How ‘Looking for Alibrandi’ Presents Perfection as an Unattainable Goal Jasmeen Prasad 9th Grade

In the film ‘Looking for Alibrandi,’ the director Kate Woods shows how the concept of perfection can play an influential role on an individual’s characteristics and desires. Woods portrays the idea of perfection as destructive and unattainable through the protagonist Josie, John and Katia. The idea of perfection has negative consequences on the characters by weakening relationships, creating mental health issues and masking hidden secrets. Woods shows the expectations individuals have for each other in terms of relationships, culture and ethnicity through the protagonist, Josie.

Viewers come to understand Josie’s strong desire for perfection which is highly evident in her date with Jacob. Josie expects Jacob to fulfill her expectations for a perfect boyfriend, this is overlooked in the scene where a head-and-shoulders shot is shown of Jacob's scruffy look which challenges Josie's expectations and high standards for a boyfriend. Woods uses dialogue such as; "This is the way I dress" – says Jacob. "I've never had to go out with an Anglo before"- states Josie. This demonstrates to the audience Josie’s dissatisfaction with her boyfriend. Individual framing is shown to signify different viewpoints with relation to cultural and...