Hard to imagine, but the concept of the “teenager” didn’t become popular until 1950. Before then, children went straight from kid to functional adult (and, during wartime, from child to soldier). The prohibition of child labor, extended schooling, and economic growth made the social labeling of this age group possible: once you name something, you can start selling it. Clothing, cosmetics, cars, music, movies, and hundreds of products were launched to appeal to the 12–19 age range. In 2007, Jon Savage wrote the fantastic Teenage: The Creation of Youth Culture, which Matt Wolf transformed into a captivating documentary. On screen, there’s that familiar air of chaos and euphoria: groups of friends, failed hairstyles, jealousy, idols, merchandising, subcultures, dancing, drive-ins, giggles, candy, and cigarettes. The boldness of a life stage that, in each generation, renews its forms while keeping its bewildered, rebellious spirit.

SCREENINGS
March 19, 9:15 p.m.
March 21, 6:15 p.m.