1. Historical Case Study Notes
Quadrophenia (1979) Dir. Frank Roddam
1. Discuss the representation and ideological values of Jimmy, Steph and
Kevin. Use textual examples to back up points made.
In Quadrophenia the way that Jimmy was portrayed is that he is confused
at the concept of what he wants to be in life. His goal at having a job was
to clique and wants something more exciting and more fulfilling than
what everybody else does and wants to be different. The fact he wants to
be original, but turns out to be like everyone else wearing tailored suits
and riding around on lambrettas.
Steph is the girl that Jimmy likes but have no serious relationship mainly
because of Steph’s sexual freedom. She starts many relationships between
a variety of other boys. /she doesn’t belong to the Group of Mods or
Rockers, I think that this backs up her freedom to go with who she wants.
Kevin knows he fits in the group of rockers but underneath all the leather
or Levis suits everyone is the same. He is Jimmy friend and one moment
in the film Jimmy’s Mod friends
2. What examples of mise en scene reinforce the idea of youth culture?
The use of mise en scene in the film is that the Rockers wear leather while
the Mods wear tailored suits. The difference between the two groups is by
the music the outfits and the fact that the Mods ride scooters with loads of
mirrors, while Rockers ride on motorcycles.
3. “Identity is complicated” – How can this quote be applied to the character
of Jimmy?
The character of Jimmy is confused at who he is and how he wants to act,
but as he was to be his own person and be original he joins the Mods.
Being part of a group that almost everybody dresses and looks the same
doesn’t really show identity.
4. Can you draw any similarities between the youth representation of the
past compared to youth representation today?
In the 1970s the youths were represented as someone who would have
no respect for his or her elders just like the clique teenagers of today. The
similarities are that the subcultures are very similar, as Emos dress
similar to the Rockers, the Indies listen to similar music to the Mods. Most
of the teen agers today go to big parties stay up late at night and enjoy
loud music.

2. 5. Discuss how Stan Cohen’s theory can be related to this film?
The moral entrepreneurstried to influence the ‘Mods’ to riot, in the film
Quadraphenia the moral entrepreneur is Ace played by sting. He was an
idol to other Mods, Jimmy being one of them. The entrepreneur was
someone of a higher standard a more obvious smartly dressed
‘exaggerated’ Mod as other Mods would want to be like this and follow in
his footsteps.
6. Discuss background of the film ‘A Clockwork Orange’?
The background of the film ‘A Clockwork Orange’ is that the near future
will have youths and other outcasts of society will have no regard for the
rules and laws put forth by authority. Although the main character Alex
was has quite an articulate mindset he is only tainted by the corruption of
other youths and feels he wants to fit in. After he sees enjoyment within
the ‘ultra-violence’ its take hold of him and becomes the demonic
character seen in the film.
7. How did the press report the film and how did the youths of the time
relate to the film?
The film was among some of the worse violence in cinema and was
withdrawn from release until the death of the director. The violence was
at the time and even some cases in present day of the effect of how the
youths can relate to his position and his way of life. The way that young
people act is similar in this way and in the film the authorities try to
brainwash Alex into not committing such terrible crimes
8. How can Stan Cohen’s theory be related to this film?
The Moral Panic in ‘A Clockwork Orange’ is because of the youths not
caring for the authorities and the lack of law put down for them. One of
the moral entrepreneurs in the film is Alex himself and not only does he
influence his ‘Droogies’ but he forces them by hurting them and
commanding them.