Stereotypical Geeks in Film

Since teenage geeks are the main characters for our comedy opening, we needed to research into geeky characters seen in other films to find out how they are portrayed. By doing so, this will enable us to create original stereotypical representations of the geeks. Films that include geeks will often have aspects of verisimilitude and social realism in order for the audience to identity with the characters and be entertained by the film. Films that have geeky characters also tend to use the Hypodermic Needle Theory in which all the information that audience needs is displayed on screen and so the characterisation and signifiers need to be present in each geeky character. When deciding costume and casting for our geeks, we will bare in mind what will need to be shown to the audience.

Likes/Dislikes

There are many versions of the stereotypical geek but they will nearly always have a particular interest in which they will have extensive knowledge. Whether this be a school subject or a specific hobby, person or game, a geek will be able to give information to those who may find it useless. Typically, a geek will also be quick at maths and science and have a knack for using technology. A computer geek will, obviously, take an interest in computers, games and internet sites which usually stem their social life away from school. Geeks tend to either idolise the popular kids despite the bullying they may receive or resent them for it. A majority of geeky characters also dislike mainstream media, preferring to surround themselves in different things.

Appearance

Stereotypically, a teenage geek will wear glasses, have bad skin and maybe have braces. They will also wear unfashionable clothes, usually look as smart as they possibly can and maybe wear items that are too small for them connoting a poorer background. Their hair is not dyed and perhaps greasy, short or tied back and a female geek will not usually wear makeup. A geek will also be prepared for school with the props in their bag, wear a watch and may have an allergy to a specific food or need to carry an inhaler in their pocket. Geeks may also be overweight, tall and lanky or short. A good example of a geeky stereotypically dressed geek is 'Napoleon' from Napoleon Dynamite (2004).

Roles/Characters
A geek will usually be a protagonist, minor role used as an extra for an antagonist character to exert their dominance on or, in contrast, be the main protagonist in which the audience will typically follow them through a journey or struggle for social status at school. Also, when a geek encounters interaction with other characters in a film, it will tend to be positive between other geeky friends and family and negative between geeks and a popular kid or someone with a higher social position.

A film that has appeared throughout our research of the comedy genre with similar themes to ours has been Superbad (2007). They have resembling characters making it easy to take inspiration from them but we must be careful not to copy these characters as we want to be original in our opening.

Charlotte Morrison