Narrative:

To reveal the narrative, COA emphasises dialogue or internal monologue over

action because the character's language reveals what they are feeling.
The audience should feel like they are witnessing a personal growth in the
protagonist and change is an important characteristic to create narrative. This is
seen through a moral or psychological growth.
Since most Coming-Of-Ages are based on novels, many themes (usually
philosophical) appear throughout the film. The audience can relate, enjoy and
learn from the themes and messages delivered across.
Mise en scene is significant to support the idea of realism. Iconography is a huge
factor in creating mise en scene, icons/objects reveal character and location for
example a red bus suggests London (location). Shot types are important too
since the shot delivers these icons with purpose, e.g. The red bus can be shown
through a long shot to show the surrounding and show how the bus fits in and is
normal with its environment.
Establish character:
For COA establishing character is important because the genre depends on their
story to deliver messages and show themes. This is achieved by:
Dialogue/Voice Over confusing. The COA opening sequences I have researched
tend to begin with a voice over. We can assume the voice over is of the
protagonist and it creates an enigma as the audience would want to know more
about the mysterious character. The language is confusing at first because we
are unaware of their problems that lead them to be who they are. However this is
what makes the audience continue to watch as they want to find out. The
audience's first impression on the protagonist leaves them baffled which reflects
on what other characters in the film view the protagonist as. Creates sympathy
because the protagonist is viewed to be unusual.
Reactions and relationships with others establish character e.g. In Silver Linings
the protagonist Pat doesnt listen to what he is told immediately suggesting he
likes to do things his way. Pat is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder so this
characteristic reflects on his diagnosis.
Iconography is extremely important because including certain objects and icons
can imply the protagonist going through moral or psychological growth. e.g. In
our opening sequence we have a shot of a traffic light turning from green to red;
each colour implies life's stages - green connoting everything is fine and red as
the negativity stopping you achieve anything.
Tone:

Tone is created through the use of non diegetic music; it helps to create the
atmosphere wanted e.g. Sliver Linings has a low pitched sound piano to create a
mellow atmosphere.

Depressing

Normal daily life is ordinary, not special

Sad

Lonely and serious

Setting sets tone