Subverting Tropes or Delusions of Grandeur
So, we have this new boss at work, and she’s excellent, but after our first team meeting yesterday, I was reminded that sometimes I really need to just not talk. Sometimes I am way too opinionated and expressive for my own good, especially when I feel comfortable. I guess it is time to start feeling a little uncomfortable at work.
Subverting a Teen Trope
I had some delusions of grandeur about writing an analysis (or maybe even making a YouTube video essay) about how the new film Honor Society (Paramount+, IMDb, Wikipedia) subverts the trope of the nerdy fat kid in coming-of-age films, especially when in conversation with the ‘90s cult classic Angus (IMDb, Wikipedia). Now that I am sitting down to write out my thesis, my mind is annoyingly blank, but I’ll still try to give it a go.
First, let’s take a look at the trailers for both films.
Honor Society —
Angus —
On the surface, these movies don’t have a lot in common besides the fact that they are teen coming-of-age films that, at least somewhat, focus on an overweight nerdy kid. So, how did I come upon the idea of viewing them in concert with one another? Happenstance.
I saw the preview for Honor Society while in the Paramount+ app and saved it to my list because a) I love teen movies and b) I wanted to see Gaten Matarazzo’s performance (he’s so good in Stranger Things!!!). After finishing the current season of the aforementioned Stranger Things, I wanted to watch something different and decided to give Honor Society a go.
A few days later, I discovered this excellent new podcast about movie soundtracks called the V/A Club, hosted by Niko Stratis. The show’s second episode covered Angus and after listening to Stratis and guest Matty Grace (of the bands Cluttered, Future Girls, and Crisis Party) breakdown film, I decided that it was about time I actually watch the movie. I remember when Angus came out in 1995 and its killer soundtrack but for whatever reason, I’d never seen it.
After watching Angus, I was immediately struck by the difference between Matarazzo’s character in Honor Society, Michael Dipnicky, and that of Charlie Talbert's Angus Bethune. For one thing, Talbert was not a professional actor but his lack of experience added to the genuine awkwardness and insecurity of the character. Beyond that, these two characters have fundamentally antithetical motivations that become clear in monologues at the end of each film. It is striking to watch how these characters react to their situations and how one of them goes completely against the grain of the trope of the nerdy fat kid. I’m not going to get into the specifics or spoil either film because I think the journey is worth it.
At least it’s worth it to someone who grew up as a fat nerdy kid (and still is) and loves coming-of-age movies.
Trolling is NOT Governing
This should go without saying, but apparently, some members of Congress can’t tell the difference.
One Band, 5 Songs
Hailing from Richmond, VA, Lucy Dacus is a singer-songwriter, producer, and probably the most underappreciated member of the indie rock supergroup boygenius. To date, she has released three full-length albums, two EPs, and one live EP, plus a number of singles and collaborations with other artists (including the aforementioned boygenius). Her haunting vocals combined with her whipsmart lyrics create a mood and vibe that is altogether new and timeless all at the same time.
Speaking of the Pod…
I’m asking for some help in picking who to cover in an upcoming episode. I’ve got a poll up on Twitter that goes through August 17th (see below). If Twitter is not your thing, I’d still love to get your vote. Please either drop a comment here or you can comment on my posts on Facebook or Instagram. The options are —
Green Day
Juliana Hatfield
Tilt
Weezer
So Long for Now
Stay safe out there. According to a local meteorologist, we are on the “downhill slide to fall.” Let’s hope so.
We need to quit our jobs and start a podcast/YouTube essay media empire