Research & Planning: Slap (2015)

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Slap (2015)

This film is available for viewing at: https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2016/06/11/slap/

What I liked/disliked...

This film involves themes relevant to today's society and confronts them in a realistic manner. I enjoyed seeing the topics of sexuality and identity being addressed in a less glamourised way - and the open and typically 'unsatisfying' ending added to the needed impression: identity is an uphill battle, that often doesn't have a happy ending.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Connor and Archie. Not often does a character like Connor have a gay best friend to rely on, as typically Connor's 'type' doesn't surround himself with those like Archie. The reveal of Connor's secret just after Connor saves Archie from the homophobic bullies was very well timed, and so was Archie's response. I enjoyed watching the relationship between them. Although I at first found it hard to believe that someone who struggled with their own sexuality would terrorise others and practically ruin their life, I grew to understand his motives and emotions pretty quickly. 

I however found the idea of the 'confused boy showing up to the party as his true self' slightly predictable, as well as the 'masculine disapproving father'. Both are seen in some of my favourite works such as "Breakfast on Pluto" and "Everybody's Talking About Jamie". I also feel like the main character didn't do an amazing job of convincing me of being gay. For that matter, I spent the majority of the 25 minutes trying to figure out whether he is gay or transitioning from boy to girl. These two are very different concepts that yes, sometimes show the same symptoms (such as dressing up as a girl) but I feel like the distinction should've been made clearer. As I am of the same generation as the character I have an eye for this, but to a person older and less exposed to these issues I feel this would've been even more difficult to comprehend.

Aspects of the Narrative

This film is unique in its aspect of not following the three part structure (equilibrium-disequilibrium-equilibrium). The 'conflict' as such never gets resolved - the film closes on Connor taking his anger out on the only thing he's both good at and people approve of: boxing. The spectators are left hanging, unsatisfied and fearful for Connor. This was the aim, and it was wholly achieved. 

Genre

This film is evidently a drama, challenging themes such as identity, love and stereotype. It easily falls under the drama category because it presents realistic characters battling emotions and relationships, often circling around real life issues. It has romantic aspects but can't fit into that box as easily; Connor's girlfriend isn't truly his love interest, and he doesn't reciprocate Archie's feelings either. No actual love is involved, making this film even sadder. 












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