American Teen

American Teen

Year: 2008

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Nanette Burstein

Documentary

In a typical Indiana town, five high school seniors experience the complexities of adolescence as they face social pressures and personal challenges. A popular athlete, a seemingly perfect student, a creative loner, and an intelligent observer all grapple with insecurities, budding romances, and the anxieties surrounding their post-graduation plans. The film offers a glimpse into their lives, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the transition into adulthood.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – American Teen (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of American Teen (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern Day

The events take place in contemporary times, reflecting the current societal dynamics among teenagers. This period highlights the anxieties of youth regarding college applications, societal pressures, and the complex relationships formed during one's high school years.

Location

small Indiana town

The movie is set in a small Indiana town, known for its tight-knit community and the importance of high school sports, particularly basketball. This backdrop provides a relatable yet challenging environment for the teenagers navigating their senior year, facing pressures from peers and societal expectations.

🏡 Community 🎓 High School

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Main Characters – American Teen (2008)

Meet the key characters of American Teen (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hannah Bailey

Hannah is an intelligent and striking misfit who challenges the norms of her conservative high school. Her liberal values and aspirations to move to California set her apart, and she embodies the struggle of a teenager seeking acceptance while remaining true to herself.

💫 Misfit 🎨 Artsy

Colin Clemens

Colin is the star of the basketball team, embodying the pressure to succeed in a sport revered in Indiana. His determination to impress his family and secure a college scholarship reflects the weight of expectations placed on young athletes.

🏀 Athlete 🎓 Ambition

Jake Tusing

Jake is a self-identified nerd who juxtaposes humor and shyness, particularly in social situations. His year-long quest to find a girlfriend highlights the struggle many face while navigating teenage relationships and self-confidence.

🤓 Nerd ❤️ Romance

Megan Krizmanich

Megan, the Vice President of the student council, wields significant influence in her school but faces challenges to her authority. As she navigates the complexities of being popular and affluent, she learns valuable lessons about leadership and responsibility.

👩‍🏫 Leader 💼 Power

Mitch Reinholdt

Mitch is a charismatic varsity basketball player who struggles to balance his social standing with his personal desires. His choice to date Hannah reveals a softer side and a desire to break away from peer expectations.

🏆 Jock ❤️ Complexity

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Major Themes – American Teen (2008)

Explore the central themes of American Teen (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Heartbreak

Heartbreak is a prevalent theme as the characters grapple with first loves and the emotional fallout of their relationships. The film delves into the complexities of teenage romance, illustrating how love and loss shape their paths to adulthood.

🤔 Self-Discovery

Throughout the documentary, the theme of self-discovery emerges as each teenager navigates their identity and aspirations. From Hannah's ambitions to escape to California to Mitch's struggles with social perceptions, each character's journey reflects the search for personal truth within the confines of societal expectations.

👥 Cliques

The film explores the dynamics of high school cliques, showcasing how they impact friendships and individual growth. It highlights the challenges of breaking free from stereotypes and the influence of peer pressure on personal decisions.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Unlock the Full Story of American Teen

Don't stop at just watching — explore American Teen in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what American Teen is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

American Teen Summary

Read a complete plot summary of American Teen, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

American Teen Summary

American Teen Timeline

Track the full timeline of American Teen with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

American Teen Timeline

More About American Teen

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about American Teen: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About American Teen

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