Dialogue is used wisely in the opening of Nowhere Boy to introduce character, and diminish status between the characters. The first line of dialogue we hear is Aunt Mimi speaking sternly at John saying "Do I ignore you? No. So please don't ignore me. I've called you twice". This shows Aunt Mimi's no-nonsense manner and also her old-fashioned outlook that teenagers should not be spoken to as equals. This is made obvious by the tone of voice she uses, it's as if Mimi believes that John could not get along in life if she wasn't there to guide him. Another crucial moment of dialogue is whilst John is in the principals office, being punished. The principal tells him; "At this rate, You'll be lucky to find a job on the docks, because at the moment you're going nowhere... here at Quarry Bank, generally, nowhere." To which John replies; "Is "Nowhere" full of geniuses, sir? Because then I probably do belong there." this shows us John's disparagement for authority, and further emphasizes the idea that Aunt Mimi has a serious control over him.
The stern delivery of the first line in the scene not only shows us character but helps us jump back to reality after a dream sequence. We realise that John's life isn't full of touring and fans (yet), but he is in fact a normal 15 year old. It sets the scene, and holds the viewer as this is a section of John's life previously unexplored. The line also shows us Aunt Mimi's character which carries on as a focus for the film. Her disciplinary attitude and this stern angle on parenting carries on through much of the film. Symbolism also may have been used as Aunt Mimi interrupts John's dream and later on in the film, Mimi sells John's guitar as punishment for skipping school.Ultimately this could have ruined John's musical dream (as he says in the film,)'to be like Elvis'. The last dialogue we hear in the opening scene accentuates John's disrespect towards the elder people around him. John believes he should be spoken to as an equal, and if he isn't he believes he has the right to speak to them the same way. This also shows his quick wit, as there is no pause for thought. Implying he is a genius ( "Is "Nowhere" full of geniuses, sir? Because then I probably do belong there.") accentuates his self confident manner, his delivery and cockiness makes us believe him.
10 years later a song was released by The Beatles, entitled "Nowhere Man" (1965, Rubber Soul). Whether the conversation above is completely fictional or otherwise, this is an obvious link the director was trying to achieve. The lyrics to "Nowhere Man" imply there is no place for this person in the world, yet as the lyrics say, "isn't he a bit like you and me". Much like this moment in the scene, we feel we can relate to the comment the Principal is making to John and this might be a nod to the idea not everyone will appreciate your actions/attitude/etc.The song's lyrics imply that no one is above anyone else; that we are all on the same level, Much the same as this moment of dialogue. As viewers watching the film we relate to John, we see ourselves in him because, as the song implies we are all 'Nowhere Men'.
The stern delivery of the first line in the scene not only shows us character but helps us jump back to reality after a dream sequence. We realise that John's life isn't full of touring and fans (yet), but he is in fact a normal 15 year old. It sets the scene, and holds the viewer as this is a section of John's life previously unexplored. The line also shows us Aunt Mimi's character which carries on as a focus for the film. Her disciplinary attitude and this stern angle on parenting carries on through much of the film. Symbolism also may have been used as Aunt Mimi interrupts John's dream and later on in the film, Mimi sells John's guitar as punishment for skipping school.Ultimately this could have ruined John's musical dream (as he says in the film,)'to be like Elvis'. The last dialogue we hear in the opening scene accentuates John's disrespect towards the elder people around him. John believes he should be spoken to as an equal, and if he isn't he believes he has the right to speak to them the same way. This also shows his quick wit, as there is no pause for thought. Implying he is a genius ( "Is "Nowhere" full of geniuses, sir? Because then I probably do belong there.") accentuates his self confident manner, his delivery and cockiness makes us believe him.
10 years later a song was released by The Beatles, entitled "Nowhere Man" (1965, Rubber Soul). Whether the conversation above is completely fictional or otherwise, this is an obvious link the director was trying to achieve. The lyrics to "Nowhere Man" imply there is no place for this person in the world, yet as the lyrics say, "isn't he a bit like you and me". Much like this moment in the scene, we feel we can relate to the comment the Principal is making to John and this might be a nod to the idea not everyone will appreciate your actions/attitude/etc.The song's lyrics imply that no one is above anyone else; that we are all on the same level, Much the same as this moment of dialogue. As viewers watching the film we relate to John, we see ourselves in him because, as the song implies we are all 'Nowhere Men'.
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