Realizing the Balance Between Fun and Achievement
In the film Booksmart, the life-altering personality test is evident in the main characters’ realization that they have missed out on social experiences by focusing solely on academic achievement. The best example of such a realization occurs at the film’s beginning, during Amy and Molly’s conversation on a hill. The two protagonists realize that they sacrificed all the fun to become successful academically (Booksmart). However, it becomes evident to them that the fun activities and studies can be done without losing the objective – it is not an ‘either-or’ choice.
The shift from a study-focused life to a single night of spontaneity depicts the characters amid personal development. Another convention mentioned by Industrial Scripts is ‘Past Vs. Present’ (Industrial Scripts par. 7). The film is set in the present, but the characters are driven by their own past experiences and expectations, both of which significantly shape their personalities. For example, Molly states that she knows people who could party and get into college without sacrificing one or the other (Booksmart).
The convention is not used in its typical sense of adapting the entire setting to a past period; however, the idea of the past is translated through the character. Molly represents an older person looking back at their youth, while Amy is a young and diligent person without such knowledge; however, both of them grow after they realize the same concept (Booksmart). While the setting in Booksmart is firmly rooted in the present, it still leverages the characters’ past experiences and fears of the future to propel their growth.
A Progressive Shift in Female Sexuality and Friendship
A significant element was missing in previous R-rated end-of-innocence comedies. Wilde noted that there was no portrayal of young women who pass the Bechdel Test and does not objectify them (Debruge par. 4). The film introduces a shift by presenting one of its main characters as a lesbian – it reflects a more inclusive view of female sexuality (Booksmart). The film also presents a perspective on female sexuality in which men are not the central focus; thus, it diverges from the usual portrayal in similar comedies.
The shift from the conventional emphasis on conquests and hookups allows Booksmart to explore different dimensions of the coming-of-age narrative. Unlike its predecessors, the film prioritizes the main characters’ friendship and ability to withstand an unexpected night together; therefore, it represents a significant departure from the values that male directors have often showcased. In essence, it moves towards a more progressive and balanced view. Booksmart succeeds in delivering a comedy similar to traditional ones in the genre; however, it does so with a fresh perspective on female development.
Cinematic Techniques Highlighting Emotional and Narrative Growth
Slow motion is employed during a pool scene when Amy witnesses Ryan making out with Nick since this technique creates a profound emotional impact. The slow motion is also accompanied by sad music; thus, it accentuates Amy’s internal turmoil and heartbreak since she has a crush on Ryan, while Molly has a crush on Nick (Booksmart). It allows the audience to linger on her reaction and empathize with her feelings. The given cinematic choice enhances the storytelling by showcasing Amy’s character and drawing attention to her vulnerability and disappointment at that moment. The timestamp of this scene provides a significant emotional turning point in the narrative – it is a moment of realization and growth for Amy’s character.
The two-shot technique is utilized frequently in the film. There are many two-shot scenes when both characters order a rideshare, where the protagonists find their driver is their principal, Jordan Brown (Booksmart). The most prominent two-shot scene shows both Amy and Molly in the back of the car, creating an awkward dynamic that adds tension and humor to the scene. Two characters’ silent and uncomfortable expressions heighten the viewer’s engagement with the narrative, properly connecting them to their experience.
Molly’s Evolution from a Structured, Unlikable Protagonist to a Relatable Character
In the first 18 minutes, viewers learn that Molly is academically ambitious through her conversations about college and her obsessive focus on studies, and her aggressive interactions with her classmates demonstrate her self-assuredness. Molly’s need for control over her life is also apparent through her meticulous planning of her and Amy’s schedule. Through mise-en-scene, her organized living space reflects her structured personality, and her formal clothing indicates seriousness about her image.
I agree that Molly begins the film as an unlikable protagonist but evolves into a sympathetic character; thus, she transforms through her growing realization of her narrow-mindedness and her efforts to connect with others. For example, she decides to attend a party with her classmates and opens up to the people she once judged; hence, these instances demonstrate a profound shift in her character (Booksmart). Non-diegetic music plays a significant role in adequately showcasing scenes, and in the pool scene, the accompanying sad music highlights Amy’s heartbreak. In another instance, an energetic and upbeat track enhances the excitement of the characters’ night out and amplifies the sense of adventure as they challenge their self-imposed boundaries.
Works Cited
Booksmart. Directed by Olivia Wilde, United Artists Releasing, 2019.
Debruge, Peter. “Film Review: ‘Booksmart’”. Variety, 2019. Web.
Industrial Scripts. “How to Write a Coming-Of-Age Movie.” Industrial Scripts, 2022. Web.
