
Themes
It’s very obvious that superbad is a comedy as the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. The acting in the film isn’t amazing and the situations involved are extremely unrealistic but that’s what makes the film so funny, you don’t have to take it seriously when you watch it.
Development over time
I think this film shows a good representation of teenagers today and although the film and characters are very American this film reminds me of a UK serious called ‘The inbetweeners’ showing that there is not much difference in teenagers from all over the world.