The Symbolism Of Coming Of Age In The Movie Speak

The movie Speak is classified as the coming of age genre. Coming of Age means that throughout the plot, it shows the maturing of the main character(s). Coming of Age is a popular genre for adolescents, possibly because it depicts characters of the same or similar age going through what are often times relatable struggles. Although some may say that a story about rape is not relatable, many young girls experience sexual harassment before the age of 18. The coming of age genre tends to have either a lot of dialogue or an internal monologue happening throughout the story. The movie speak has very little conversation, but does include Melinda’s inner monologue. It stars Kristen Stewart, famous from the movie Twilight, as Melinda Sordino, the main character. The screenplay was written by Annie Young Frisbie, and was directed by Jessica Sharzer.

For example, the movie opens with the main character, Melinda, putting on lipstick. This is important because lipstick, and makeup in general, is seen as a right of passage for young women. This movie is laden with symbolism. In another instance, the movie points out a parallel between Melinda and one of her teachers. The teacher has hair covering her face and is clearly nervous, or anxious. Melinda starts wearing her hair in front of her face too. Later in the movie, the teacher comes in with her hair pulled back and a positive demeanor. Melinda is still struggling, and still wears her hair across her face, but the hair is important. The hair shows that she is trying to hide away, try to become less noticeable. Because the movie contains a lot of symbolism, it gives the movie a deeper meaning than may be at first seen. Perhaps this is what makes the movie so