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Newsletter # 4
Creating a Successful Coming of Age Story
Why Bend It Like Beckham and Billy Elliot Hit
with International Audiences
By
Laurie H. Hutzler 
A British producer recently asked me why BILLY ELLIOT and BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM were such resounding world-wide hits and how his production company could use the same underlying emotional principles to produce a film as successful. I’d like to share some of my thoughts on this subject with my newsletter readers.
If for some reason you are receiving this in error please scroll to the very bottom to remove your name from this list-- for everyone else-- here’s how you can use the patterns that resonate in these two extremely successful Coming of Age stories.
Such stories are driven by the Power of Idealism, as I define it in the Emotional Toolbox. In my view of film, there are nine possible emotional forces that can drive a film. The more clearly and sharply the narrative focuses on one of these forces the more powerful the emotional effect produced in the audience. See the end of this email for more information on all nine story types and the emotions that drive them.
Creating The Essential Conflicts
Both BILLY ELLIOT and BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM use the Power of Idealism to fuel the conflicts at the core of their stories. These films, at their heart, are about the battle between:
■ Individual vs. Society:
Each protagonist struggles with his or her individual identity vs. the “proper” role or position within the family and the larger community. These protagonists march to very different drummers than the rest of the society portrayed in the film.
■ Desire vs. Duty:
Each protagonist wrestles with talent/passion and social responsibilities as a son or daughter of the family and a member of the story community. These protagonists are caught between what they love and whom they love.
■ Rebellion vs. Conformity:
Each protagonist breaks barriers, by dancing/playing football, to rebel against the restrictions of the family or society. This very physical rebellion and release is the source of much of the fun in both movies. In contrast, each protagonist has a sibling who is much more willing to conform and who is implicitly or explicitly held out as a role model.
■ Longing vs. Contentment:
Each protagonist desperately wants something outside of or beyond that which is offered in the confines of family and home. While others in the community are content to stay within established social boundaries, the protagonist dreams of being or doing something more unique.
Using Loss and Longing
These kinds of films are particularly powerful because of the underlying feeling of loss through-out. Loss is one of the emotions that resonates most deeply with audiences. The audience knows that the price of all new beginnings is the end of something else. Coming of Age or Power of Idealism films incorporate loss in several key respects:
■ The price of growing up is the sacrifice of a child-like innocence.
The price of growing up is the sacrifice of a child-like innocence. Over the course of the story each protagonist sees his or her parents (or other beloved authority figure) as they are—human beings with failures and feet of clay and not as the all powerful gods of childhood.
■ The price of rebellion is loss of favor and acceptance by family and society.
Rebels, by definition, anger and alienate those against whom they rebel. These protagonists are threatened with severe punishment, rejection and/or ridicule if they don’t conform. The protagonist persists in spite of the high potential cost.
■ The price of leaving is a loss of communal belonging.
Once the protagonist fully asserts his or her individual identity and follows a unique passion or talent there is no going back. Although the family or community might eventually embrace or even celebrate the protagonist and his or her accomplishments; the protagonist has moved beyond and transcended the community. It is clear in the narrative that the protagonist will continue to move further and further from “home” to follow his or her dreams.
Key Emotional Patterns
These specific emotional patterns play out in a clear distinct cycle in each film. Although they are worlds apart externally, each protagonist has a similar psychological profile internally and undergoes a parallel emotional journey over the course of the films. This story cycle is the same in all Coming of Age or Power of Idealism films.
Such strong underlying narrative patterns resonate very powerfully with audiences. When presented in a clearly focused narrative the audience responds deeply and eagerly desires to share the experience with others. This clarity, power and emotional response makes films like BILLY ELLIOT and BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM resounding international hits (regardless of culture, race or milieu in which the story is set).
Consulting Services
If you need help finding your story’s emotional focus let
Laurie Hutzler’s unique interactive problem-solving sessions
center the power of your story and clarify your character’s
inner truth. Whether working on a television program or feature film
production, Laurie helps writers, producers, story editors, and creative
teams get to the heart of a story. She offers a set of practical
methods to create the emotionally satisfying programs audiences love.
Contact: Laurie@EmotionalToolbox.com
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