Character Development

The two main characters in my film, "Turbulence," are called Scarlett, 17 years old, and Ricardo, 17  years old. The two are in a relationship and this is established within the first shots of the opening, when the audience sees them cuddling on the couch. 

They are in a very toxic, abusive relationship, which affects mainly Scarlett's character development throughout the film opening and would continue to be developed throughout the rest of the film. Their dynamic is also established in the first scene, where Ricky throws an empty bottle at Scarlett, and the audience sees his alcoholic tendencies and the abuse towards her. 

The main development of character is Scarlett. The growth she goes through throughout the opening and film helps the audience's understanding of their toxic relationship. As they see, there is love in the relationship. This is shown through the first scene when Ricky throws the bottle at her. In her body language and facial expressions, the audience can see it isn't the first time something like that has happened. This shows their love, especially Scarlett's, because she stays with him throughout the abuse, due to her love and devotion for and to him. There is a strong connection between the two, but there is heavy miscommunication and violence. This is intertwined in every romantic or loving activity they do.

The audience understands this through her actions because she has a deep desire to stay for the good parts, but also knows she has to leave due to how bad the abuse and mistreatment gets. 

Ricky has less character development throughout the film,  but it is still prominent. In the opening, there are scenes where he is very abusive and mistreats Scarlett, but they are also scenes where it shows his true love and devotion towards her. He also feels the same way she does him, but it is clear to the audience that alcohol turns him into a very different person. He gets mean, rude, frustrated, and most of all, abusive. He knows the alcohol doesn't do him any good, but the addiction gene runs in his family. He is trying to change for Scarlett, and for those around him, but doesn't know how. He wants help and wants to be sober for her, because he truly does love her, but he thinks it is too hard and never fully gets to the point of recovery.

This relationship takes a toll on both of them. Scarlett, because she loves him and doesn't want to leave him, but knows she should due to the abuse. Ricky, because he wants to change so badly and knows he doesn't deserve her love and devotion to him. The toll is seen in the opening with their facial expressions, body language, and particularly how they act around each other. The audience clearly sees how the relationship also takes a mental toll on both of them.