Sweet Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen directed by Ken Louch (2002) is a crime film based in Glasgow about Liam a young boy who is almost 16. The film shows many aspects of crime for example his mother is currently in jail which must be difficult for Liam especially at his age which is brought up to remind the audience many times.

In the film Scottish non diegetic music is used to set the scene if people hadn't known where their accent was for example Americans who may watch the film.

From many aspects of the film you realise that the boys live in quite a lower class area for example when they use bin bags and wearing tatty looking clothing, out dated car and grubby bedroom too. Class is also shown in this film when diegetic opera music is being played and a character shouts "get it off!" this could be because opera music is usually listened to people of a higher class. There is a contrast of using this music as he is currently driving recklessly and doing doughnuts in the mud.

Comedy is used in this film on occasion possibly to show the lighter side to the story for example by swearing and taking his grandad's teeth.

Liam's friend gets picked on in this film for many things and he tries to show that he is like Liam too by offering him a knife which he turns down however later ends up using another knife elsewhere when he stabs his mums boyfriend after she's out of prison. When he stabes her boyfriend the camera is high tilt looking down on him on the floor which could show power over what he's just done but also shock. Liam's friend gets picked on for his bedroom as it has pictures of space and wearing glasses however he looks after Liam and tells him he'll need the knife and lets his friends stay there.

Liam cares for his mum alot and often sends her tapes whilst in prison and visits her often too. When Liam buys a caravan for himself and his family he loves it and uses it as an escape from reality and crime.

Whilst there is a dealing of drugs happening on the streets there is another contrast of non diegetic sound of 'ill stand by you'. I thought this was an odd song to use here as it is quite a slow and meaningful song however i think the lyrics represent their friendship or his family when things go badly.

I think that gender has been represented in this film as his sister is someone he can confide in however I think Liam uses females when he needs them for example when he fancies Suzanne he is upfront about it and too confident. Also because he doesn't have his mum around I think he acts irresponsibly and even gets hit and beaten by males in his family.