Movie aficionados are no strangers to movies set in colleges. Famous movies like The Graduate and The Social Network have left huge impressions on audiences.
Many of the stereotypes include the different cliques, outrageous parties that seem to last all night, and romances that pop up out of seemingly random events.
While its easy for us to mock how silly some of these movies can be, they still remain a popular genre. While post secondary might be one of the most stressful time periods, it continues to be romanticized by people.
Fanshawe film professor John Plantus says that movies over simplify characters to make it easier for audiences to relate.
“As we look around and try to process the world, we’re trying to identify those characters as well, and trying to identify where we fit in.”
Movies also tend to use the school setting as a compliment to whatever drama is happening on screen. Most of the problems being minor- but presented as larger than life dilemmas.
Plantus adds that writers do this to let us project ourselves onto the characters.
“I think back to my experience in high school and university, and it felt that way. You know it felt like dramas we’re exaggerated. You’re experiencing things for the first time and it’s carrying a lot more weight more than other experiences when you’re an adult for example.”
Movies about college will never stop being made. The ones that have been will remain to be a window into a much simpler life. One that will loved by its ever-growing audience.
