Introducing Teens to Black and White Film

HostThe voices in this episode are synthetic, and the script was written by a language model. The positions are real, and they come from the thread.

HostHow do you introduce a 14-year-old to black and white films without them immediately tuning out? That's the question that sparked a lively debate on Reddit, in the movies community, drawing over a hundred comments.

HostThe original poster wondered if a classic like 'Casablanca' would work, but the community had a very different idea, coalescing around a single, beloved comedy. There were also strong arguments for thrillers, other classic comedies, and even modern black and white productions.

Young frankenstein evangelistsLook, there's really only one correct answer here, isn't there? It's 'Young Frankenstein'. The humor is absolutely timeless, and you don't need to explain any historical context for a teenager to get it and laugh their head off.

Classic comedy aficionadosI'd agree that comedy's the way to go, but 'Young Frankenstein' isn't the only option. Films like 'Some Like It Hot' are just as funny, with jokes that still land today. It's got snappy dialogue and a fast pace that really keeps you engaged.

Young frankenstein evangelistsBut 'Young Frankenstein' is a perfect gateway film. It makes kids appreciate that black and white movies can be incredibly engaging and funny. Many of us watched it at that age, and it profoundly shaped our sense of humor and love for parody.

Gripping drama thriller advocatesI'm not sure comedy is always the best entry point. A gripping plot, suspense, or even horror can be far more effective. Think about '12 Angry Men'; it holds up incredibly well, offering a fast-paced story despite its older cinematic style.

Young frankenstein evangelistsBut the performances in 'Young Frankenstein' are iconic. Gene Wilder going full madman mode is just captivating. And the lines! 'Werewolf? There Wolf!' or 'What hump?' – they're still quoted today. It's just so memorable.

Classic comedy aficionadosI've seen 'Some Like It Hot' be a huge hit with teenagers. It's absolutely delightful, and it's got one of the best final lines in cinema. It proves black and white movies aren't boring; they're genuinely hilarious.

HostThe thread was full of people sharing personal anecdotes about how these films impacted them. It seems 'Young Frankenstein' especially created lasting impressions, with many users playfully quoting lines from it.

Young frankenstein evangelistsExactly! The 'Put on the Ritz' scene alone is enough to make a kid cry laughing. It's not just funny; it's a stylistic choice to be in black and white, so it doesn't feel 'old' in a bad way, it feels intentional.

Gripping drama thriller advocatesBut a film like 'Psycho' could really rock a teenager's world. It's an excellent choice that could open doors to all sorts of new genres, especially around Halloween. Or 'Night of the Living Dead' – it's not much different than modern zombie flicks, so it's really accessible.

Epic serious cinema proponentsI think we're underestimating what a 14-year-old can handle. 'Dr. Strangelove' is weird enough that you can laugh at it when you're young, but you'll appreciate the brilliant satire more later. It's a film that grows with you.

Modern bw proponentsWhy are we sticking to just old films, though? The goal is to show that black and white can be cool and relevant. 'Clerks' is a modern black and white film that really broke the perception that B&W means 'stuffy old man film' for a lot of people.

Gripping drama thriller advocates'12 Angry Men' is a fantastic example of a film that captivated high school students who initially moaned and groaned about watching it. Its relatively short runtime, about 90 minutes, is also ideal for teenage attention spans.

Classic comedy aficionadosAnd what about the Marx Brothers? 'Duck Soup' or 'A Night at the Opera' offer anarchic comedy and brilliant physical humor that transcends time and language. It's a different kind of humor that can broaden their comedic palate.

Modern bw proponentsOr 'Hundreds of Beavers'! It's an incredible, over-the-top comedy that feels fresh and is funnier than many modern color comedies. It's a great way to show that B&W isn't just for historical pieces.

Epic serious cinema proponentsI'd even suggest the original 'Godzilla' from 1954. It's dead serious and gripping, with adult moral dilemmas and potent allusions to World War II. My son loved it, and it's a monster movie, which can be a big draw.

HostIt's interesting how many people are advocating for films that might seem challenging at first glance, but promise a deeper reward. The discussion was highly collaborative, with many users building on previous suggestions.

Young frankenstein evangelistsBut you don't want to make it a chore. 'Young Frankenstein' is just pure fun. Its black and white cinematography is a stylistic choice, not a limitation, and that makes it feel less 'old' and more intentional, which is key for a teenager.

Modern bw proponentsYou can even 'cheat' a bit with modern films that have B&W versions. 'Godzilla Minus One' has a 'Minus Color' edition that's pretty cool. It's a contemporary monster movie that still gets the point across about B&W's visual impact.

Gripping drama thriller advocatesFor a more classic thriller, 'The Maltese Falcon' is praised for its fast pace and unforgettable cast. It doesn't feel 'stagey' at all, which is a common concern with older films.

Classic comedy aficionados'Arsenic and Old Lace' is another hilarious dark comedy that high schoolers have loved. It's got that screwball energy and sharp wit that just works.

Epic serious cinema proponentsIf 'Seven Samurai' is too long and slow for a 14-year-old, which it probably is, then 'Yojimbo' is a great alternative. It's shorter, more action-packed, and has a more modern pacing with plenty of humor.

HostWhile there was a strong consensus around 'Young Frankenstein', the original poster's thought of 'Casablanca' was widely, though politely, rejected by the community. It seems that film just doesn't resonate with that age group.

Young frankenstein evangelistsYeah, 'Casablanca' was boring to 14-year-old me. It's a classic, sure, but it's not the one to start with if you want them to actually enjoy it and come back for more.

HostBeyond the main contenders, a few other suggestions popped up that didn't quite gain traction. Some suggested 'Schindler's List' for its importance, but most felt it was too heavy for a first black and white film.

HostSilent films like Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton were also mentioned, but many worried about the pacing for a modern teenager. And a small number even advocated for highly experimental or disturbing films like 'Eraserhead', often jokingly, to 'scar' the child.

HostUltimately, the Reddit community leaned heavily into comedy as the best entry point for black and white cinema, with 'Young Frankenstein' leading the charge. The goal, it seems, isn't just to show them a classic, but to show them that classic films can be genuinely fun and engaging, opening the door to a whole new world of movies.

HostSloppod out.

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