Palo Alto (Gia Coppola) commentary by Célia

Palo Alto directed by Gia Coppola, commentary by Célia

“Palo Alto," directed by Gia Coppola, is a coming-of-age drama based on a collection of short stories by James Franco. Released in 2013, the film offers an intimate and atmospheric portrayal of the lives of a group of teenagers living in the suburban town of Palo Alto.

I personally think that one of the film's strongest aspects is its ability to capture the raw and complex emotions that adolescents experience. Gia Coppola manages to explore into the inner workings of her characters, exploring their hopes, dreams, insecurities, and vulnerabilities. Through their interconnected stories, she creates a genuine and relatable portrayal of teenage life.

The film's cinematography and soundtrack is very interesting to me. The use of natural lighting and long takes creates an immersive experience, allowing the audience to become intimately involved in the characters lives. The soundtrack of "Palo Alto" curated by Gia Coppola is one of the film's standout elements. It features a blend of indie rock, dream pop, and atmospheric music, which aligns perfectly with the film's themes of adolescence, longing, and self-discovery (and i have to say that champagne coast by blood orange has been blasting in my room ever since i watched this movie). The carefully selected songs help create a specific ambiance that captures the unique feeling of being a teenager in suburban California.

The film explores various themes that are common in the coming-of-age genre, such as identity, sexuality, peer pressure, and the search for meaning. It examines the choices and consequences faced by the characters, shedding light on the delicate balance between self-discovery and self-destruction.

Now let's talk about some of the characters!

The character of April really resonated with me. I found myself relating to her throughout the entire movie. April is depicted as a sensitive girl who often reflects on her experiences and observes the world around her. April's vulnerability is a prominent aspect of her personality. She is shown to be deeply affected by the actions and opinions of others. In many scenes you can see her observing peoples actions without really interfering in them she just analyses them. Her introspective nature makes her somewhat of an outsider, as she often feels disconnected from her peers and the social dynamics of her high school. Throughout the film, April's character experiences a sense of longing and a search for identity. She yearns for genuine connections and meaningful experiences but often finds herself entangled in superficial relationships (she’s just like me fr).

I also found Fred’s character really intriguing, one of the central aspects of his character is his rebellious and self-destructive nature. This behaviour reflects his need to not live "a boring life" he’s constantly striving for excitement and freedom. But his actions also serve as a form of self-sabotage, suggesting that he’s struggling with underlying emotional issues or a lack of purpose. I think his behaviour is motivated by a desperate need for attention and validation from his peers (especially males). Although there’s many scenes where he is completely unhinged (to say the least) there are glimpses of vulnerability and sensitivity that emerge throughout the film. These moments suggest that beneath his tough exterior, Fred is grappling with his own insecurities and a deep longing for understanding and acceptance. This complexity makes him a more nuanced character, as it humanizes him and allows the audience to empathize with his struggles.

Emily is also a very good depiction of girlhood, i think every girl can relate to her to a certain extent. (such a brain dead take i just wanna wrap this up its way too long)

One of the criticisms of "Palo Alto" is its reliance on certain clichés and familiar tropes associated with teenage dramas. While the film captures the essence of adolescence, some may argue that it doesn't necessarily bring anything new to the genre. However, the strength of the performances and the genuine portrayal of the characters somewhat mitigate this criticism.

In conclusion, "Palo Alto" is a visually captivating and emotionally resonant film that offers an intimate and authentic exploration of teenage life. Gia Coppola's directorial debut showcases her talent for storytelling and ability to capture the complexities of her characters experiences. Although it may rely on familiar tropes, the film's strong performances and thoughtful execution make it a compelling entry in the coming-of-age genre.

Sorry for this very long and unasked for commentary on this movie that i hold very close to my heart. Hope you enjoyed and feel free to comment your opinion on the movie i'd be so happy to read them.

xoxo célia

(literally me blasting champagne coast-blood orange in my room just to feel something)