The film "Get Real" hit the screens in 1998, aiming to tear down the veil of teenage life in the suburban area of Basingstoke, UK, with a whirlwind of emotions, drama, and youthful rebellion. Directed by Simon Shore, based on a play by British writer Patrick Wilde, "Get Real" kicked off with aspirations of tackling social issues with a bold narrative centered around Steve Carter, a young man grappling with his sexuality. It was pegged as a groundbreaking film for its time, focusing on a gay schoolboy's struggle, which was somewhat of a cinematic novelty back then. But don't let the premise fool you; it wasn't exactly a 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' when it comes to teenage entertainment.
As much as it wants to push the envelope, "Get Real" is not only a product of its time but a captive of its own ambitions. The attempt to resonate with the masses by underscoring themes of identity crisis and personal acceptance was laudable. However, was it truly the icon of cultural enlightenment it was hailed to be? Not quite. Let's break down why this film, despite its merits, just didn't get it right.
First off, the film relies heavily on clichés. Steve Carter's character, a witty yet secretly tormented gay teenager, fits the typical mold of a misunderstood protagonist. His story revolves around the classic struggle between secret desires and societal expectations, which, let's face it, is as original as sliced bread among coming-of-age flicks. It's not that complex adolescent problems don't deserve attention, but recycling worn-out tropes doesn't quite cut it.
Then there's the matter of execution. "Get Real" suffers from the common malady of 90s independent films trying too hard to be edgy and relevant. The dialogues feel like they're trying to mimic every after-school-special that ever dared to tackle 'serious' issues. Instead of providing fresh insights, they come off as preachy and sometimes downright awkward.
It's also important to address how "Get Real" deals with confrontation and dialogue about sensitive social issues. The rhetoric leans heavily on the idealistic side, where moments that require more depth are glossed over with overly simplified resolutions. You know the sort: all problems can apparently be fixed by opening up and having an emotional monologue.
The pacing of the film also leaves something to be desired. For all its focus on Steve's secrecy and internal conflict, the film dawdles in stretches, losing momentum just when it should be building suspense. Rather than masterfully ratcheting up the tension, "Get Real" feels like it's more interested in extending scenes of teenage angst well beyond their natural lifespan.
Now, let's talk aesthetics, which are crucial when critiquing any motion picture. "Get Real" embraces the classic 90s indie film aesthetics, which today seem like a kaleidoscope of dated film techniques. Nostalgia can only take you so far before you start yearning for cinematography that doesn't scream 'trying too hard.'
For all its shortcomings, "Get Real" does deserve mention for attempting to address issues that were often ignored in mainstream cinema. However, the portrayal doesn't quite rise above a surface-level exploration, and therein lies a critical flaw. Rather than truly challenging conventions, it clings to them.
The sanctification of teenage rebellion and defying authority figures is a theme as old as time itself. But as we've seen, in its earnest attempt to uplift and inspire, "Get Real" gets bogged down by its melodramatic tendencies and predictability. The idealistic portrayal of self-acceptance almost effortlessly glosses over the very real complexities people face, offering no truly new perspective.
And let us not forget the massive elephant in the room—its selective resonance. While "Get Real" may have offered a modicum of acknowledgment for underrepresented voices in cinema at the time, it tends to echo chamber sentiments without fostering genuine dialogue. Instead of encouraging thoughtful engagement, it seamlessly folded into a polished but occasionally simplistic narrative.
In the world of film criticism and the arduous journey towards inclusivity on-screen, it's essential to recognize the distinction between true trailblazing artistry and mere complacency with contemporary tropes. "Get Real" ultimately skates too close to the latter, serving as a reminder of how not all films are quite the cultural and enlightening landmark they set out to be. Sometimes the intent doesn't match the output.