Elle Fanning Triumphs in Teen Spirit

Reality Talent Shows on television have created some huge stars over the years like Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson to name a few.  If it were not for American Idol, who knows if we ever would’ve been able to experience their brilliant talent.  Like all undiscovered talent that appears on these shows, most have very humble backgrounds and live out their dreams in the shadows.  In Teen Spirit, the same could be said about Violet (Elle Fanning), a young, shy girl who dreams of leaving her small town with the help of an unlikely mentor and former opera singer Vlad (Zlatko Buric).

I have to give it to Elle Fanning tackling a role that appeared demanding with speaking a foreign language, singing and dancing.  Fanning does so very effectively, but it’s not enough to save this film from being extremely uneven and slowly paced.  Her performance of Don’t Kill My Vibe had more energy and excitement than any other moment in Teen Spirit and Fanning was reminiscent of an early, younger Madonna.

Normally, I love Max Minghella’s direction, but I hate to admit that this one was not my favorite.

One thing I walked away with watching Violet is by not taking the easy route out at ultimately gives her what she so desperately seeks.  She made a decision that it was more important to respect herself and have dignity than sell out for money and fame or does she?

Find out for yourself when Teen Spirit, produced by Bleecker Street and directed by Max Minghella is released on Friday, April 12th.