Cinema Sharks: Palo Alto

In early June, we were lucky enough to have Gia Coppola, Los Angeles native and member of the famed Coppola film family, write and direct what we call one of the best, yet underrated, films of 2014: “Palo Alto.” Starring the unmistakable actress Emma Roberts and up and coming, but nonetheless talented, Jack Kilmer as adolescent love birds, “Palo Alto” gives us a glimpse into the life of lovestruck, drug using, thrill seeking, troubled high schoolers.In the film, Gia Coppola pulls off an unpopular yet unique cinematic style. With mostly still shots and raw, natural dialogue, it’s safe to say that “Palo Alto” is a commentary on the party culture of our generation. Coppola has managed to capture the spirit of so many youths living in today’s society. While many films portray this time of life, “Palo Alto” goes the extra mile and brings the viewer into the lives of those who are experiencing it. Incorporated into the film is a story of young love, experimentation, bad decisions and the struggles of transitioning to adulthood.Main characters Teddy and April (played by Kilmer and Roberts, respectively) lead us through the rollercoaster that is life as a seventeen year old party animal in the suburbs of California, from hangovers to getting pulled over by the police. Though a remarkably relatable love story, this movie introduces an aspect that is far from typical in any love triangle. As a far older man in April’s life shows interest in her, she is forced to make more than a couple uncomfortable decisions. Her odd, dysfunctional family pressures her constantly to rest more and take life easy, yet she feels the increasingly heavy load of the college process weighing on her shoulders. Meanwhile, Teddy, a quietly artistic 17 year old is realizing the consequences of his reckless lifestyle when he is caught drunk driving after a hit and run collision. Not to mention the constant presence of his no-good friend Fred. Fred, a chain smoking, rebellious bad boy with a dismal outlook on life, constantly intrudes on Teddy’s life.Accompanied by a poppy, dreamy soundtrack produced by Texas-native and London-raised Devonte Hynes, the film has an impressive touch of realness. As with many films, it is the soundtrack that tells the viewer how to feel and what to think of a certain scene. This is why this film’s soundtrack in particular excels. Rather than simply providing background noise, the soundtrack rounds out the scenes in a unique and artistic way. The dialogue, song choice and performances on all actors’ parts come together to create a film that seems realer than life and every bit as interesting.