At first, the premise for American Teen (2008), a docu-drama following the lives of five real teenagers in their final year of high school at a small town in Indiana, USA, makes it seem like just another reality TV show, turned into a feature film. Not only that, but many of the five seem chosen follow the stereotypes familiar in teen movies: the beauty queen, the sports star, the nerd and the arty type.

But by the end, it is clear that by choosing people who appear to match a particular stereotype, the film makers have put the microscope on those very clichés. Since no stereotype is actually real, following their real lives for nine months exposes them as complex characters. The beauty queen has a sad family secret, the sports star faces a military life if he doesn't get his scholarship – and the nerd goes out with some very pretty girls.

Many key events for each of the characters are shown live in the documentary, which suggests that at least some of the events may have been re-enacted for camera shortly after they actually happened. But even if they were, it does not take from their real impact, as it each of these real characters has a much stronger connection with the event than any actor could. The documentary is as skilfully constructed as any scripted drama, while retaining the rawness of reality TV.

In an excellent innovation, at various points some of the characters' dreams and fears for the future are expressed as an animation, each in a different style. This helps to get across the unreal nature of the expectations and fears that many may have at that age. One of the animations describing a phase of depression suffered by Hannah, the arty character, is particularly disturbing.

By the end, one is completely involved in what the eventual fate of the characters will be - given an extra edge by the knowledge that since these are real people, there is no guarantee of a happy ending.

CAST: (imdb): www.imdb.com/title/tt0486259/

COMPANY: (imdb): www.imdb.com/title/tt0486259/

END

(c) Colman Higgins 2009

reviewed Friday 13 February 09 / Cineworld 9, Dublin

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com