First stop: Character

    Time to get off the train and unload some of our ideas! Today my group decided to delve deeper into our specific genre and focus on how we are going to develop certain aspects of this genre. Today’s film aspect focus: characters. 

    In order to ensure we are getting as close to this genre as possible, I will look into specific films that were considered a success momentarily and numerically through viewers and ratings later, but for now, I’m going to talk about some general characteristics I’ve noticed in many of these sports/ drama films that feature elements of the comedy genre as what I would call an avid movie watcher myself. First of all there’s always a main protagonist who faces a sports related issue, typically an injury  or any obstacle that affects their ability to play their beloved sport. This character can be male or female, it doesn’t typically matter; however, the next most important side character or secondary main character is typically of the opposite gender to create more diversity and appeal to more audiences. These characters typically must work together to manage the sport they are playing and overcome the obstacle presented in the start. Also, a common trait of both of these characters is that they are great at their sport but also generally fairly cocky or overconfident about their athletic ability, sometimes even to the point that prevents a sense of unity or teamwork for the sport, which is another less obvious challenge they will have to overcome.  However, this secondary character isn’t typically introduced in the film opening, but it is always nice to have more than less research. Also, having more of the story figured out will make the project flow easier and have smoother connections in my groups’ work.

    Let’s rewind a second and zoom back into “The Cutting Edge,” a movie I briefly mentioned by name in my last quick update. I’m going to break the sequel to this film down, “The Cutting Edge: Going for Gold,” for research purposes, analyze each component necessary for me to learn more to help contribute to this project, and then slowly piece each aspect back together to see the components that come together to make a successful film in the sports/ drama featuring comedy elements. 

    Since the first element I want to focus on is character, let’s analyze Jackie Dorsey, played by actress Christy Carlson Romano, the main character of “The Cutting Edge: Going for Gold.” She is friendly, easily annoyed, knows she’s a great skater, stubborn, open-minded, sarcastic, and one with a forgiving nature. All of these character traits are demonstrated through her commentary, dialogue, interactions with other characters, ability to successfully complete and thrive at her sport, ice skating, and more. When faced with difficulty she may make up her mind and be stubborn about the matter, being unwilling to budge from her perspective, until she uses her forging nature and wit to ultimately land at the morally correct and overall best for everyone solution. For example, Jackie is used to competing alone until she has an almost career-ending injury and realizes she won’t ever be strong enough to skate and compete individually anymore. Although she is originally opposed to the idea, she is eventually open-minded, talented, and mature enough to overcome this mental block and compromise on skating with a partner. There are plenty more examples, demonstrating Dorsey’s character, but this is just one prime one that reflects how the main character of this genre can influence the plot and easy recognition of the sports/ drama genre, with a hint of comedy. It’s time to get back on the train because this character pit-stop may be over, but don’t fret because the next one will be sure to develop our plot! See you soon!