Movie Club—Rebel Without a Cause

This month the Movie Club will be screening the original film of teenage angst Rebel Without a Cause. Directed by Nicholas Ray, the film stars Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo and James Dean in a career and generation defining role.

Jim Stark (Dean) is new in town, but even before he attends his first day at school he is picked up by police on a drunkenness charge. His parents come to get him out, and the juvenile division officer learns of Jim's anger at the constant bickering of his parents. There he also meets Judy (Wood), who gets herself into trouble to try to connect with her seemingly disinterested father, and Plato (Mineo), who comes from a broken home and was arrested for shooting puppies.

At school things don't improve. Although Plato becomes fascinated with Jim and tries to befriend him, and Jim tries to connect with Judy, her boyfriend, Buzz, and his gang don't take to kindly to Jim, resulting in a knife fight. Buzz eventually decides to settle this with a chicken run. From there all three find themselves becoming involved in ever more problematic behavior spiraling out of their control.

The film's power lies in its seeming inability to describe what is causing the youth to 'rebel'. There is an uncertainty that permeates all the actions, with questions "why do we do this?" or "what can you do when you have to be a man?" All attempts at answers are unconvincing, with some giving up simply by admitting "I don’t even know why I do it", and others attempting to provide weak although compelling reason like "you've gotta do something."

The film will be screened on Wednesday 10 February at 6pm at Narellan Library, Corner of Queen and Elyard Street, Narellan. Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided, but BYO snacks are more than welcome. Stay after the screening to chat about the many uncertainties and questions the film leaves unanswered. Share your thoughts or use the discussion questions.

Film Reviews - The Hunger Games By Director Gary Ross

The Hunger Games starring Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth. Katniss Everdeen volunteers and takes her sisters place in the Hunger Games- which is a fight to the death televised on TV.

Set in a different time than present. Panem is the Capitol of the nation and the 12 districts supporting and surrounding the Capitol have to sacrifice a teenage boy and girl to compete in the games. Katniss must make impossible choices and use all her wits and skills to survive. An original and addictive series. Anne
Rated M- Mature themes and violence

Book Review—Tricky Teens by Andrew Fuller

The well-known psychologist Andrew Fuller who is an honorary fellow at the University of Melbourne and has acted as the scientific consultant for ABC TV on the science of teenage brains, provides advice on how to parent through the ups and downs of the teenage years.

He is also the author of Tricky Kids which is also in our catalogue. Tricky Teens main focus is on giving parents the guidance to create and nurture open and solid relations with their teens. The book is divided into 4 sections-

1.    Neurochemistry and habit

2.    Overcoming common problems

3.    Changing patterns

4.    Essential conversations

The book includes a six week plan to help break negative behaviour patterns and replace them with new ones.

I found the book to be a thorough read. I especially liked the chapter on sexuality and romance as it lists a number of personality types for teens to avoid. 
Anne