The idea of Indie film has become a bit ironic. The idea that something is cool because a modest, selective audience appreciates it, propels it into the mainstream interest due to this exact reason. We can all admit we admire things which are a bit different, dare I say alternative, but I was ignorant to not look beyond these quirky character-driven, simply narrated films.
Indie: An American Film Culture, delving into its history and strategies, made me realise how different this type of film is to the Hollywood blockbusters. More off-beat, yet realistic characters are created. Even their most mundane actions hold more subtle, dark humour as their familiarity can be seen in our own families, friendship groups, classrooms and streets. Being filled with ambiguity, each scene taps into your subconscious sense of curiosity and desire for suspense. Revealing plot or character personalities does not scream explicit meanings or motives like the Hollywood films we put on for an 'easy watch'.
Welcome To The Dollhouse's analysis was admirably presented, I was curious. The unattractive, mis-treated and frankly 'pathetic' protagonist Dawn Weiner is a troubled 7th Grader, bullied by her peers and neglected by her family. Portraying the hardships of adolescence rather than sugar coating it in a teen makeover-themed comedy like
Clueless, Dawn's character is endearingly tragic. I found myself laughing out loud at her misfortunes as she herself did nothing else but gawk (think female version of Napoleon Dynamite). Constantly appearing responsible for her own suffering, she is an outsider at school and at home but does little about it due to her pure lack of self-awareness. Floating through a number of occurrences, including her perfect younger sister Missy's kidnap and the rejection of an older love interest (Daniel Meade!), I revelled in her awkwardness.
I almost forgot to mention her truly captivating '90s wardrobe, including floral and animal motifs (note the adorable-yet-worried-looking-kittens jumper). Her Teletubby bum was also highlighted in high-waisted drawstring polyester trackies, generously adding to her heartwarmingly feeble persona.
