The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

'The Fault In Our Stars (2014-Boone)' must be one of the most brilliantly acted and visually striking films I have ever encountered. Its tenderness and emotion makes this film one I will never forget. I think that the actors were expertly chosen for their roles, and the chemistry between them is truly beautiful and utterly convincing (the featuring cover demonstrates this).

I think the film in its entirety successfully achieves all of the key things a film of that genre should.

Belonging to the drama and romance genre, 'The Fault In Our Stars' contains all of the genre conventions you would expect, including symbolic codes: mutual love, a meet-cute, immediate chemistry, etc. It also contains audio codes: romantic, atmospheric music where appropriate, sad music during the emotional scenes, romantic dialogue (whatever you would define as such), etc.

The dialogue throughout the film, that primarily takes place between Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) is, in some parts, surprisingly not what you would expect to find within a teenage conversation. The couple are clearly wise, literate and insightful, and this is shown widely in every one of their scenes.

The mise-en-scene also plays a huge part in setting the scene. It gives us an idea of the place the film is set: an present-day, cultural American state, represented by all of the normal, current architecture and natural scenery. The way the actors are dressed and the way they handle themselves are especially appropriate to the roles they play - two young teenagers, both smitten with one another.

I also think that the opening montage in the film, portraying a life that the main protagonist, Hazel, has always dreamt of, before presenting to the audience the way things really are, is extremely clever, as it deceives the audience and builds up to the inevitable, which basically sums up the plot of the film itself - building up to an event that cannot be delayed nor prevented.

It is also clear that each shot taken and edited together was clearly thought out, be it the wide shots that establish the surrounding setting, the close-ups of the characters faces during tense, emotional moments, or just a medium two-shot that features both of the lovers inside of the frame, as the chemistry between them slowly intensifies.

The lighting used in this film is applied appropriately in all places, be that an outdoor scene, where natural light is required, or an indoor scene that needs a lower key, more intimate use of light.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who appreciates the cliche that is young love, or anybody who enjoys a well-acted, moving romance (who doesn't!).