Welcome to the Rhetoric and Civic Life Passion Blog! This blog will showcase a variety of television shows and movies, both current and past. Not only will there be an overall summary to give a taste for the film, but the blog will also include key elements that make the show unique or that viewers can connect to. There will also be a review and recommendation for who may be interested in taking the time to watch the show or movie.
I chose this topic because I really enjoy film, not only appreciating it as an art form but also understanding the level of dedication and work to create this visual piece. I plan to get a minor in film studies, so this topic correlates to my college education. Keep reading to learn about different films and maybe even find one to add to your watchlist!
Today’s TV show is Euphoria!
Euphoria is a new television show that follows the lives of various high school students as they navigate their troubles, including relationships, family, drugs, and finding oneself. The first character the audience is introduced to is Rue, a girl who has just returned home from rehab. Other main characters include Jules, Nate, Maddy, Cassie, and Kat. The show does a good job at giving screen time to all the characters, so it is easy to connect to them and their story.
The biggest audience for this show is people in the high school age range, who can understand the struggles and journey the characters are following, although, actual high school learning takes a back seat, and it serves as more of a meeting location for drama. The creators of the show made sure almost everyone found a person or aspect of a person they could relate to. For a bit of character insight; Rue struggles with mental health issues and drug use, Jules is a transgender woman and has some harsh encounters with men, Kat struggles with finding herself amongst body image issues and the body positive movement, and Cassie seeks male validation after her father left. Each of these struggles vary and yet they are struggles that many people face and seeing it up on the screen shows them that their challenges are real, and they are not alone.
Audience members also get deeper insight into the characters through the thematic use of flashbacks. This gives viewers an understanding of the characters and builds a stronger connection. Another interesting thematic choice is the use of the narrator. Rue serves as the narrator to the story, which she acknowledges at the beginning of the show, breaking a sort of fourth wall. For any music fans the soundtrack provided by Labrinth has been nominated for a multitude of awards, as has the costume and makeup design. The costume and makeup are very unique to the show and make any image from the series recognizable. The use of colors, glitter, and sequins give the show an eye-catching fantastical look.
Overall, there are many great elements to this popular show and the second season is currently releasing episodes every Sunday night, so now is the perfect time to start this show!