Apart from ‘Film noir’ there exist various other sub-genres of films— ‘weepers’, ‘road films’, ‘biopics’, ‘disaster films’ — and struggling to carve a niche for itself among these is “no nonsensoir”. Little Miss Sunshine is a suitable sample and now, Juno. This is a breed of films that form the core of human experiences, are crisp, hard hitting, and sans profuse frills. They are devoured for the same.
Also a reason why Juno, Oscar winner for Original Screenplay (with nominations for Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Achievement in Directing, and Best Motion Picture of the Year), makes for a matchless, feel-good weekend movie that you can’t afford to miss.
Juno, much like her name, is an unusual high school kid who is wise beyond her years. Her walk, her talk and every iota of her attitude is proof to that, except for a teensy-weensy slip. She does get knocked up.
Yes. The teensy-weensy slip, ladies and gentlemen, that the film revolves around and you forgive her for almost immediately.
Juno leaves you jealous. The cuteness apart, her folks— a divorced dad now married to the sweetest stepmom one can hope for— who couldn’t be more composed about their teenager’s pregnancy. And unbelievably supportive! Together they make the practical decision. And adoptive parents Mark and Vanessa are more than elated to raise the bundle of joy that the scrawny stork in faded denims and a sweatshirt will leave them. But life’s never that simple, is it!
Juno goes beyond being just another teen movie by means of its intelligent script and natural humour. All the performances in Juno are simple yet stellar.
Page, in the leading role, takes the cake. Winning the Oscar for ‘Best Actress’ would have been a tough shot for the young performer having to contend with the likes of Cate Blanchett, Marion Cotillard, Julie Christie and Laura Linney, but the nomination alone will open many doors for this compact package of talent who has proved herself before in Hard Candy.
Music is an integral part of the film. Alternative to the core, it complements the mood of Juno perfectly and manages to stay in your head much in the same way that the film does.
