In American High , real teenagers unleash their adolescent anxieties amid their triumphs. On the brink of adulthood, they face some of the toughest decisions and harshest realizations of their lives. But these kids aren't actors. The situations aren't contrived. The programs are not scripted.
Cameras roll, and the ensuing drama is riveting and real.
This remarkable combination of professional footage and student-shot video provides a window into what it's like to be a teenager growing up in America today. Brimming with exuberance, hipness and stylish editing, American High boasts authenticity as well as addictive drama. I wanted this to be as honest as any of the best cin ma v rit documentaries. And Cutler has succeeded, with scenes that are often brutally frank. The footage from the students' own video diaries is among the most fascinating.