Examining controversial themes in teen thrillers: a close reading of 13 Reasons Why and Elite with an analysis of fan-made subtitles

Abstract

Examining controversial themes in teen thrillers: a close reading of 13 Reasons Why and Elite with an analysis of fan-made subtitles

This thesis offers close readings of two recent Netflix teen thrillers, the American 13 Reasons Why (2017-2020) and the Spanish Elite (2018-2024). Both shows engage with the portrayal of rape, suicide, nudity, and teen aggression which raised controversy in critical and general reception. I read 13 Reasons Why by addressing the portrayal of suicide, revenge, and rape informed with the camera work of selected scenes to understand the show's delivery of aggression. The production receives criticisms as a series that glorifies suicide and poses a risk among teenage viewers. In conclusion, I prove that the production does the opposite of "glorifying" suicide, and this psychological thriller could be a crime thriller in disguise. There are imbalances in the reception of representing rape. On the other hand, I explore Elite's treatment of rape, murder, and pornification, backed up with scene analyses. I propose that Elite has trivialised and disregarded the repercussions of teenagers committing murder, considering how 13 Reasons Why (a production aired in close time proximity, albeit in a different national context) depicts a character's demise and its impact on others. I define onscreen violence and sex as two separate concepts which should solely focus on relatability to the main plot and characters in determining the gratuitous nature rather than defining them with rape myth acceptance and rejection. Both productions experiment with topics for the first time on teen television. Finally, I examine these shows from a different perspective: I engage with how fan-made subtitles or "fansubbing" create meanings in Sinhala for these productions. I examine whether this amateur production of subtitles can convey the source text meaning observed by the close readings and existing literature. To do that, I employ back translation technique and a theoretical framework, where the subtitles are translated back to the source language and then compared with the original dialogue. This audiovisual translation (AVT) component of my research offers an innovative perspective that suggests fansubbing as an interdisciplinary tool for AVT to expand to screen studies. Show more