Film | Adolescence pt2

Hi, it's Andrea! Like I mentioned I would last week, I'm now going finish my analysis on Netflix's 'Adolescence'. As I said last time, this article is mainly focused on the symbolism and writing within the story in detail, rather than an overall review. If you haven't already read my analysis on episodes 1 & 2, you can view them here. Film | Adolescence

Ep 3

This episode is very different from the first two the audience see, which makes it more intriguing and also impactful. In this episode, we mainly only focus on Jamie and Briony; this gives us as the viewer an incredible insight into Jamie's thoughts on his actions, unlike before where he often gets blocked off. At the start of the episode when Briony enters, she brings a sandwich, this is a symbol of peace and empathy which she uses to help Jamie open up and feel comfortable with her. She also brings a hot chocolate, which he requested, the use of a hot chocolate (instead of a soft drink or anything else) highlights Jamie's supposed 'innocence'. This 'childlikeness' is also shown later on in the episode when he immediately changes his mood in order to ask for "another hot chocolate". The immediate change in tone and mood explores Jamie's issues with anger and also his lack of responsibility. 
Jamie's 'childish' behaviour is also shown throughout the episode as he constantly attempts to divert the conversation away from difficult topics and often makes jokes towards Briony.

However, we also see extreme anger towards Briony in his behaviour when shouting at her and also his lack of respect towards her. For example, when he talks about what he could've done to Katie, but didn't, he notices how uncomfortable Briony is at attacks her for her emotions. The comment about "only being 13" represents the threat that the media is to all young people. Jamie also states that because he didn't touch Katie even though he "really wanted to" he is "better" than others. This remark further shows how much the toxic media warps its viewers minds. Jamie also openly presents his warped views when he says the "other bloke was much more easy"; notice how he does not say 'easy to talk to' but simply "easy", implying that he finds it easier to manipulate a man as they are more likely to agree with his misogynistic views. 

At the end of the episode we also see a more 'innocent' side of Jamie. When Briony tells him that they will not speak again, he panics and begins to ask if she ever even liked his company. From the audience's point of view, this is strange as, after all, he is an accused murderer. However, in Jamie's eyes he still hasn't done anything 'wrong' and still lives for the approval of others- we see him talk about this when he tells Briony about his dad's disappointment in him and how much it affected him. When Briony responds that she "cannot answer that question" he becomes angry with her, this reflects his action's towards Katie when she rejected him. 
Once Jamie is pulled away, Briony is left alone in the room with only sandwich of 'peace'. As she picks it up, Briony almost throws up, this reaction is a direct reflection on her new beliefs about Jamie and his opinions. The sandwhich now represents more than a peace offering, it represents Jamie's dishonesty. He didn't like pickles, he didn't like Katie; he ate the pickles, he went for Katie. Briony realises this as she picks up the sandwich and as she has now recieved the information she was lookinf for. When Briony first gave him the sandwich, it was a way to get him to open up but after everything, she'd rather leave the information Jamie gave her, and the sandwich, behind.

Ep 4

Episode 4 for me was conflicting, I enjoyed some scenes very much but also found lots of dead end scenes within the episode. However, that is not to say there weren't some incredible analogies involved. First off, we see the Miller's enjoying their day and talking about Jamie's drawing skills. This scene to me shows the audience that Jamie was appreciated by his family and loved, however they didn't often show it until he had gone way. We also see an example of Eddie's anger, something that Jamie rarely mentions previously, possibly because it was often normalised within their household and society as a whole. 
Despite Ediie's anger, we see that his heart is with Katie and his anger is mindless, rather than misogyny based. In the paint shop, when the worker praises Jamie's actions not only do we see Eddie visibly uncomfortable but there is also a representation of the support of sexist behaviour in modern society. The paint shop worker is prime example of the people fueling young men's views online and in general. 

Near the end of the episode we see Manda Miller's breakdown, which she quickly attempts to hide from her family. This short scene is a quick reference towards women's expectations within society and their struggle to be supported while having to support others. Later on, when talking together, Eddie and Manda share a moment of guilt whilst reflecting on their son's behaviour; after all, they "made him". However, the couple quickly come to realise and accept what has happened as they talk to Lisa because in the end they made her "the same way we made him". Manda's comment shows the family's acceptance of Jamie's deeds and their new life, just the three of them. The family's acceptance is first brought up when they phone Jamie, this phone call presents their separation that Jamie establishes as he's pleading "guilty". Jamie pleading guilty confirms for the family that this will be their new life. 

The episode finishes with Eddie is Jamie's bedroom as he tucks in his teddy bear. This scene is such a powerful way to end the show as not only does it present Jamie's innocence being put to rest, it also highlights the vulnerability of a man as Eddie breaks down crying. Whilst Jamie's innocence is gone, Eddie is not afraid to show his emotions and let down the facade of masculinity. In my opinion, the ending scene sums up the show's message perfectly.

Thank you, for reading this the whole way through (I hope it wasn't too boring). If there are any requests for film, book, music reviews or any other topic, please let me know in the comment box below!

Hope you come back soon, Andrea x